Top 7 Platforms for Startup Jobs for AI/ML Engineers in 2025

The AI revolution is happening right now, inside innovative, fast-moving startups. For AI and Machine Learning engineers, this is a golden era. Demand for your skills has never been higher. Early-stage companies are offering incredible opportunities to work on groundbreaking products, own significant equity, and make a real impact.

But with so many job boards, where do you even begin?

Navigating the crowded market for startup jobs for AI/ML engineers can feel overwhelming. Many platforms are noisy or fail to understand the unique needs of technical talent. You need a curated source that connects you directly with founders and values your real-world projects.

This guide cuts through the clutter. We’ve identified the top 7 platforms where you can find the most exciting startup roles for your expertise. Let's dive in and find your next big opportunity.

1. Clura Talent — Where startups meet proven talent

Clura Talent stands out by moving beyond traditional resumes. It uses a "proof-of-work" approach, allowing your skills, showcased through portfolios and GitHub projects, to take center stage. This ensures you're matched with opportunities that value what you can actually build.

This curated marketplace connects top-tier technical talent with early-stage companies. For engineers, this means access to unique and challenging startup jobs for AI/ML engineers. You’ll find specialized roles like 'AI Tinkerer' and '0→1 Engineer' focused on building new products from the ground up.

Why Clura Talent is a Top Choice for AI/ML Engineers

Clura Talent revolutionizes the job search by validating your real-world capabilities. Its AI-driven recruitment engine simulates actual job scenarios. It uses adaptive interviews to let you demonstrate your problem-solving skills in a practical context. This means startups see your true potential, not just a list of credentials.

The platform’s data-driven, objective scoring system also levels the playing field, significantly reducing hiring bias. This focus on verifiable skill ensures a fair and efficient process, connecting you with founders who are serious about building elite AI teams.

Key Insight: Clura Talent helps you bypass the noise of traditional applications by prioritizing portfolios over resumes. Your proven projects become your primary credential, connecting you directly with startups that need your specific skills.

Practical Tips for Using Clura Talent

To maximize your visibility, curate a strong portfolio that highlights your best work.

• Showcase Key Projects: Feature 2-3 of your most impressive GitHub projects. Add detailed README.md files that explain the problem, your solution, and the tech you used.

• Emphasize "0→1" Experience: If you've built products from scratch, make that a focal point. Startups actively seek engineers who can navigate ambiguity and drive initial product development.

• Engage with Simulations: Treat the platform’s adaptive interviews as a chance to shine. They're designed to let you demonstrate your thought process in a realistic setting.

By focusing on these areas, you can leverage Clura Talent to find your next career-defining role. If you are on the hiring side, you can explore more talent acquisition best practices on the Clura blog.

Visit Clura Talent

2. Y Combinator – Work at a Startup

For AI/ML engineers aiming to join an early-stage company with high growth potential, Y Combinator’s “Work at a Startup” platform is an essential resource. It’s a job marketplace exclusively for startups backed by the prestigious YC accelerator. This focus provides a high-signal environment, ensuring every company listed has passed YC's rigorous selection process.

The platform streamlines the job search by letting you create a single profile. You can use this one profile to apply to thousands of YC-backed startups, from seed-stage companies building their first AI models to more established growth-stage leaders. This one-to-many application model saves you a ton of time and effort.

Why It Stands Out for AI/ML Engineers

What makes this platform unique is its direct line of communication. When you apply, your profile often goes straight to a founder or an early engineering lead. This direct access can significantly speed up the interview process, cutting through the layers of HR and recruiters often found at larger companies. For those interested in how this changes the hiring dynamic, you can learn more about full-cycle recruiting.

Key Takeaway: The platform’s biggest advantage is its curated ecosystem. Every company has been vetted by YC, and the direct-to-founder application process accelerates your path to meaningful conversations about high-impact startup jobs for AI/ML engineers.

Effective Usage and Key Features

To maximize your chances, craft a profile that highlights specific AI/ML projects and their business impact. Founders want engineers who can build and ship products, so demonstrate your practical skills.

• Transparent Compensation: Most listings include clear salary and equity ranges, so you know what to expect before you apply.

• Role Variety: You’ll find a wide spectrum of roles, including Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, and AI Research Scientist.

• Direct Communication: The platform facilitates quick and direct interactions with hiring managers, making the process more efficient.

Website: https://www.workatastartup.com

3. Wellfound (formerly AngelList Talent)

As one of the largest and most established startup job platforms, Wellfound is a cornerstone resource for AI/ML engineers. Its extensive marketplace connects candidates directly with innovative startups, offering a vast inventory of roles from seed-stage ventures to rapidly scaling companies. The platform is renowned for its transparency and candidate-first approach.

Wellfound streamlines the job hunt by enabling you to create a comprehensive profile that acts as your resume. You can use this for "one-click" applications, making it incredibly efficient to apply to numerous positions. The platform’s robust filters let you narrow your search by role, company stage, location, and compensation.

