Advances in AI tooling are fundamentally changing how software and systems are built.
A single experienced builder can now design and deploy systems that previously required entire teams. At Hearst, we are building a team of AI Systems Builders who use modern AI development environments to turn ideas into working systems quickly.
This role sits at the intersection of product thinking, software systems, and applied AI. You will take ambiguous problems and transform them into working AI-powered workflows, prototypes, and internal products used by teams across the company.
This is not a traditional engineering role centered on writing large amounts of code manually. Instead, you will design systems, orchestrate AI tools and agents, and rapidly ship solutions that deliver real business impact.
If you enjoy turning messy real-world problems into working systems that people actually use, this role may be a great fit.
What You’ll Build
AI Systems Builders work on a wide range of problems across Hearst businesses. Examples of systems you might build include:
How You’ll Work
AI Systems Builders operate differently from traditional engineers. You will:
Use modern AI development tools and agentic coding environments
Design workflows and system architectures rather than writing every component manually
Combine models, APIs, enterprise tools, and automation platforms
Iterate rapidly with stakeholders to validate real-world value
Responsibilities
Design and ship AI-powered workflows, internal tools, and automation systems.
Translate business needs into system architectures and validation plans.
Rapidly prototype solutions and evolve them into durable internal products.
Use AI agents to generate code, configuration, documentation, and tests while reviewing outputs carefully.
Build reusable workflow assets such as instructions, integrations, and evaluation frameworks.
Leverage multimodal AI capabilities including vision, audio, and video when useful.
Partner directly with business teams to identify opportunities for AI-driven transformation.
Ensure systems are reliable, governable, and maintainable.
Strong Candidate Backgrounds
Experienced software engineers
Startup builders or early engineers
Technical product builders
Solutions architects or automation engineers
You Likely Have
5+ years building technical systems or products
Strong understanding of modern software architecture (APIs, databases, cloud infrastructure)
Experience using AI tools, LLM APIs, or workflow automation platforms
The ability to review and reason about generated code and system behavior
Comfort working in ambiguous environments where problems are not fully specified
What Makes Someone Successful
The strongest AI Systems Builders:
Focus on solving real problems, not just building demos
Move quickly from idea to working prototype
Understand how systems fit together and where they fail
Engage directly with stakeholders to understand real workflows
Care about delivering measurable outcomes and real adoption
What Success Looks Like
In accordance with applicable law, Hearst is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role if hired in New York City. The reasonable estimate, if hired in New York City, is $175,000 - $200,000. Please note this information is specific to those hired in New York City. If this role is open to candidates outside of New York City, the salary range would be aligned to that specific location. A final decision on the successful candidate’s starting salary will be based on a number of permissible, non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to skills and experience, training, certifications, and education. Hearst provides a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, 401(k), paid holidays and paid time off, employee assistance programs, and more.Strong Candidate Backgrounds
As one of the nation’s largest global, diversified information, services and media companies, Hearst has been leading with purpose and integrity and innovating for more than a century. With a mission to inform audiences and improve lives, the company’s portfolio includes global financial services leader Fitch Group; Hearst Health, a group of medical information and services businesses; Hearst Transportation, which includes CAMP Systems International, a major provider of software-as-a-service solutions for managing the maintenance of jets and helicopters; 35 television stations; 24 daily and 52 weekly newspapers; more than 200 magazine editions around the world and ownership in cable television networks A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime and ESPN.
Leading with purpose, Hearst is always moving forward. With a commitment to the highest quality in our products and services, we’re investing in healthcare solutions to help improve patient outcomes and technology that curbs emissions. Our brands are providing vital analysis, data and software to the global financial services industry; delivering important service and investigative journalism; and inspiring audiences with sports and entertainment programming. And we are dedicated to serving the communities it operates in, both civically and philanthropically.
