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Forward Engineer / AI Developer - College Graduate Program

ZettaSquared

Houston HQ

  • Hybrid
  • Full Time
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About the role

About Zetta2 (ZettaSquared)

At Zetta², we help enterprises realize the value of AI. As a pure-play, agnostic AI-native firm, we deliver AI infrastructure, software products, solutions, agentic workflows, and services to move AI from idea to production efficiently.

Our vendor-neutral approach integrates leading AI models, hyperscale platforms, and technologies (Google, AWS, Oracle, IBM, OpenAI, Anthropic, Nvidia, Cursor, Databricks, Snowflake, Microsoft, Salesforce) to deliver secure, production-ready solutions.

Zetta² raised a seed round in August 2026, led by Smith/Newberg Road Partners, L.P./Bekman 514, Ltd., affiliated with Smith ($12B+ global electronic-component distributor).

About the Role - Forward Deployed Engineer (Entry-Level / Recent or Spring 27 Graduate)

We are looking for high-potential, ambitious entry-level Forward Deployed Engineers to bridge technical execution with client-facing solutions. Supported by structured onboarding and dedicated mentorship, you will pair with a senior solutions architect and work directly with client stakeholders to build, scale, and deploy production-ready AI solutions across diverse tech stacks.

Key Details

Role Level: Entry-Level / Recent Graduate (Hiring Graduates from Fall 2026 & Spring 2027 classes)

Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $80k–$100k Base | $90k–$140k Total OTE (includes quarterly performance bonuses) + Equity

Location: Houston, TX (Onsite)

Travel Requirement: Possible client travel up to 25%

Work Authorization: U.S. work authorization required (no visa sponsorship provided)

Key Responsibilities

● Rapidly adapt to new technology stacks, AI tools, and enterprise workflows with a tech stack agnostic mindset to build robust client solutions.

● Pair with senior solutions architects and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and clients using clear, effective technical communication.

● Participate in regular technical discovery sessions, client-facing technical workshops, and scoping requirements to transition prototypes from proof-of-concept to production.

Qualifications & Experience

● Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, Engineering, Mathematics, Management Information Systems, Economics, or related fields.

● Solid foundation in computer science fundamentals and programming. Experience with technologies such as Python, TypeScript, C++, algorithms, or similar.

● Hands-on experience with AI coding tools (e.g., Claude Code, OpenAI Codex) and an active GitHub/GitLab portfolio that you’re willing to share.

● Hands on exposure to, understanding of and/or any classroom or lab experience with LLMs, building autonomous agents, and working with data lakes.

● Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

● Highly curious, rapid learner with a self-motivated startup mindset.

● Certifications (Preferred): Certifications in LLMs, AI-driven coding, agentic workflows, or data lakes are a plus.

12-Month Success Criteria

● As a team member, participate in co-delivering at least 2 enterprise client AI/agentic deployments from proof-of-concept to production.

● Demonstrate autonomy in mastering new technology stacks and internal tooling within the first 90 days.

● Maintain high satisfaction scores and effective technical communication with client stakeholders and cross-functional engineering teams.

Benefits & Perks

● 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.

● Ongoing AI training, state-of-the-art model access, and high-impact projects.

● In-office lunches/snacks, flexible time off, and relocation assistance.

Hiring Process

  • Initial screening > Technical & coding evaluation > Problem-solving / architectural review > Final interview

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume, academic background/transcripts, and a link to your active GitHub or GitLab portfolio.

Zetta² is an equal opportunity employer evaluating all applicants without regard to protected characteristics.