Why It Stands Out for AI/ML Engineers

Wellfound’s key advantage is its sheer volume and transparency. Unlike generalist job boards, nearly every listing includes explicit salary and equity ranges. This empowers you to make informed decisions before investing time in an application. The platform also facilitates direct communication, often connecting you with founders or hiring managers, which streamlines the hiring process.

For those seeking startup jobs for AI/ML engineers, the platform’s dedicated AI and Machine Learning category pages aggregate thousands of relevant opportunities. This focus, combined with AI-assisted job matching, helps surface the most suitable roles for you.

Key Takeaway: Wellfound excels at providing a transparent, high-volume marketplace. Its commitment to upfront salary and equity information, combined with direct founder access, makes it an indispensable tool for AI/ML engineers.

Effective Usage and Key Features

To get the most out of Wellfound, invest time in building a detailed profile that showcases your technical projects, skills, and career achievements. A complete profile is more likely to be surfaced by the platform’s matching algorithm.

• Transparent Compensation: Virtually all job posts feature clear salary and equity details, eliminating guesswork from the start.

• Startup-Focused Filters: Search for roles based on funding stage (Seed, Series A, etc.), company size, and specific tech stacks.

• Direct Engagement: The built-in messaging system allows for direct and often informal conversations with key decision-makers.

Website: https://wellfound.com

4. LinkedIn Jobs

While often associated with large corporations, LinkedIn is an indispensable tool for finding startup roles, especially with its recent AI-powered enhancements. Its job marketplace is arguably the largest, featuring listings from stealth-mode startups to high-growth unicorns. The platform’s scale makes it a powerful engine for discovery.

LinkedIn’s new AI features for Premium users transform the job search. You can use natural language prompts like, "find me remote machine learning engineer roles at Series A fintech startups," and the AI delivers tailored results. It also shows how well your profile matches a job, helping you focus your efforts.

Why It Stands Out for AI/ML Engineers

LinkedIn’s primary advantage is its massive dataset and integrated networking capabilities. You can track newly funded AI startups, see who works there, and find connections for referrals. This combination of a vast job board with a professional social network is unmatched. For startups, managing this influx of applications requires efficiency, and a good strategy helps them streamline the recruitment process to find top candidates faster.

Key Takeaway: The platform’s unrivaled scale and powerful networking tools, supercharged by new AI search features, make it a comprehensive resource for finding startup jobs for AI/ML engineers and getting a warm introduction.

Effective Usage and Key Features

To succeed on LinkedIn, optimize your profile with relevant AI/ML keywords and detailed project descriptions. Actively connect with founders, recruiters, and engineers at startups that interest you.

• AI-Powered Job Search: (Premium) Use conversational prompts to find highly specific roles, saving hours of manual filtering.

• Massive Job Inventory: Access the broadest range of listings, from early-stage to growth-stage startups across all industries.

• Networking and Referrals: Leverage your professional network to get warm introductions, which significantly increases your chances of getting an interview.

• Company Insights: Research potential employers by tracking their funding rounds, employee growth, and recent hires.

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs

5. Built In – Artificial Intelligence Jobs

For engineers who want to tap into specific U.S. tech hubs, Built In offers a curated and geographically focused job board. It aggregates tech jobs from startup ecosystems across the country, with dedicated sites for major cities like San Francisco, New York, and Austin. This local-first approach helps you filter out the noise.

The platform’s "Artificial Intelligence" category is a rich resource, highlighting roles from seed-stage startups to established scaleups. Many listings are posted directly by companies and provide detailed insights into their tech stack, culture, and benefits.

Why It Stands Out for AI/ML Engineers

Built In's strength is its focus on tech-centric, venture-backed companies within specific U.S. cities. Unlike massive job aggregators, its listings are often more relevant and less diluted with corporate roles. The inclusion of salary ranges on many job posts also promotes transparency and helps you prioritize applications.

Key Takeaway: Built In is the ideal platform for geographically-focused searches, providing a filtered view of high-quality startup jobs for AI/ML engineers in major U.S. tech hubs with an emphasis on compensation transparency.

Effective Usage and Key Features

To get the most out of Built In, leverage its city-specific sub-sites and set up job alerts for AI or machine learning roles in your target locations. Customize your profile to receive tailored job recommendations that match your skills.

• City-Focused Job Boards: Explore curated job listings for major startup ecosystems like SF, NYC, Chicago, and Boston.

• Transparent Listings: Many job posts include salary bands, equity information, and detailed benefits.

• Company Profiles: Go beyond the job description with in-depth company profiles that showcase culture, funding, and perks.

Website: https://builtin.com/jobs/artificial-intelligence

6. AIJobs (aijobs.net)

For specialists who want to cut through the noise, AIJobs is a highly targeted platform dedicated exclusively to roles in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. Its niche focus makes it an incredibly efficient resource for finding relevant opportunities, especially within the startup ecosystem. The platform attracts companies actively seeking specialized expertise.

This focus allows AIJobs to offer a more relevant browsing experience. Instead of sifting through thousands of generic "software engineer" roles, you find listings specifically for positions like LLM Engineer, MLOps Specialist, and AI Research Scientist. This precision saves significant time.

