Software Engineer (Applied AI)

As a Software Engineer (Applied AI) at Freeplay, you'll be responsible for architecting AI-first systems, driving AI development practices, shaping developer experiences, and building evaluation infrastructure. You will collaborate closely with our founding team to develop and enhance robust architectures for AI-powered features and ensure reliable production deployments. Additionally, you'll create intuitive tools and APIs that make AI testing accessible, helping to foster an enjoyable environment for both seasoned engineers and those new to AI.

To qualify for the Software Engineer (Applied AI) position at Freeplay, candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional software engineering experience, with at least one year dedicated to building production solutions using Generative AI. A strong product sense, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a tight-knit team are also essential. Familiarity with rigorous testing practices and a desire to shape engineering culture will be highly valued.

At Freeplay, software engineers have the unique opportunity to work on an innovative platform that empowers teams to build better AI products without prior experience in the field. The approach we take toward product development prioritizes rapid learning and collaboration, allowing engineers to apply their expertise in meaningful ways. Furthermore, engineers have the chance to work in a beautiful setting in Boulder, CO, while enjoying a culture that values work-life balance and personal growth.

Freeplay is committed to the professional growth of its Software Engineers (Applied AI) through a supportive and collaborative culture. The company encourages continuous learning by staying updated with emerging AI practices and incorporating insights from academic research into engineering solutions. Engineers are also encouraged to actively participate in shaping the company's engineering processes, fostering an environment where everyone's voice matters and professional development is prioritized.

As a Software Engineer (Applied AI) at Freeplay, you can expect a lively and collaborative work environment that emphasizes teamwork and cooperation. We value how we work just as much as the code we write, creating a culture of respect and inclusivity. With opportunities to work closely with the founding team and engage in hands-on development, you'll enjoy a stimulating atmosphere in our beautiful Boulder office, all while having the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements.

In answering this question, highlight specific projects where you've directly applied AI technologies in software development. Discuss particular challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Be sure to connect your applied AI experience to the needs of Freeplay's platform, showcasing your understanding of what makes AI solutions successful in production environments.

To answer this question, explain your methodology for creating evaluation frameworks that ensure the quality and reliability of AI features. Include details on the metrics you consider, such as accuracy and performance, and how you test and iterate on these frameworks. Making a connection to the specific needs you anticipate at Freeplay will demonstrate your fit for the role.

When addressing this question, share your experience with various prompt engineering techniques and provide examples of successful implementations. Discuss how you define and refine prompts, emphasizing their role in optimizing AI responses. Relate your answers back to Freeplay’s mission to enhance developer experiences and production-ready AI features.

In your response, narrate a specific project where teamwork was crucial. Emphasize the roles of each team member and how collective communication and brainstorming led to achieving project goals. Authenticity and engagement with the process would help illustrate your fit within Freeplay's collaborative culture.

To effectively answer this question, mention the resources you leverage, such as blogs, academic publications, or conferences. You could discuss how you incorporate new findings into your work and any specific examples of how staying informed has benefited your previous projects. Relating this to Freeplay's need for continuous improvement in AI development will enhance your response.

Detail your process for incorporating testing and CI in software development, explaining the tools and methodologies you typically use. Mention how this practice can lead to higher-quality code and faster delivery times. Relating this to Freeplay’s commitment to rigorous testing will show your alignment with their goals.

In answering this, share your strategies for identifying and prioritizing technical debt. Discuss instances where you've successfully managed debt through refactoring or improved documentation. Connecting your practices to Freeplay's emphasis on maintaining high-quality production-ready code will illustrate your thought process.

Discuss a specific challenge, detailing the problem, the AI techniques you applied, and the outcome. Focus on your thought process in choosing a particular approach and any insights gained from the experience. This could highlight your applied AI expertise relevant to the Software Engineer role at Freeplay.

List and explain the tools you have used in previous roles, discussing why they are effective in addressing specific challenges. Being able to convey how these tools can be beneficial to Freeplay's existing processes would demonstrate valuable insight.

In your response, outline the key considerations you would keep in mind when designing an API, including usability, efficiency, and documentation. Providing an example from past experience to illustrate your competencies will add depth and showcase your fit for creating enjoyable developer experiences at Freeplay.