Smadexis a leading mobile and CTV advertising technology company founded in Barcelona and acquired by Entravision (NYSE: EVC) in 2018. We deliver performance marketing campaigns for apps, games, and brands through our proprietary DSP, powered by advanced machine learning and real-time optimization.As Smadex scales its AI capabilities, we are building agents, automating workflows, and making increasingly complex decisions about where AI investment is genuinely worth making. To lead this, we are hiring our firstAI R&D; & Effectiveness Lead- a technically rigorous, commercially grounded practitioner who can evaluate what is worth building, make the business case for it, and build it to a production standard.This is afoundational R&D; roleat the intersection of AI engineering, business analysis, and operational strategy. You will not just evaluate AI tools - you will run the decision framework that governs Smadex’s AI investment, and you will build the agents, integrations, and automated workflows that power it.This is a full-time position based in Barcelona.Key ResponsibilitiesBuild vs Buy - ROI Decision FrameworkOwn the evaluation process for every AI initiative: agent, query/report, engineering build, hybrid, or native platform add-on - applied consistently before anyone writes a line of codeProduce rigorous ROI analyses for AI investment - quantified, tracked against vigente outcomes, and iterated over timeMaintain the build vs buy evaluation across core platforms (Salesforce, Slack, Power BI, Notion, Hibob, Saleshood etc) - assessing native AI features versus custom builds for each use caseWork alongside the SVP to stress-test recommendations before they are presented to business stakeholdersProduction-Grade AI DevelopmentDesign and build AI agents, webhook integrations, MCP connections, and agentic workflows to production standardsApply security-first and efficiency-first principles to every build: least privilege, observable outputs, sustainable maintenance overheadProduce clean,



well-documented solutions that others can understand, maintain, and build on - not black-box prototypesOwn the technical handover to the Enablement Lead for every build that goes into operational useAI Capability ManagementMaintain the AI capability matrix: which models and tools are approved for which use cases, with documented rationaleContinuously benchmark new capabilities against Smadex’s actual use cases - not generic industry benchmarksTrack model and tool end-of-life proactively;
recommend transitions before performance degradesKeep the team from quietly running on outdated or cost-inefficient modelsR&D; and InnovationOwn the forward-looking R&D; function: horizon scanning, prototyping, and translating emerging AI capabilities into Smadex-relevant proof of conceptsLead structured innovation initiatives - hackathons, rapid prototyping sprints - working cross-functionally to generate and validate ideasBrief the team and Enablement Lead on what is coming in the AI landscape that is relevant to Smadex’s commercial and operational contextWhat we are looking for4–7 years of experience in AI engineering, solutions architecture, technical product, or a similar hands-on builder roleProduction AI build experience: agents, automations, API integrations, or agentic workflows shipped to a real production environment - not just prototypesSecurity and efficiency mindset: designs for least privilege, observable outputs, and maintainability from the start, not as an afterthoughtStrong analytical capability: able to construct an ROI framework, quantify trade-offs,



and communicate a build recommendation clearly to non-technical stakeholdersFamiliarity with the business Saa S ecosystem: Salesforce, Slack, Notion, or similar - and how AI layers onto commercial and operational workflowsBonus: Experience with MCP architecture, webhook design, or agentic workflow patternsBonus: Background in adtech, DSP, or programmatic - domain fluency shortens the calibration periodBonus: Exposure to AWS Bedrock or equivalent managed AI servicesA portfolio of things you have actually shipped carries more weight than any certification. We are looking for someone who has moved from idea to production on something AI-powered and who can explain exactly why some builds break in the real world.Why this role matters:This is not an AI tools evaluation role.It is the function that decides what Smadex’s AI is worth doing and makes sure it gets done properly. You will own the R&D; capability for a fast-moving, commercially ambitious business unit - building the agents and workflows that compound over time, and making the investment decisions that ensure we are never building the wrong thing for the wrong reason.If you are a rigorous thinker who can also ship - and who finds it energising to work at the boundary of analysis and construction - we’d love to meet you.Please note that we do NOT provide VISA sponsorship. Candidates without a legal permit to work in Spain won't be considered.What is in it for you:Integrate a highly motivated, young and dynamic teamGreat compensation packageTop location at the heart of Barcelona with a rooftop terrace, Barbecue, and a fully stocked fridgeGreat work-life balance: work from home (2 days per week), flexible hoursMeal vouchers - Ticket Restaurant monthly allowanceMonthly gym allowance: Choose between Di R and WellhubLinked In Learning and training opportunitiesMonthly TGIF eventsRegular team-building eventsFun and friendly work environment with talented marketers and engineers from over 40 countries

📌 Ai R&D & Effectiveness Lead (Barcelona)
🏢 Smadex
📍 Barcelona