Typewise, a YC S22 startup developing an AI-powered keyboard focused on text prediction and correction, is hiring a Machine Learning Engineer in Zurich, Switzerland. The ideal candidate has experience in NLP, deep learning, and large language models, and will contribute to improving the keyboard's prediction accuracy and performance. Responsibilities include developing and training new models, optimizing existing ones, and working with large datasets. Experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar frameworks is desired, along with a passion for building innovative products that improve user experience.
Unsloth AI, a Y Combinator Summer 2024 company, is hiring machine learning engineers. They're building a platform to help businesses automate tasks using large language models (LLMs), focusing on areas underserved by current tools. They're looking for engineers with strong Python and ML/deep learning experience, preferably with experience in areas like LLMs, transformers, or prompt engineering. The company emphasizes a fast-paced, collaborative environment and offers competitive salary and equity.
The Hacker News comments are generally positive about Unsloth AI and its mission to automate tedious data tasks. Several commenters express interest in the technical details of their approach, asking about specific models used and their performance compared to existing solutions. Some skepticism is present regarding the feasibility of truly automating complex data tasks, but the overall sentiment leans towards curiosity and cautious optimism. A few commenters also discuss the hiring process and company culture, expressing interest in working for a smaller, mission-driven startup like Unsloth AI. The YC association is mentioned as a positive signal, but doesn't dominate the discussion.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43689801
HN commenters discuss the listed salary range (120-180k CHF) for the ML Engineer position at Typewise, with several noting it seems low for Zurich's high cost of living, especially compared to US tech salaries. Some suggest the range might be intended to attract less experienced candidates. Others express interest in the company's mission of improving typing accuracy and privacy, but question the technical challenge and long-term market viability of a swipe-based keyboard. A few commenters also mention the potential difficulty of obtaining a Swiss work permit.
The Hacker News post linking to a Typewise job posting for a Machine Learning Engineer elicited several comments, primarily focusing on the listed salary and the cost of living in Zurich.
One commenter questioned the attractiveness of the offered salary range of CHF 100,000 - 140,000, considering Zurich's high cost of living. They expressed doubt that someone with the required skills, particularly experience with large language models and transformers, would find this range competitive, especially when compared to US salaries. They speculated that the company might be targeting less experienced candidates or relying on the allure of living in Switzerland to compensate.
Another commenter agreed, stating that while Zurich is a beautiful city, the provided salary range would likely only allow for a modest lifestyle. They calculated the after-tax income and compared it to average rent prices, concluding that a significant portion of the salary would be consumed by housing costs. They also pointed out the limited upper bound of the salary range, suggesting it might not be appealing to highly skilled individuals.
Furthering the discussion on salary, a commenter who claimed to have lived in Zurich weighed in. They emphasized the high cost of housing and transportation, mentioning specific expenses like mandatory health insurance. They also noted the lower tax rates compared to other European countries, but ultimately agreed that the offered salary range isn't particularly competitive for experienced ML engineers, especially those with expertise in the currently in-demand areas like LLMs.
One commenter briefly mentioned the company's unusual keyboard layout as a potential downside.
The discussion also touched upon the hiring market, with one commenter speculating about a potential shift in the job market, where companies might be trying to hire experienced engineers at lower salaries than what was prevalent a year ago.
Finally, there's a brief exchange about the salary being denominated in Swiss Francs (CHF) and its current rough equivalence to the US dollar.