Founding Engineer (Applied AI)

About the Role

Join a small, high-impact team at the frontier of construction technology. This early-stage company uses a model-garden approach to automate blueprint understanding, material takeoffs, and cost estimation — making construction faster and more affordable. As a Founding Engineer (Applied AI), you'll own the intelligence layer: advancing computer vision and AI systems from research to production prototypes that real users rely on every day.

This is a rare opportunity for a builder who wants to go deep on applied CV/ML in a domain ripe for disruption, work directly alongside the founders, and have outsized influence on product and technical direction from day one.

What You'll Do

• Own and advance the intelligence layer — computer vision, LLMs, and AI systems — rather than the application layer.

• Apply the latest computer vision models and AI techniques to real construction workflows (e.g., object detection, document understanding, material quantification).

• Ship working prototypes quickly and iterate based on direct user feedback.

• Coordinate and orchestrate multiple ML models to solve complex, end-to-end estimation problems.

• Embrace "schlep" work — the unglamorous but critical groundwork that makes early-stage products real.

What We're Looking For

Required:

• Demonstrated 0-to-1 builder experience — you've shipped AI systems to production.

• Strong applied skills in Computer Vision, Deep Learning, and Machine Learning.

• Proficiency in Python and modern ML/CV tooling.

• Growth mindset: you value slope over y-intercept and thrive in ambiguity.

• Clear, empathetic communicator — honest about what's working and what isn't.

• Willingness to do whatever it takes, including unglamorous foundational work.

• US Citizenship required (no visa sponsorship available).

• Based in San Francisco or willing to relocate; role is full-time, in-office.

Nice to Have:

• Background in construction, estimating, or the built environment.

• Experience as a founder or early employee at a startup where you built something people used or paid for.

• Impact-driven mindset with a desire to work on problems that matter at scale.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $120,000 – $180,000 USD annually (depending on experience)

• Early-stage equity

• Full-time, permanent position

Location

• San Francisco, CA, United States

• Full-time, in-office — relocation welcome

• Remote work is not available for this role

• Visa sponsorship: not available