Data Science & Backend Engineer

CommanderAI is building the go-to revenue engine for the $100B+ waste and recycling industry. We help haulers find, win, and keep more business using AI-driven data, automation, and a sales workflow built specifically for this market.

We are looking for a high-impact Data Science & Backend Engineer with 2-3+ years of experience to join us onsite at our corporate office in Marina Del Rey, CA. You will own core systems work - data modeling, API design, and infrastructure - while also bringing hands-on data science chops to the table. This is a role where backend engineering and applied data science meet.

What you'll do

• Architect Core Systems: Design and maintain complex data models - including schema design, relationships, indexing, and query performance - to identify and remove friction points.
• Build & Optimize: Develop APIs and work closely with AI/ML pipelines to ensure seamless lead-to-revenue tracking.
• Lead Data Science Experiments: Get your hands dirty building models, running experiments, and turning raw data into production features.
• Own the Lifecycle: Manage the full path from raw data to production feature, partnering with Product and Sales to ensure high-quality outcomes.
• Collaborate & Scale: Work on a product where the problem space is evolving weekly and your code ships fast to drive real-world ROI.
• Bring the Market Inside: Relay technical feedback and feature requests to leadership to help shape the product roadmap.

What we're looking for

• Experience: 2-3+ years of backend development experience (Python, Ruby/Rails, or Node.js), including 2+ years experience building data science learning models.
• Data Modeling Expert: Strong skills in schema design, relationships, indexing, and query performance.
• Applied Data Science: Hands-on experience building, training, and evaluating models - regression, classification, clustering, or similar - not just consuming APIs.
• Technical Stack: Proficiency with Python data science tooling (pandas, scikit-learn, NumPy, or similar) and solid experience with PostgreSQL or similar relational databases.
• Systems Minded: Comfort with REST API design and building services that other teams depend on.
• Infrastructure: Familiarity with cloud infrastructure (GCP, AWS, or similar) and keeping data clean.
• Rapid Self-Starter: You don't need hand-holding; you show up prepared and run your area like a business.
• Strong Communicator: Ability to simplify complex AI tech into practical terms for the business.

Nice to have

• Experience with NLP, embeddings, or LLM-based workflows.
• Exposure to vector databases or ML serving infrastructure.
• Background in multi-tenant SaaS architecture.
• Experience deploying models into production (not just notebooks).

Why CommanderAI

• Category Momentum: Waste and recycling is modernizing fast, and you'll help build the dominant platform in the space.
• Real-World Impact: You're helping haulers win business, grow routes, and create jobs through applied AI.
• Ground-Floor Seat: Join a tight, high-caliber, fast-paced team early, help shape the playbook, and grow as we scale.

Equal Opportunity CommanderAI is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.