How to get a job as an AI Engineer:
AI engineering is one of those fields where it's actually easier to get a job through non-traditional paths
a lot of founders building products need AI engineers (they want to integrate AI, train models, and build new products on top of it)
so here's my workflow for getting a job as an AI engineer:
1: Build your personal brand on X
this should be your main platform
follow AI startup founders, reply to them, post valuable content, show your thinking and value
2: Build presence on LinkedIn or GitHub
these are more traditional platforms
but if you build your own product and it gets traction on GitHub, that's already way stronger than "work experience in a company"
3: Share knowledge in Discord communities
OpenAI community, OpenClaw, LangChain (anything directly related to AI engineering)
this is where real people hang out and opportunities appear
cheat-codes to stand out and get into the top 1%:
1. Build in public
show what you're building and how
CVs are outdated, people hire those who can build fast, solve problems, train and optimize models
2. Focus on features and exposure
study competitor products, understand what works
use this knowledge when pitching, it proves you understand the market
3. Do free audits before calls
before jumping on a call with a potential client, break down their architecture
show what you think is happening and what you would improve
(this can also be turned into content on X)
4. Specialize narrowly
don't just be "AI engineer"
pick a niche: automation, AI agents, infra, etc.
this makes you much easier to position
5. Show measurable results
metrics matter (money especially)
if your work saved or made money, that's what goes into your "CVโ
main insight:
this is a new profession, traditional "work experience" doesn't matter as much
what matters is real skill, understanding, and practical experience
forget chasing top company interviews
right now you have a much better opportunity:
- build in public
- grow your brand
- become visible
- potentially earn even more
one more thing: everything in this field moves insanely fast
whatโs relevant today may be outdated in a year
and in two years completely irrelevant
so "experience" doesn't matter
your real skill is adaptability learning fast constant practice
adapt or die.