Machine Learning Researcher - Multi-Agent Systems
🌉 San Francisco, CA (On-site)
About Us
Softmax develops multi-agent reinforcement learning simulations focused on social learning scenarios. Our work explores how multiple agents can maintain individual identity while achieving coherence as a unified system—similar to multicellularity in nature.
The Role
We’re seeking a Machine Learning Researcher to design experiments, tune models, and analyze results within our multi-agent reinforcement learning framework. You’ll work closely with our engineering team to co-design infrastructure while focusing on the ML aspects of our research.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute experiments in multi-agent reinforcement learning
- Select and customize neural network architectures for specific learning tasks
- Tune models and hyperparameters to optimize agent performance
- Analyze experimental results and identify patterns in agent behavior
- Collaborate with engineers to ensure infrastructure meets research needs
- Translate research findings into actionable insights
Requirements
- Strong background in machine learning, particularly reinforcement learning
- Experience designing and running ML experiments
- Proficiency in at least one deep learning framework (PyTorch, TensorFlow, etc.)
- Ability to analyze complex data and draw meaningful conclusions
- Collaborative mindset and strong communication skills
Nice to Have
- Publications or significant projects in multi-agent systems
- Experience with emergent behavior or social learning models
- Familiarity with distributed training systems
- Background in complex systems or cognitive science
Company Culture
Our team values coherence, both in our technical work and our approach to collaboration. Many team members have backgrounds in practices that cultivate insight (meditation, contemplative practices, etc.), though this is not a requirement. We appreciate candidates who are thoughtful about systems — both technical and social.
Compensation
Salary between $150,000 to $300,000 per year, plus equity compensation.
Software Engineer - Simulation Infrastructure
🌉 San Francisco, CA (On-site)
About Us
Softmax develops multi-agent reinforcement learning simulations focused on social learning scenarios. Our work explores how multiple agents can maintain individual identity while achieving coherence as a unified system—similar to multicellularity in nature.
The Role
We’re seeking a software engineer to build and enhance our experimental infrastructure. You’ll work on critical systems that enable our research, focusing on scalability, flexibility, and functionality.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement batch processing systems for reinforcement learning training
- Enhance our simulator environments with new features and capabilities
- Build visualization tools and evaluation frameworks for complex agent interactions
- Collaborate with researchers to translate experimental needs into technical implementations
- Optimize systems for performance and scale
Requirements
- Strong software engineering background with demonstrated experience building complex systems
- Proficiency in designing and implementing scalable infrastructure
- Experience with distributed computing and batch processing systems
- Ability to work collaboratively in a research-oriented environment
- Interest in multi-agent systems and emergent behavior
Nice to Have
- Familiarity with reinforcement learning concepts
- Experience with simulation environments
- Background in visualization of complex data
- Prior work with cloud infrastructure for ML workloads
Company Culture
Our team values coherence, both in our technical work and our approach to collaboration. Many team members have backgrounds in practices that cultivate insight (meditation, contemplative practices, etc.), though this is not a requirement. We appreciate candidates who are thoughtful about systems — both technical and social.
Compensation
Salary between $150,000 to $300,000 per year, plus equity compensation.
Head of Operations
Softmax - San Francisco, CA (On-site)
About Us
Softmax develops multi-agent reinforcement learning simulations focused on social learning scenarios. Our work explores how multiple agents can maintain individual identity while achieving coherence as a unified system—similar to multicellularity in nature.
The Role
We’re seeking an exceptional Head of Operations to serve as the operational backbone of our organization. You’ll be responsible for finance, HR, goal-setting, and ensuring our internal communications and collaboration tools create an environment where breakthrough research can flourish. This role combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution, requiring an excellent all-arounder who is detail-oriented, flexible, and disciplined.
We are still a very small startup, so you’ll have a very wide area of remit and a lot of things to juggle. We are looking for a generalist who can learn-to-learn, not someone who’s already an expert in everything.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee all financial operations including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting
- Run and optimize our recruiting process, onboarding, performance management
- Run and optimize our internal goal setting and reporting process
- Optimize our internal communications practices with better tooling and feedback
- Manage vendor relationships, procurement, and contract negotiations
- Handle compliance, legal coordination, and risk management
- Coordinate office operations, facilities, and administrative functions in collaboration with our office manager
Requirements
- Basic familiarity with financial models, accounting, contracts, HR admin
- Evidence of high competence as an exceptional all-arounder with strong context-switching abilities
- Experience with goal-setting frameworks and strategic planning processes. Or the ability to make it up convincingly on the fly.
- Exceptional attention to detail with systems thinking and process optimization skills
- Outstanding communication and project management abilities
- Self-directed and disciplined approach with flexibility in a fast-paced environment
- Discretion when handling sensitive information
Nice to Have
- Experience using AI tools to improve operational workflows and processes
- Familiarity with contemplative practices and systems thinking approaches
- Genuine interest in our research mission and multi-agent alignment work
- Experience in AI/ML companies or research organizations
Company Culture
Our team values coherence, both in our technical work and our approach to collaboration. Many team members have backgrounds in practices that cultivate insight (meditation, contemplative practices, etc.), though this is not a requirement. We appreciate candidates who are thoughtful about systems—both technical and social.
Location
This is an on-site position at our San Francisco office.
Software Engineer - Contractor
Remote (Global)
About Us
Softmax develops multi-agent reinforcement learning simulations focused on social learning scenarios. Our work explores how multiple agents can maintain individual identity while achieving coherence as a unified system—similar to multicellularity in nature.
The Role
We’re seeking a remote contract software engineer to build high-quality systems and tools. You’ll work independently on diverse engineering challenges that support our research and product development, focusing on scalability, performance, and clean architecture. This role is ideal for self-directed engineers who thrive with autonomy and take ownership of their work.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement robust, scalable software systems
- Build tools and infrastructure to support research and development workflows
- Optimize system performance
- Collaborate asynchronously with team members to translate requirements into technical solutions
- Write clean, maintainable code with appropriate testing and documentation
- Manage your own schedule and deliverables with minimal oversight
Requirements
- Strong software engineering background with demonstrated experience building complex systems independently
- Ability to work autonomously and manage projects from conception to delivery
- Strong written communication skills for remote collaboration
- Self-motivated with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Comfortable working across time zones and managing asynchronous workflows
Nice to Have
- Experience with machine learning, data science, or AI systems
- Familiarity with distributed computing
- Background in data visualization or analytics tools
- Previous remote contracting experience
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly compensation
- Flexible schedule and complete location independence
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge research problems
- Collaborative yet autonomous work environment
- Direct impact on innovative multi-agent systems
Company Culture
Our team values coherence, both in our technical work and our approach to collaboration. We appreciate engineers who are thoughtful about systems—both technical and social—and who can work effectively with minimal ego and maximum impact. Many team members have backgrounds in practices that cultivate insight (meditation, contemplative practices, etc.), though this is not a requirement.
Work Arrangement
This is a remote hourly contractor position open to talented engineers worldwide. We prioritize results and quality over hours worked, seeking individuals who can deliver exceptional work independently.
