AI / Machine Learning Lead (fast track to CTO)
8X Energy · Frederick MD or Remote
About this role
## AI / Machine Learning Lead (Fast Track to CTO) **Company:** 8X Energy **Location:** Frederick, MD (preferred) or Remote ### About the Role We’re building an **AI-powered energy decision infrastructure SaaS** for the commercial energy transition. We have a **USPTO non-provisional patent pending** on the core methodology and a **live pilot** underway at a Maryland nonprofit technology incubator. The company is **pre-investment** and currently in active seed-raise discussions, with enterprise pilot confirmations from **pharmaceuticals, electric companies, national energy trading platforms, and federal agencies**. We’re looking for an **AI/ML lead who has shipped production SaaS**—not a researcher and not a consultant. You should be comfortable taking software from **prototype to deployed**, maintaining it in **production**, and understanding what breaks when **real users** engage. You’ll work across the **full stack** from model development through deployment, and you understand how to build AI systems that are **auditable, accurate, and defensible** in a **regulated environment**. ### What You’ll Do - Lead the **AI and machine learning layer** across **three energy-specific products** - Work directly with the **CEO** and the existing development team - Translate business requirements into technical specifications—especially when working with a **non-technical founder CEO** - Ensure systems are reliable in production (not just strong in testing) ### What We Need (Must-Have) - Built and deployed **at least one production AI/ML system** used by real customers - Strong **legacy software development** skills (comfortable working in an existing codebase) - Clear understanding of the gap between **test performance** and **production reliability** - Led or been a senior contributor on a **SaaS product** from architecture through deployment - Ability to learn the **energy domain quickly** ### Nice to Have - Energy domain experience ### Compensation **Pre-investment:** equity only — **3.5% to 7.5%** depending on experience and contribution level, with **standard 4-year vesting** and a **1-year cliff**. **Post-investment:** **market-rate salary** plus **retained equity**. ### Location / Work Setup - Frederick, Maryland preferred - Remote possible for the right person ### How to Apply Email **john.dukes@8xenergy.com** with a brief description of the **production AI system** you’re most proud of shipping and **why**. **No recruiters.**
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