Machine Learning Engineer

About Protogon Research

Protogon Research builds AI models with a deep understanding of the world, monetizing them through proprietary trading. Founded and led by serial entrepreneur Rafael Cosman—co-founder of Archblock and the TrueFi DeFi protocol—Protogon is charting a path toward superintelligence.

Backed by top VCs, the company is a small, dynamic team of seven currently based in San Diego, CA. The team is highly technical and focused on building the most transformative invention of the 21st century.

Why Trading?

• Proprietary models and datasets – Helps avoid the race-to-the-bottom faced by many other AI companies.
• Fast innovation cycle – Technological advancements directly translate into increased revenue, allowing for rapid testing and implementation of improvements.
• Pure focus on AI development – With no need for sales, marketing, or customer support, the team can concentrate on building groundbreaking systems.
• True understanding, not imitation – Creating AI that deeply understands the world, rather than just replicating human behavior or generating superficial outputs.

Unlike traditional quant funds, the goal is not to focus on short-term profits but to build the long-term success of AI technology. The work is original, proprietary, and defensible.

About the Role

We are seeking a talented Machine Learning Engineer to help build impactful technology and drive innovation. We work primarily in person and welcome candidates based in or willing to relocate to San Diego, CA.

Responsibilities and Expectations

• Designing Model Architectures: Core work on improving model architecture and training, with a focus on achieving measurable gains in model accuracy and reducing training time.
• Evaluating Model Performance: Working on the training framework to efficiently train and test models, and expanding how trained models are characterized and measured.
• Expanding Data Sources: Finding and integrating more novel data to increase model performance on backtest as well as real-world assessments.
• Monitoring and Alerts: Designing monitoring systems to detect and alert the team to anomalies with live trading strategies, aiming to reduce detection and response time, minimize false positives, and improve system reliability.

Who You Are

• Experienced Machine Learning Engineer: Strong background in ML development with hands-on experience in both theoretical and practical applications. Proficient in deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Jax, with expertise in feature engineering, model optimization, and evaluating model performance. Minimum of 2 years of experience.
• AI/Financial Markets Enthusiast: Interested in AI, AGI, and financial markets.
• Discreet: Able to handle and protect proprietary technology and strategies with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Takes Ownership: Proactively takes responsibility, drives projects, and contributes effectively within a small, agile team.

Nice to Have

• Experience in quantitative finance, trading systems, or market modeling
• Strong programming skills in Python
• Knowledge of high-performance computing (HPC) and distributed computing frameworks
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP)

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation: A competitive base salary with equity ownership.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, dental and vision coverage designed to support you and your family's well-being.
• Financial & Wellness Support: 401(k), Commuter, FSA and HSA programs, and additional benefits to support long-term stability.
• Flexible Time Off & Work-Life Balance: Generous vacation, sick leave, and company holidays with flexibility to recharge when needed.

Additional Information

Protogon Research is planning on moving its HQ to Southern California in mid-2026, so we are looking for candidates that are either based in the Greater San Diego Area or are open to relocation.

This role requires current authorization to work in the United States; Protogon Research is not able to provide visa sponsorship at this time.