Chief AI Architect & Technology Officer (Semantic/Semiotic AI)
Prilly,
Switzerland
At tokum.ai, we're pioneering the Semiotic Web—transforming artificial intelligence from probabilistic guessing to deterministic comprehension. As our Chief AI Architect & Technology Officer, you'll lead the system design, development, and hands-on implementation of our revolutionary semantic search and meaning-centric AI platform. This role demands exceptional technical depth and a builder's mindset—someone who thrives architecting complex systems while also rolling up their sleeves to write code, integrate technologies, and deliver robust, scalable solutions.
This position requires both visionary system architecture and hands-on execution. You'll operate at the forefront of AI innovation, bridging semantic web technologies, neural reasoning, knowledge graphs, and modern NLP—translating breakthrough concepts into production-ready platforms. Success requires deep technical expertise, a passion for building, and comfort navigating the dynamic environment of a pre-launch AI startup.
Key Responsibilities
Architect, develop, and implement the semantic core from initial definitions and foundational design to scaled technology platform with advanced architecture: knowledge representation, entity/relationship extraction, and meaning propagation pipelines
- Design and develop semiotic algorithms (e.g., Tokumizer), hybrid sparse/dense retrieval systems, and semantic parsing stacks for deep contextual understanding
- Integrate multi-vector databases, agentic frameworks (LangChain), and state-of-the-art NLP techniques (ColBERT-class models, embedding systems)
- Translate vision and research prototypes into clear technical specifications, modular architecture, and production-grade code
- Bridge product vision and R&D execution, creating comprehensive documentation and scalable systems for cutting-edge semantic platforms
- Build robust data pipelines, tokenization strategies, and embedding training workflows that preserve meaning and enable explainability
- Lead hands-on development initially, transitioning over time to a hybrid role combining technical leadership with continued hands-on contribution
- Establish technical standards, best practices, and quality benchmarks; mentor and guide engineers and data scientists as the team grows
- Collaborate with the founder, strategic advisors, and partnership coordinator to ensure alignment between technical roadmap and business objectives
- Drive technology selection decisions (build vs. buy) for infrastructure, tools, and platforms, balancing innovation with practical delivery
Must Have
- Outstanding track record of system architecture, design, development, and implementation in AI/ML/NLP domains
- Senior-level experience with substantial hands-on technical work—a builder and doer who enjoys getting their hands dirty
- Demonstrated success architecting and constructing major technology projects from concept through production deployment
- Deep expertise in semantic web technologies (RDF, RDF-Star, SPARQL, ontologies), knowledge graphs, and symbolic reasoning
- Strong background in modern NLP: embeddings, vector databases, dense/sparse retrieval, neural ranking (ColBERT-style architectures)
- Proficiency integrating complex AI systems: graph databases (Neo4j), multi-vector stores (Weaviate, Pinecone, Qdrant), agentic frameworks
- Fluent in multiple programming languages and frameworks (Python, Java, graph query languages, cloud-native orchestration)
- Proven ability to bridge theoretical AI research with robust, scalable engineering and product delivery
- Excellent communication skills with ability to translate complex technical concepts for cross-functional teams
- Passion for explainable, meaning-centric AI and commitment to transparency over black-box approaches
Nice to Have
(Not Required)
- PhD or equivalent research background in machine learning, computational linguistics, semiotics, or knowledge representation—especially if combined with strong hands-on system-building experience
- Successful product launches in semantic AI, knowledge graph platforms, or advanced search/retrieval systems
- Publication record in top-tier AI/NLP conferences or strong open-source contributions in relevant domains
- Experience with cognitive science, semiotic theory, or formal semantics applied to AI systems
- Familiarity with LLM fine-tuning, prompt engineering, and building transparent layers on top of foundation models
- Background in early-stage startups or high-growth technology companies; comfort with ambiguity and rapid iteration
- Experience building and leading high-performing technical teams; track record of hiring and mentoring exceptional engineers
- Multilingual capabilities; familiarity with European tech ecosystems
- Understanding of corporate compliance, IP management, and technical due diligence for investors
What We Offer
At tokum.ai, every team member has the opportunity to witness the direct impact of their contributions. You'll make meaningful advances toward a future where AI is transparent, trustworthy, and universally explainable—work that genuinely matters for science, business, and society.
Perks
Founding-Level Package
Co-Founder Equity & Compensation
Substantial founding equity stake with competitive salary—structured to balance meaningful ownership with market-level compensation. Details tailored to experience and contribution.
Technical Leadership & Autonomy
Full authority over technology architecture, platform strategy, and engineering culture. Your vision defines how tokum.ai builds the Semiotic Web—from tools and stack to team structure and roadmap.
Strategic Influence & Flexibility
Direct involvement in company strategy and long-term vision. Remote-friendly work arrangements with flexibility between distributed and on-site presence based on project needs and preferences.
Founding Impact & Growth
Shape the technical DNA of a pioneering AI company from day one. Build and lead your team, establish standards, and contribute to a paradigm shift in how intelligence understands meaning.