Otonomee is making a bold move. The company is hiring its first software engineer — a Full Stack AI Engineer based remotely in Portugal — to build its AI capability and platform from the ground up. This isn’t just another job posting. It’s a signal that Otonomee is serious about embedding AI into its core operations, and it’s looking for someone who can handle the ambiguity of building something new.
What the Role Actually Involves
The Full Stack AI Engineer will report directly to the CTO, with a dotted line to the Product Builder. The job description makes it clear: this is a founding engineering role. The hire will design, build, and ship AI-powered applications end-to-end — spanning backend, data, APIs, and lightweight UI. They will also establish the foundation of the Enterprise AI Platform on Azure.
In the early phase, the role is described as “highly hands-on.” The engineer will turn ambiguous business problems across multiple teams into working solutions using AI-native development tools. As the team grows, the role will evolve toward platform architecture, integrations, and technical leadership.
Why This Role Matters for Otonomee
This is the first software engineering hire at Otonomee. That means the person who takes this job won’t just be writing code — they’ll be shaping the company’s entire AI strategy. They’ll decide which tools to use, how to structure the platform, and how to integrate AI into existing workflows. For a company that hasn’t had a dedicated AI engineer before, this is a foundational moment.
The role also signals that Otonomee is moving beyond experimentation. By hiring a dedicated AI engineer, the company is committing to building a scalable AI platform — not just running one-off projects.
Who Should Apply
Otonomee is looking for someone who thrives in ambiguity. The job posting emphasizes that the engineer will work across multiple teams, turning vague business problems into working solutions. That requires not just technical skill, but also strong communication and problem-solving abilities.
The ideal candidate will have experience with full-stack development, AI/ML frameworks, and cloud platforms — specifically Azure. They should be comfortable working remotely in Portugal, with a high degree of autonomy. The role is open to permanent employees, and the company is offering a full-time position.
What the Role Offers
For the right candidate, this is a rare opportunity. As the first AI engineer at Otonomee, they will have significant influence over the company’s technical direction. They will also have the chance to grow into a leadership role as the team expands.
The job is fully remote within Portugal, which offers flexibility. The company is also offering a permanent contract, which provides stability in the often-volatile startup world.
Risks and Considerations
Building an AI platform from scratch is not for everyone. The role comes with high expectations and little existing infrastructure. The engineer will need to be comfortable with uncertainty and able to make decisions without a playbook.
There’s also the question of team growth. The job posting mentions that the role will evolve toward technical leadership, but that depends on the company’s ability to hire and retain talent. If the team doesn’t grow as planned, the engineer could remain in a highly hands-on role longer than expected.
Wider Trend: The Rise of Founding AI Engineers
Otonomee’s move fits a broader pattern. Across industries, companies are hiring their first dedicated AI engineers — often before they have a clear AI strategy. These “founding AI engineers” are expected to build the platform, define the roadmap, and educate the rest of the organization.
This trend is particularly visible in Europe, where companies are racing to catch up with US-based AI leaders. Portugal, with its growing tech talent pool and remote-friendly culture, has become a hub for these roles.
Practical Guidance for Applicants
If you’re considering applying, here’s what to focus on: demonstrate your ability to work in ambiguous environments. Show examples of projects where you built something from scratch, especially if they involved AI or cloud platforms. Highlight your experience with Azure, full-stack development, and AI/ML frameworks.
Also, be prepared to talk about how you would approach building an AI platform from the ground up. The interview process will likely test your ability to think strategically, not just write code.
Future Outlook
If Otonomee successfully hires and retains this engineer, the company could build a strong AI capability that differentiates it in its market. The role could also serve as a template for other companies looking to make their first AI hire.
However, much depends on execution. The engineer will need to deliver results quickly to justify the investment. If they succeed, Otonomee could become a case study in how to build AI capability from scratch.
Our Take
Otonomee’s decision to hire a Full Stack AI Engineer in Portugal is a smart move. The company is betting on AI as a core capability, not just an add-on. For the right candidate, this is a career-defining opportunity — the chance to build something from nothing and shape a company’s technical future.
But the role is not without risk. The engineer will need to navigate ambiguity, manage expectations, and deliver results without a safety net. For those who thrive in that environment, this could be the job of a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Full Stack AI Engineer role at Otonomee?
It’s the first software engineering hire at Otonomee, focused on building the company’s AI capability and platform. The role involves designing, building, and shipping AI-powered applications end-to-end, from backend to UI, on Azure.
Where is the role based?
The role is remote within Portugal. The company is hiring a permanent employee based in Portugal.
Who does the Full Stack AI Engineer report to?
The role reports to the CTO, with a dotted line to the Product Builder.
What experience is required for this role?
The ideal candidate should have experience with full-stack development, AI/ML frameworks, and Azure. They should also be comfortable working in ambiguous environments and across multiple teams.
How can I apply for this role?
Applications are open via Otonomee’s careers page on Personio. The job listing is titled “Full Stack AI Engineer (Remote in Portugal).”