Why It Stands Out for AI/ML Engineers

The main advantage of AIJobs is its high-signal, low-noise environment. Every listing on this site is directly related to the AI/ML field. This curated approach is particularly beneficial for discovering roles at early-stage or less-publicized startups. It’s a direct channel to companies where AI is a core part of the business, not just a side project.

Key Takeaway: AIJobs excels by being a domain-specific hub. Its tight focus on AI roles and clear categorization make it one of the most efficient platforms for finding high-quality startup jobs for AI/ML engineers.

Effective Usage and Key Features

To get the most out of AIJobs, use its specific filters to narrow your search to your exact specialty, whether it's computer vision, NLP, or generative AI. Since many postings are from smaller companies, a tailored cover letter can make a big difference.

• Detailed Role Categories: The platform uses a precise taxonomy, allowing you to filter for niche roles like "LLM Engineer" or "MLOps."

• Compensation Transparency: A significant number of job listings include clear salary and equity ranges.

• Global and Remote Focus: It features strong filtering for remote positions and has a solid presence in the U.S. market.

• Simple Interface: The user experience is straightforward and fast, prioritizing easy browsing and application.

Website: https://aijobs.net

7. Dice – Machine Learning/AI Jobs

Dice has been a staple in the tech job market for decades, and its specialized search for AI and machine learning roles makes it a valuable resource. While not exclusively focused on startups, its vast inventory often includes positions from early-stage and growth-stage companies. This makes it a great place for engineers looking for both full-time and contract-based opportunities.

The platform is particularly useful for those with specialized skills, as it allows for granular searches that can surface niche roles. Its long-standing reputation means a steady flow of new listings, ensuring there are always fresh opportunities to explore.

Why It Stands Out for AI/ML Engineers

Dice’s strength lies in its volume and variety, especially for contract roles. Startups often use contractors to scale their AI/ML teams flexibly, and Dice is a primary channel for finding these positions. The platform’s robust filtering allows you to narrow down thousands of listings by employment type, location, and specific skills like MLOps or Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).

Key Takeaway: Dice provides a high-volume marketplace that is especially effective for finding contract-based startup jobs for AI/ML engineers. Its detailed job descriptions often include salary ranges, helping you efficiently vet opportunities.

Effective Usage and Key Features

To find true startup roles on Dice, use filters to screen for smaller company sizes and combine keywords like "startup" with your technical search terms. Since many listings come from third-party recruiters, be clear about your interest in direct-hire startup roles versus large enterprise contracts.

• Extensive Job Inventory: Access thousands of current AI/ML listings, with new jobs posted daily across the U.S.

• Contract and Niche Roles: A great source for finding contract work, which can be an excellent entry point into the startup world.

• Transparent Listings: Many posts include clear salary information, work arrangements (remote, hybrid), and contract terms.

Website: https://www.dice.com/jobs/q-Machine%20Learning-jobs

Comparing the Top 7 Platforms for AI/ML Startup Jobs

Your Next Move: Turning Applications into Offers

The landscape for startup jobs for AI/ML engineers is vibrant and filled with opportunities. We’ve explored a range of platforms, from curated marketplaces like Clura Talent to massive ecosystems like LinkedIn. Each tool offers a unique path to your next role, but the platform is only the first step.

Landing one of these coveted positions requires moving beyond a simple resume. It's about demonstrating your ability to build, innovate, and drive value in a fast-paced environment.

Key Takeaways for Your Job Search

As you navigate these platforms, remember that startups hire for impact, not just credentials.

• Choose the Right Platform: Don't spread yourself thin. For a highly vetted, specific role, try Clura or YC. For exploring a wide range of possibilities, Wellfound and LinkedIn offer more volume.

• Tell a Story: Your resume lists skills, but your profile should tell a story. Connect your experience to the startup's mission. Instead of "Built a recommendation engine," say "Increased user engagement by 15% by developing a personalized content recommendation engine."

• Show, Don't Just Tell: A well-documented GitHub, a personal project blog, or open-source contributions are your most powerful assets. They provide concrete evidence of your skills and passion.

Turning Your Search into a Strategy

Finding the right job is about matching your talents with a company's problems. Before you start applying, refine your approach.

1. Define Your Ideal Role: Do you love building scalable infrastructure (MLOps)? Or do you prefer experimenting with novel architectures? Knowing what you want helps you filter opportunities effectively.

2. Think Like a Founder: During interviews, show you understand the business. Ask about user acquisition, product roadmap, and revenue. This proves you're not just a coder; you're a strategic partner.

3. Prepare to Demonstrate: Be ready for technical assessments that go beyond whiteboard coding. Many startups use take-home projects to see how you think and build. Embrace these as a chance to showcase your real-world skills.

Ultimately, securing a top startup job is about proving you can be a force multiplier. You are joining a mission to build something new. Approach your job search with that same builder's mindset, and you won't just find a job—you'll find your next great challenge.

Ready to skip the noise and connect directly with innovative startups hiring for impactful AI/ML roles? Clura is a talent marketplace where an AI recruiter for startups matches proven engineers with ambitious, early-stage companies. Create your profile today and let the best startup opportunities find you.