About the Role
This is a founding engineering role at an early-stage AI startup transforming the construction pre-construction workflow through automated blueprint understanding and cost estimation. You'll own the intelligence layer — advancing computer vision and AI systems from research to reliable, shipped products that real users depend on. It's a high-impact position on a small, fast-moving team where your work directly shapes the core product.
What You'll Do
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Drive the intelligence layer of the product, focusing on CV/ML systems rather than application-layer work.
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Apply cutting-edge computer vision models, LLMs, and AI systems to real construction workflows.
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Ship initial prototypes quickly, then iterate and improve based on direct user feedback.
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Coordinate and compose multiple ML models into coherent, production-ready pipelines.
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Roll up your sleeves for hands-on, ground-level work — this team embraces "schlep" as part of building early-stage products.
What We're Looking For
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Proven 0-to-1 builder with AI systems shipped to production.
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Strong applied ML experience, including machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision (object detection a plus).
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Proficient in Python and comfortable working across the ML stack.
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Growth mindset — values trajectory and continuous learning over prior pedigree.
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Communicates with empathy and honesty; proactively flags what's working and what isn't.
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Comfortable with ambiguity and repetitive foundational work common at early-stage startups.
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US citizenship required (visa sponsorship is not available).
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Bonus: background in construction or estimating.
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Bonus: prior experience founding or contributing early to a product that attracted real users or paying customers.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary range: $120,000 – $180,000 USD annually. Equity participation expected at the founding engineer level. No visa sponsorship available.
Location
On-site, full-time in San Francisco, California, USA. Candidates must be based in SF or willing to relocate.