From Backend Developer
to AI Engineer in 8 Weeks
You already build production systems. You know databases, APIs, and deployment.
You're closer to AI engineering than you think.
You Build Systems.
You Just Need the ML Layer.
AI engineers earn 20-40% more than backend developers, but you don't know how to bridge the gap.
You see AI roles but the ML math and theory feels like a foreign language.
You're not sure if you need a degree, bootcamp, or can transition with focused learning.
Backend to AI: The Fastest Path.
The World-Class AI Engineer Cohort
Backend developers are the BEST positioned for AI engineering. You already know 60-70% of the job: production systems, APIs, databases, and deployment. You just need to add the ML layer. Let's make that happen efficiently.
Skills Audit
Map what transfers from backend
Fill ML Gaps
Learn only what you need
Position & Land
Leverage backend experience in interviews
Meet Your Mentor
My aim has been the same for years: become a world-class AI engineer. Every career move I've made has been measured against that.
I started as a software tester on a $500/month internship in the Netherlands. Taught myself to code, learned to ship real systems, and worked my way to Senior Engineer at GitHub.
Then I left GitHub. I joined an AI research lab as Member of Technical Staff, where I currently build products for secure AI monitoring.
The cohort draws directly from my real experience so you can make progress fast.
I run this special cohort with only a few people because hands-on work with me is what it takes to bring you to become a world-class AI engineer.
Real Results
Vittor
AI Engineer
Built and deployed his portfolio piece, then landed the AI role
"The coaching played a huge part in my success. I focused on AI fundamentals, the certification path, and soft skills like professional writing. Having access to expert guidance gave me confidence during interviews and helped me feel I was on the right path.
I built my own platform (simple but functional) and deployed it on AWS. I used it in my portfolio and showcased it during interviews. The way complex topics were explained, especially the restaurant analogy for AI systems, really stuck with me. Focusing on doing the basics well was absolutely essential."
What You Will Get
8 Weekly Tuesday Sessions
3 hours each for 24 live hours total.
Project Scoping at Kickoff
We set the scope of what you'll ship and the milestones to get there before the live sessions start.
Code Reviews
Reviews of your code from Zen during the cohort.
Lifetime Demo Access
Every architecture demo is recorded and yours to keep.
Demo Day
You present what you built and get feedback from Zen, with a recording you can use in your portfolio.
12 Months Community Access
Included with the cohort.
Backend Experience Is Your Unfair Advantage
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are backend developers well-suited for AI engineering?
Most AI engineering is NOT model building. It's building production systems around models: data pipelines, API endpoints, deployment infrastructure, monitoring, and scaling. Backend developers already know 60-70% of this. The ML layer is actually the smaller piece. Companies increasingly want engineers who can ship AI to production, not just train models in notebooks.
What do backend developers need to learn for AI roles?
Core additions: ML fundamentals (not PhD-level math), common model types and when to use them, LLM APIs and prompt engineering, vector databases, and ML-specific observability. You DON'T need to learn: deep theory, model architecture from scratch, or advanced mathematics. Focus on applied ML and production AI systems.
How much time will this take?
You'll spend 3 hours every Tuesday in the live session and roughly 3 hours of async work in between, for 8 weeks. The Tuesday session time is fixed.
I've signed up for cohorts before and dropped out. How is this different?
It probably isn't, and you should hold the money. Most cohort dropouts are people who couldn't articulate what they were shipping when they signed up. That's why the consult exists, and why I turn down most applications. If we get on the call and you can't tell me what you'll have shipped at the end of week 8, I'll point you to the AI Native Engineer community until you can.
I'm not pivoting careers. I want to build a product. Does this still work?
Yes, the cohort works for people shipping their first serious AI system whether the goal is to land a senior role or to launch a product. The shipped system serves both equally well.
Do I need prior AI experience?
You need to be able to code in Python or TypeScript. Complete beginners can follow the classroom they get access to before the cohort sessions to come in well-prepared.
What does it cost?
It's a four-figure investment that we discuss during the 30-minute consult, alongside whether the cohort is the right fit for your project.
Can I do this while working full-time?
Yes, most attendees do. The live session is one Tuesday a week and the async work fits around your existing schedule, as long as you can carve out roughly 6 hours a week.
I accept those who have the highest chance of success.
In the 30-minute call we discuss your goals and whether you are ready for the program.