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