Lead Frontend Engineer

## About Storyline Storyline is a seed-stage AI startup with institutional backing, building a new way to deliver data through video. We generate dynamic, personalized video experiences powered by AI—but our output isn't just an MP4. We combine SVG, motion graphics, avatars, narration, and data visualization into experiences that look and feel like broadcast-quality video, built entirely from code, media assets, and JSON. This is a fundamentally different way of creating video—one that's dynamic, programmable, and personalized at scale. We're bringing this patent-pending technology to financial services first (already working with major institutions), and then far beyond. We're a small team building something genuinely new. There's no playbook for what we're doing—and that's the point. ## About This Role We're hiring a Lead Frontend Engineer to take ownership of our Player—the system that renders video experiences in the browser—and help shape how it evolves. You'll lead a small team of engineers and report directly to our CTO while remaining deeply hands-on—designing architecture, building core components, and raising the bar for how the team operates. Your role will take on deep ownership of one of the most critical parts of our platform: our client-side rendering engine that orchestrates SVG, animation, audio, and video into seamless playback. This is not a coordination role. You'll be in the code every day, making real tradeoffs, and shipping systems that directly impact the product. ## What You'll Do ### Engineering - Architect and build core systems within the Player, and contribute to broader frontend architecture as needed - Define frontend architecture (frameworks, state management, rendering strategies, build tooling) - Push performance in the Player—frame accuracy, animation smoothness, and cross-browser reliability matter - Build scalable, configuration-driven component systems across many scene types and data visualizations - Design testing strategies that reflect real-world failure modes - Write code that is durable, understandable, and extensible - Maintain documentation about Player capabilities for internal teams ### Leadership - Lead and mentor a team of frontend engineers with clear expectations and direct feedback - Establish and evolve frontend standards—style guides, testing practices, and review processes - Set the pace for development and define what "high-quality, fast execution" looks like - Run code reviews that teach, not gatekeep - Collaborate closely with Product, Design, Backend, QA, and leadership on tradeoffs and delivery - Make pragmatic build-vs-buy decisions ### AI-Assisted Development - Use AI tools (Claude, Copilot, etc.) as part of real development workflows - Help define how the team uses these tools effectively and where they provide real leverage ## What Success Looks Like (First 6 Months) - You've shipped meaningful improvements to the Player's performance and capabilities - The frontend architecture is clearer, more scalable, and easier to build on - The team is moving faster with stronger patterns and standards - You've identified and begun executing on key architectural upgrades - Engineers on the team are improving through your guidance and reviews ## What We're Looking For ### Core Experience - Strong frontend engineering background (typically 5+ years; we care more about depth than tenure) - Deep expertise in JavaScript/TypeScript and modern frameworks (React, Vue, or equivalent) - Experience leading or mentoring engineers and setting technical direction ### Technical Depth - Strong understanding of browser rendering, performance, and animation systems - Experience working with SVG, complex UI systems, or highly interactive applications - Experience building scalable, configuration-driven component architectures - Ability to own architecture decisions end-to-end and articulate tradeoffs clearly ### Strong Signals (Not Required) - Data visualization experience (D3 or similar) - Experience with audio/video orchestration in the browser (Web Audio API, MediaSource, etc.) - Background in motion graphics, creative coding, or visually rich frontend systems - Familiarity with headless browser environments or programmatic video generation - Experience in startup environments or fast-moving teams - Comfort working across the stack (Node.js or Python familiarity) ## Who You Are - You set a high bar and hold yourself to it first - You communicate clearly and directly - You're energized by ambiguity and early-stage problem spaces - You care about craft, but prioritize impact - You're not precious about your code—you'd rather ship the right thing than defend your own work - You believe strong teams are built through clear expectations, honest feedback, and investment in others ## Compensation & Details - Competitive salary, commensurate with experience - Meaningful early-stage equity - Remote-friendly, with preference for candidates near Los Angeles or Chicago for periodic in-person collaboration - Small, highly technical team where decisions happen fast and impact is immediate If you have a GitHub, portfolio, or examples of systems you've built—we'd love to see them. ## Equal Opportunity Storyline is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse perspectives and believe the best teams are built by people with different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints working toward a shared goal.