Sr. Machine Learning Engineer

AppFolio • Santa Barbara, CA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Sr Machine Learning Engineer to play a critical role in shaping Realm-X and the future of AI at AppFolio. This is a high-impact position focused on defining architecture, building next-generation AI systems, and influencing technical direction across teams. You will work at the intersection of machine learning, distributed systems, and product innovation to create AI systems that move beyond assistance into execution.

Requirements

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a related technical field (required)
• Extensive experience developing and deploying machine learning systems in production environments
• Strong software engineering expertise with languages such as Python, Go, Ruby, or JavaScript
• Deep understanding of distributed systems, APIs, and cloud infrastructure (AWS or similar)
• Experience leading large, cross-functional technical initiatives
• Ability to design systems that integrate structured data, models, and real-time decisioning

Nice To Haves

• Experience with LLMs, AI agents, and tool-using systems (e.g., LangChain, LangGraph, OpenAI APIs)
• Familiarity with agentic architectures, planning/execution loops, and orchestration frameworks
• Experience building domain-specific ontologies, knowledge graphs, or semantic layers
• Experience with evaluation frameworks for AI systems (offline and online)
• Background in workflow orchestration systems (e.g., Temporal)
• Experience building platforms that enable other engineering teams
• Exposure to multi-modal AI systems (voice, chat, email, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the technical vision and architecture for AI systems within Realm-X
• Design and build deep, context-aware agents leveraging domain ontologies and structured business primitives
• Lead the development of agentic workflows (Flows) that combine reasoning, planning, and execution
• Architect systems for real-time, multi-modal AI agents (Performers) across communication channels
• Build and evolve platform capabilities (tools, memory, evaluation systems, abstractions) to enable broad internal adoption
• Translate ambiguous, high-impact problems into scalable, production-ready AI systems
• Establish best practices for LLM evaluation, observability, safety, and iteration loops
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product, design, and engineering leaders to shape strategy and execution
• Mentor engineers and raise the technical bar across the organization
• Identify and introduce emerging AI technologies and paradigms that create leverage for the business

Benefits

• Comprehensive Total Rewards package
• Additional benefits or any discretionary bonuses you may be eligible for based on your role and/or employment type
• Regular full-time employees are eligible for benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior