Founding Product Engineer
About the Role
Join a small, impact-driven product team at a seed-stage AI startup transforming the construction industry. The company builds computer vision and AI solutions that automate blueprint reading, cost estimation, and permit applications — helping teams build more homes, hospitals, and schools faster and with less waste. As a Founding Product Engineer, you'll have an outsized influence on the product, working directly with customers and shaping core features from concept to production.
What You'll Do
• Own features end-to-end — interview customers weekly and ship meaningful iterations on a tight feedback loop.
• Build intuitive UIs that make complex blueprint and hardware data accessible to users accustomed to paper-based workflows.
• Contribute across the full stack: React frontend, Python backend, and supporting infrastructure.
• Act as a 0-to-1 architect — taking raw ideas from concept through to production.
• Translate messy, domain-specific knowledge from customers into clear, actionable product decisions.
• Help shape product direction, not just implementation details.
• Apply strong product taste to how things look, feel, and work for real users.
• Handle the operational "schlep" that keeps an early-stage startup moving forward.
What We're Looking For
Required:
• Demonstrated ability to build and ship full-stack software (React + Python); open to all experience levels — new grads encouraged.
• Experience owning features end-to-end, from discovery through deployment.
• Track record of regular customer interviews and translating domain knowledge into product decisions.
• Experience building and maintaining Python-based backend services and deployment/infrastructure.
• Strong product taste and user-focused design sensibility.
• Excellent communication skills, empathy, and a growth mindset.
• Ability and willingness to work in-office in San Francisco full-time.
• Must be eligible to work in the US (US citizen or valid work visa) — visa sponsorship is not available.
Nice to Have:
• Previously built and shipped a product used or paid for by real customers (founder or early startup experience).
• Construction domain experience or a clear, genuine interest in the industry.
• Experience at an early-stage or high-growth startup.
Compensation & Benefits
• Salary: $120,000 – $180,000 per year
• Early-stage equity opportunity as a founding team member
• Direct impact on product direction and company culture from day one
Location
This is a full-time, on-site role based in San Francisco, CA. Candidates must be willing to relocate to San Francisco if not already local. Remote work is not available for this position.