Research Engineer

Summary

Join Higharc, a VC-backed startup revolutionizing home design and construction, as a Research Engineer. You will be a key member of the Special Projects team, leveraging cutting-edge AI to automate architectural decisions, optimize building processes, and transform how homes are designed. This role involves developing AI systems for architectural design automation, construction documentation generation, and integrating AI tools like Cursor, Claude, and O1 Pro. You will also lead technical decisions, build robust applications using React and TypeScript, and stay at the forefront of AI technology trends in construction. Higharc offers a remote-first, flexible work environment with competitive salaries, equity, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive culture.

Requirements

• Deep understanding of AI systems, including computer vision, LLMs, and RAG architectures, with specific interest in applying these to architectural and construction challenges
• Expert-level proficiency in React and TypeScript, with experience building complex web applications for technical users
• Demonstrated experience with AI-assisted development tools and platforms, with the ability to adapt these tools for construction industry applications
• Strong analytical abilities and creative problem-solving skills, particularly in addressing challenges unique to residential construction automation
• Master's degree in Computer Science, AI, or related field preferred
• 5+ years of professional software development experience
• Demonstrated track record of building AI-powered systems and applications

Responsibilities

• Design and implement sophisticated AI systems that automate architectural design decisions, building code compliance, and construction documentation
• Create scalable solutions using computer vision, Large Language Models (LLMs), and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) to interpret and optimize residential building plans
• Develop AI-powered systems that automatically generate construction documentation, material specifications, and building requirements from architectural inputs
• Build intelligent systems that understand residential construction constraints and building codes
• Lead the implementation of cutting-edge AI development tools, including Cursor, Claude, and O1 Pro, to enhance our platform's capabilities in automated home design and construction planning
• Drive technical decisions for special projects in our AI initiatives, balancing innovation with practical implementation requirements in the residential construction industry
• Build robust applications using React and TypeScript that make complex architectural automation accessible to builders and developers
• Stay at the forefront of AI technology trends in construction automation, evaluating new approaches to streamline the home building process

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with 3D modeling and geometry, particularly in architectural or construction contexts
• Proficiency with Three.js or similar 3D web technologies for building visualization
• Background in computational geometry or computer graphics
• Experience with CAD/BIM software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD)
• Open-source contributions to AI or development tools
• Experience with architectural software or construction technology is a plus
• Interest in or experience with architectural design, construction processes, or building information modeling (BIM) is a plus

Benefits

• Competitive salaries with significant equity in a fast-growing, well-funded company
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Unlimited PTO
• Meaningful maternity/paternity leave
• Short and long-term disability plans
• A 401k
• Stipend to help you create the ideal home-office
• Flexible hours
• Remote-first