Technical Strategy & Execution Lead

Summary

Join AE Studio, an LA-based development, data science, and design studio, as a strategic and technical operator leading execution across client, research, and product efforts. You will translate abstract ideas into actionable roadmaps, maintain team momentum, and ensure progress aligns with goals. This role involves managing high-leverage projects, from internal Skunkworks initiatives to client collaborations and research partnerships. You will help explore neglected AI alignment ideas and guide them from concept to real-world impact. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of AI/ML systems, excels at leading complex technical projects, and communicates effectively with diverse teams. AE Studio offers equity in client projects and Skunkworks ventures, providing a real stake in the work you contribute to.

Requirements

• Experience managing complex technical projects or teams
• Strong judgment around product, research, and technical trade-offs
• Ability to structure execution across ambiguous or high-stakes efforts
• Excellent communication across technical and strategic contexts
• Alignment with AE’s mission and long-term thinking
• Full-time availability

Responsibilities

• Lead execution across client, research and product efforts
• Turn abstract ideas into clear roadmaps
• Keep teams moving and ensure progress is visible and aligned with goals
• Own high-leverage projects from end to end
• Help explore neglected AI alignment ideas, technical bets, or automation pipelines, and move them from concept to real-world impact

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in AI research, technical product leadership, or startup founding
• Prior work with generative AI, large language models, or experimental architectures
• Background in DARPA-style research, grant-based work, or scientific pipelines
• Based in LA and able to work in person at our office

Benefits

• Working at AE means receiving equity in our client projects and in Skunkworks ventures
• The equity is priced at $0 when granted for tax reasons, but AE invests millions into these projects
• Equity comes from reduced margins on client work and internal funding
• You get a real stake in the things you help build
• The longer you stay, the more value you create and the more equity you receive
• If you leave on good terms, you can retain 20% of your equity by staying engaged
• If you spin out a Skunkworks venture, you retain 100%