Technical Fellow In-Residence

The AI Technical Fellow In-Residence is the technical backbone of the MEST AI Startup Program each year. During this one-year contract (January 2026 to December 2026), you will work directly with entrepreneurs-in-training (EITs) to ensure they can apply the technical concepts taught in the curriculum — from AI model development to deployment.

• This is a highly hands-on, highly interactive role that includes regular meetings with EITs, experts, partners, facilitators, and program staff to collaborate, troubleshoot,
• and accelerate learning.

You should have deep technical expertise, a passion for AI, and an excitement for learning alongside entrepreneurs. This is a role for a doer — someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-energy environment and is ready to dig in.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Training & Support
● Deliver interactive tutorials and workshops on AI/ML, software engineering, and MLOps
topics from the curriculum (e.g., Python, APIs, LLMs, RAG, LangChain, vector
databases, multi-agent systems, Docker, CI/CD)
● Provide 1:1 and group technical coaching, ensuring entrepreneurs can implement
concepts in their MVPs
● Conduct code reviews and guide participants in adopting best practices

Curriculum Integration
● Work with expert facilitators to align technical sessions with business and product
milestones.
● Adapt and create technical content based on evolving AI tools and participant needs.

Problem-Solving & Mentorship
● Support entrepreneurs in debugging and overcoming technical challenges.
● Learn and experiment with new AI tools alongside participants, sharing insights rapidly.
● Promote responsible AI use, including bias mitigation, privacy by design, and ethical
considerations.

Collaboration & Program Support
● Partner with program staff to ensure participants have the technical resources they
need.
● Contribute to creating a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative learning environment.

● Actively engage in scheduled check-ins, collaborative planning meetings, and review
sessions with EITs and program stakeholders.

Technical Expertise

● Advanced proficiency in Python, Git/GitHub, and API development.
● Hands-on experience with:
○ LLMs, prompt engineering, and fine-tuning
○ RAG pipelines, embeddings, vector databases, LangChain
○ Multi-agent systems (e.g., CrewAI) and memory management
○ MLOps, CI/CD, Docker, cloud deployment, and API security
● Strong grasp of software engineering fundamentals: testing, EDA, model evaluation.

Experience

● 2 - 4+ years in software engineering and AI/ML product development.
● Track record of taking AI products from concept to deployment.
● Experience in startup or fast-paced, project-based environments.

Soft Skills & Mindset

● Excellent communicator and collaborator, with cross-cultural sensitivity
● Proactive problem solver with a hands-on “doer” mentality
● Adaptable, curious, and eager to learn alongside entrepreneurs
● Passionate about excellence, creativity, and innovation