Associate Principal, AI Transformation

Fractional AI • San Francisco, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Fractional AI builds bespoke gen AI software to transform businesses. We work with PE-backed businesses and Fortune 500 clients across industries.
Every C-suite in the country is trying to bridge the gap between AI in theory and AI in practice. We close this gap with a world-class engineering team that implements custom end-to-end AI solutions, and a world-class business team that provides AI advisory services. We are building a rapidly growing business at the forefront of applied AI and work with some of the largest PE firms in the world.
This is a company for intellectually curious and team-oriented individuals looking to make an impact from day 1.
The fastest way to learn how AI will reshape businesses is to go inside and analyze dozens of them. As an Associate Principal, you will be the intellectual core of our AI due diligence practice: assessing disruption risk and value creation opportunities across industries, interviewing management teams, and presenting findings to PE clients. In a given quarter you’ll see inside 4-5 companies and develop pattern recognition that no other role in the market can offer.
That exposure is the best preparation to become a Fractional AI Principal - the person PE firms call first when they want AI advice for their portfolio companies. Between diligences, you’ll work alongside our Principals on live deals, proposals, and PE relationship building. Within 6-12 months, you’ll be expected to start leading your own deal pursuits.
This is not a quota-carrying role, but is designed to grow into one.

Requirements

• AI-native: you are genuinely interested in AI and have a working understanding of what generative AI can and can't do. You don't need to be an engineer, but you need to be credible in a room with one
• Strong analytical horsepower: you can quickly ramp up on an unfamiliar industry, identify what matters, and form a defensible point of view. With experience, you will quickly pattern match new project context to previous ones to accelerate time-to-value for clients
• Relationship-building instinct: you naturally build rapport with senior stakeholders and are energized (not drained) by client-facing work. You don’t need a sales background, but need to want one
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal: you can translate technical AI concepts into business language that resonates with PE deal teams
• Comfort with ambiguity and high ownership: the diligence window is tight (2-4 weeks), and you'll need to drive the work forward without waiting to be told what to do
• Low ego, high resourcefulness: you are both a doer and a strategist
• 5-8 years of experience in strategy consulting and/or early stage tech sales experience. Bonus: private equity, investment banking

Responsibilities

• Lead diligences end-to-end. You are 100% dedicated to each engagement while the Principal and AI Architect are splitting time across deals and accounts. That means you are the connective tissue: you keep the POV sharp, prep the team before every interview, and make sure the Principal walks into a client readout fully armed. You own the day-to-day across desk research, POV generation, interviews, management meetings, and deliverables
• Support live deals and account management. You will work alongside Principals on active sales processes: participating in discovery calls, shaping proposals, and helping manage existing customer relationships
• Build your private equity network. Through diligences and deal support, you will build relationships with investors and portfolio company executives
• Be a high-utility player. As an early-stage company, the work extends beyond diligence. You may support adjacent work streams like partnership development, conference strategy, or internal tooling and process improvement

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation Package: Attractive salary aligned with your experience and skills
• 401k with Matching: Invest in your future with our company-matched retirement plan
• Unlimited PTO: Take the time you need to relax and rejuvenate
• Exceptional Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Comprehensive health benefits to keep you and your family healthy
• Health FSA: Manage out-of-pocket health expenses effectively
• Commuter Benefits: Make your travel to work easier and more affordable
• Life Insurance: Providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones
• Team Events and Activities: Regular events to build camaraderie and a strong team spirit

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: No Education Listed