About the RoleJoin a small, high-impact team at an early-stage startup building cutting-edge AI to transform the construction industry. This company uses a model-garden approach to automate blueprint understanding, material takeoffs, and cost estimation - making construction projects faster and more affordable. As a
Founding Engineer (Applied AI), you'll own the intelligence layer, taking the newest computer vision and LLM models from research to production-grade prototypes that real users rely on.
This is a full-time, in-office role based in
San Francisco, CA.
What You'll Do- Focus on the intelligence layer - not the application layer - designing and advancing AI/CV/ML systems end-to-end.
- Apply the latest computer vision models, large language models, and AI systems to real construction workflows.
- Ship working prototypes quickly, then iterate based on direct user feedback.
- Coordinate and orchestrate multiple ML models as part of a broader model-garden architecture.
- Roll up your sleeves for "schlep" work - the unglamorous but essential parts of building early-stage products.
What We're Looking ForRequired:- Hands-on applied experience with computer vision, machine learning, and deep learning.
- Strong Python skills and comfort working close to the model layer.
- Proven track record as a 0-to-1 builder - you've shipped AI systems to production.
- Growth mindset: you value trajectory (slope) over where you started (y-intercept).
- Communicates with empathy and honesty - candid about what's working and what isn't.
- Based in San Francisco or willing to relocate; fully in-office.
Nice to Have:- Experience building a product that people used or paid for (founder or early startup experience).
- Background in construction, estimating, or construction technology.
- Impact-driven mindset with comfort operating in ambiguity.
Compensation & Benefits- Salary: $120,000 - $180,000 USD annually, depending on experience.
- Early-stage equity opportunity as a founding team member.
Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
LocationSan Francisco, CA, United States - full-time, in-office. Candidates must be local or willing to relocate.
