Applied AI Scientist, Small Language Model and AI Training

WHO ARE WE?

Postman is the world’s leading API platform, used by more than 45 million+

developers and 500,000 organizations, including 98% of the Fortune 500. Postman

is helping developers and professionals across the globe build the API-first

world by simplifying each step of the API lifecycle and streamlining

collaboration—enabling users to create better APIs, faster.

The company is headquartered in San Francisco and has offices in Boston, New

York, Austin, Tokyo, London, and Bangalore - where Postman was founded. Postman

is privately held, with funding from Battery Ventures, BOND, Coatue, CRV,

Insight Partners, and Nexus Venture Partners. Learn more at postman.com or

connect with Postman on X via @getpostman.

P.S: We highly recommend reading The "API-First World" graphic novel

[https://api-first-world.com/] to understand the bigger picture and our vision

at Postman.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As an Applied Scientist specializing in Small Language Models and AI Training,

you will lead research and development efforts focused on building efficient,

high-performance language models tailored for practical applications. You will

work closely with research, engineering, and product teams to advance model

training techniques, optimize architectures, and scale AI solutions. Your work

will directly contribute to AI systems that are safe, interpretable, and

impactful across diverse usage scenarios.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

* Lead research and development of novel training methodologies and

architectures for small and efficient language models.

* Design, implement, and evaluate model training experiments to improve

performance, robustness, and generalization of language models.

* Collaborate closely with research scientists and engineers on scalable

training pipelines and model deployment strategies.

* Develop techniques for model compression, fine-tuning, and domain adaptation

to optimize models for real-world applications.

* Ensure AI safety, fairness, and alignment principles are integrated into

model training processes and evaluated rigorously.

* Mentor and support cross-functional teams on applied machine learning methods

and best practices.

* Evaluate and integrate new tools, frameworks, and datasets to accelerate AI

training workflows.

* Partner with product teams to translate model capabilities into actionable

features aligned with user needs and ethical standards.

ABOUT YOU

* Have demonstrated experience in applied research or engineering roles focused

on training language models, ideally small or efficient models.

* Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with machine learning

frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX.

* Deep understanding of language model architectures, training techniques, and

optimization strategies.

* Experience with distributed training, data pipeline design, and scalable AI

infrastructure.

* Passion for AI safety, interpretability, and delivering user-centered AI

technology.

* Excellent communication skills with proven ability to collaborate across

research, engineering, and product teams.

PREFERRED

* Prior experience working with large and small language models in production

or research settings.

* Background in reinforcement learning, prompt engineering, or transfer

learning techniques.

* Experience with developer tools, APIs, or frameworks related to AI model

integration and delivery.

* Knowledge of AI alignment, fairness, and ethical AI training methodologies.

The reasonably estimated base salary for this role ranges from $218,500.00 to

$288,000.00, plus a competitive equity package. Actual compensation is based on

the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience.

WHAT ELSE?

In addition to Postman's pay-on-performance philosophy, and a flexible schedule

working with a fun, collaborative team, Postman offers a comprehensive set of

benefits, including full medical coverage, flexible PTO, wellness reimbursement,

and a monthly lunch stipend. Along with that, our wellness programs will help

you stay in the best of your physical and mental health. Our frequent and

fascinating team-building events will keep you connected, while our

donation-matching program can support the causes you care about. We’re building

a long-term company with an inclusive culture where everyone can be the best

version of themselves.

At Postman we value in person collaboration. We are in office 5 days a week for

all roles based out of our hubs in San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, Austin, New

York City, Tokyo and London. For roles based in Bangalore, employees currently

work in the office three days a week and will transition to five days per week

by the end of the year. We were thoughtful in our approach which is based on

collaboration and grounded in feedback from our workforce, leadership team, and

peers. The benefits of our in office model will be shared knowledge,

brainstorming sessions, communication, and building trust in-person that cannot

be replicated via zoom.

OUR VALUES

At Postman, we create with the same curiosity that we see in our users. We value

transparency and honest communication about not only successes, but also

failures. In our work, we focus on specific goals that add up to a larger

vision. Our inclusive work culture ensures that everyone is valued equally as

important pieces of our final product. We are dedicated to delivering the best

products we can.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Postman is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to

race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity,

national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability

status. Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through

this website or directly to managers. Postman does not accept unsolicited

headhunter and agency resumes. Postman will not pay fees to any third-party

agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with Postman.