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
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Own and advance the intelligence layer — computer vision, LLMs, and AI systems — rather than the application layer.
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Apply the latest computer vision models and AI techniques to real construction workflows (e.g., object detection, document understanding, material quantification).
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Ship working prototypes quickly and iterate based on direct user feedback.
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Coordinate and orchestrate multiple ML models to solve complex, end-to-end estimation problems.
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Embrace "schlep" work — the unglamorous but critical groundwork that makes early-stage products real.
What We're Looking For
Required:
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Demonstrated 0-to-1 builder experience — you've shipped AI systems to production.
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Strong applied skills in Computer Vision, Deep Learning, and Machine Learning.
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Proficiency in Python and modern ML/CV tooling.
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Growth mindset: you value slope over y-intercept and thrive in ambiguity.
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Clear, empathetic communicator — honest about what's working and what isn't.
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Willingness to do whatever it takes, including unglamorous foundational work.
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US Citizenship required (no visa sponsorship available).
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Based in San Francisco or willing to relocate; role is full-time, in-office.
Nice to Have:
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Background in construction, estimating, or the built environment.
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Experience as a founder or early employee at a startup where you built something people used or paid for.
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Impact-driven mindset with a desire to work on problems that matter at scale.
Compensation & Benefits
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Salary: $120,000 – $180,000 USD annually (depending on experience)
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Early-stage equity
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Full-time, permanent position
Location
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San Francisco, CA, United States
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Full-time, in-office — relocation welcome
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Remote work is not available for this role
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Visa sponsorship: not available
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