Senior Software Engineer – Applied AI Systems

About Us
Symbolica is an AI research lab pioneering the application of category theory to enable logical reasoning in machines.

We’re a well-resourced, nimble team of experts on a mission to bridge the gap between theoretical mathematics and cutting-edge technologies, creating symbolic reasoning models that think like humans – precise, logical, and interpretable. While others focus on scaling data-hungry neural networks, we’re building AI that understands the structures of thought, not just patterns in data.

Our approach combines rigorous research with fast-paced, results-driven execution. We’re reimagining the very foundations of intelligence while simultaneously developing product-focused machine learning models in a tight feedback loop, where research fuels application.

Founded in 2022, we’ve raised over $30M from leading Silicon Valley investors, including Khosla Ventures, General Catalyst, Abstract Ventures, and Day One Ventures, to push the boundaries of applying formal mathematics and logic to machine learning.

Our vision is to create AI systems that transform industries, empowering machines to solve humanity’s most complex challenges with precision and insight. Join us to redefine the future of AI by turning groundbreaking ideas into reality.

About the role

We’re looking for Senior Software Engineers to take full ownership of delivering working systems from prototypes and high-level specs — taking ideas from the research team, turning them into production-quality systems, and shipping them quickly. You’ll work closely with researchers, ML engineers, and leadership to turn ambitious ideas into real products. You'll be expected to move fast, handle ambiguity, and fill the critical execution gap between research and production.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives on shipping — who sees incomplete specs as an opportunity, not a blocker — and who wants to build systems that work reliably, at scale, and in the real world.

📍 This is an onsite role based in our SF office (345 California St.)

Your focus

• Translate research prototypes and high-level concepts into production-quality software

• Own deliverables end-to-end: take specifications, clarify requirements, and execute to completion

• Build systems that are correct, reliable, maintainable, and performant

• Work closely with ML researchers and engineers to integrate research outputs into functional systems

• Own critical engineering tasks with high standards and attention to detail — data pipelines, API integrations, testing, error handling, system integration, and more

• Participate in code reviews, technical discussions, and architecture planning

• Contribute to improving processes for how we build, ship, and deliver features across teams

About you

• 5+ years of hands-on software engineering experience

• Proven ability to execute on incomplete specs and drive projects to completion

• Strong experience writing production-quality code (Python/Go, knowledge of Rust is a plus but not mandatory)

• Comfortable building full-stack systems (APIs, data pipelines, microservices, internal tools)

• High standards for code quality, maintainability, and correctness

• Comfortable in fast-moving, ambiguous environments where priorities shift quickly

• Bias for ownership: you see what needs to get done and take responsibility for delivering

• Experience supporting ML research or building ML infrastructure is a plus

• Deep understanding of LLM architecture and inference-time optimization.

• Strong knowledge of the agentic ecosystem (frameworks, tools, MCP servers, MAS architectures).

• Track record of rapid prototyping in the LLM/agent space.

• Experience orchestrating and evaluating complex multi-agent systems.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and early-stage equity package

• A high-trust, execution-first culture with minimal bureaucracy

• Direct ownership of meaningful projects with real business impact

• A rare opportunity to sit at the interface between deep research and real-world productization

Symbolica is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.