Founding Engineer

Founding Engineer

My client, a well-capitalized, early-stage AI startup based in New York City, is looking for a Founding Engineer to join its team as one of its first engineering hires.

The company is building an AI-native platform that improves the reliability of data stored in critical business systems such as CRMs and ERPs. Its technology autonomously identifies and resolves data-quality issues while supporting secure, governed workflows for human review.

This is a rare opportunity to work directly with an accomplished CTO who has built AI and data systems at leading technology companies and for major enterprise and government organizations. You will help build the platform from the ground up and have significant influence over the product, architecture, and engineering culture.

What You’ll Do

• Build the company’s core platform from scratch, taking ownership of major architecture and product decisions
• Develop and ship backend-heavy, full-stack features from concept through production
• Work directly with customers to understand their challenges, gather feedback, and design practical solutions
• Create intuitive products that make sophisticated data and AI workflows accessible to non-technical users
• Use AI-native development tools—including Cursor, Claude Code, and Codex—to accelerate the delivery of production-quality software
• Help shape the product roadmap, technical standards, and engineering culture as an early team member
• Move quickly in a highly collaborative, customer-focused startup environment

What We’re Looking For

• 2–6 years of professional experience in backend or full-stack software engineering
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a closely related technical field, ideally from a highly regarded, top-30 computer science program
• Strong programming experience with Python
• Experience building modern web applications using technologies such as React and Next.js
• A track record of shipping production software and owning projects from development through deployment
• Comfort working across the stack, with particular strength or interest in backend systems
• Experience with, or a strong interest in, AI/LLM applications and AI-assisted software development
• Strong product instincts and the ability to translate customer problems into effective technical solutions
• A high degree of ownership, resourcefulness, and comfort operating in an early-stage environment
• Willingness and ability to work on-site five days per week in NoMad, Manhattan

Preferred Experience

• Experience working at a modern, engineering-led AI, data, infrastructure, fintech, or enterprise software company
• Experience with companies or engineering environments comparable to Palantir, Datadog, Stripe, Rippling, or other highly regarded technology startups
• Experience with AI/LLM frameworks or platforms such as LangChain or LangSmith
• Familiarity with Vercel and modern cloud deployment workflows
• Experience working at an early-stage startup or building a product from zero to one
• Experience developing enterprise software, data platforms, internal tools, or workflow automation products

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary: $150,000–$250,000, depending on experience
• Equity: 0.3%–0.7%
• Healthcare, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) match
• Daily meal stipend

Location and Work Authorization

This is a full-time, on-site position requiring five days per week in the company’s NoMad, New York City office.

The company is unable to provide employment-based visa sponsorship. Candidates must already be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.