Founding Engineer
Summary
Build and shape a new product from scratch as a founding engineer, owning full-stack development and collaborating closely with founders to define architecture and strategy.
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.