Founding Engineer

About the Role

We're looking for a Founding Engineer to join a fast-moving early-stage startup in San Francisco. This is a high-ownership, high-impact role where you'll help build the product from the ground up — contributing not just to the codebase, but to the direction of the company itself. You'll work closely with a small, driven team and have the opportunity to shape architecture, culture, and process from day one.

What You'll Do

• Own end-to-end product development — from ideation and design through to shipping and iteration.

• Build and maintain both frontend and backend systems with a focus on quality and scalability.

• Collaborate directly with founders and stakeholders to translate product vision into working software.

• Make key architectural and technology decisions that will define the foundation of the product.

• Contribute meaningfully to product strategy and roadmap, not just execution.

• Help establish engineering best practices and culture as the team grows.

What We're Looking For

Required:

• 3–7 years of full-stack software development experience.

• Proven experience building products end-to-end at an early-stage startup (0-to-1), with genuine ownership in a small team.

• Strong proficiency in both frontend and backend development.

• CS degree from a top-20 university program.

• Strong product sense — you think like a builder and a user.

• Based in San Francisco, CA or willing to relocate.

• Must be eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Nice to Have:

• Prior experience at a high-growth startup or a large-scale technology company (FAANG-tier).

• Comfort operating in ambiguity and wearing multiple hats.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $200,000 – $300,000 USD annually, depending on experience.

• Equity participation as an early team member.

Location

• On-site in San Francisco, CA.

• Relocation candidates are welcome to apply.

• Visa sponsorship is not available — applicants must be authorised to work in the US.