Founding Engineer (AI/ML)

About the Role

A pre-seed AI recruiting marketplace startup is looking for a Founding AI/ML Engineer to shape the core intelligence layer of their platform. You'll own recommendation systems, ranking algorithms, and LLM-powered matching that connects top talent with the right opportunities — driving impact for both candidates and employers. This is a foundational, high-ownership role at the earliest stage of a fast-moving company.

What You'll Do

• Build and own the AI/ML intelligence layer, including recommendation systems and ranking algorithms.
• Develop LLM-powered candidate-role matching to improve alignment quality and relevance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to translate product goals into production-ready features.
• Ship end-to-end features daily with full ownership from development through production deployment.
• Architect and maintain production-grade data pipelines and services integrated with the broader stack.

What We're Looking For

Required:

• Strong CS fundamentals with experience delivering end-to-end product features in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Proficiency with TypeScript and React.
• Hands-on experience with Cursor, Supabase, Prisma, Typesense, LLM APIs, and trigger.dev in production-grade projects.
• Proven track record of shipping to production daily and owning features independently.
• Experience thriving in entrepreneurial, resource-constrained, move-fast environments.
• Something outstanding in your profile — e.g., strong academic record, notable projects, or an active GitHub with impressive contributions.
• Open to working on-site in a hackerhouse setup in San Francisco (6 days/week, high-intensity environment).

Nice to Have:

• Prior experience building recommendation or ranking systems at scale.
• Background working in or with venture-backed startup ecosystems.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $130,000 – $170,000 USD annually
• Equity participation as a founding team member
• Visa sponsorship available

Location

On-site in San Francisco, CA, United States. This role involves working from a hackerhouse in San Francisco in a high-intensity, in-person setup. Remote work is not available for this position.