> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2591025-founding-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2591025-founding-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Founding Engineer - **Company:** CLERA, LLC - **Location:** San Francisco, CA, United States - **Experience:** Experienced - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Software Design Patterns, Python (Programming Language), Node.Js, Software Engineering, TypeScript, ReactJS, Large Language Models, Backend - **Published:** August 2, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=0a49300309234fb1 ## About the Role Dealbreakers: * 2+ years of software engineering experience. * Full-stack development proficiency with Node.js, TypeScript, and React, plus backend experience with Python. Required: * Hands-on experience with LLM design patterns, vector stores, and model fine-tuning. * Proven track record designing, building, and deploying scalable products from MVP through to production. * Demonstrated ability to lead customer conversations and translate feedback into clear product requirements. * Experience working in a startup or early-stage environment - you're comfortable with ambiguity and moving fast. ## Description An early-stage AI startup in the freight and logistics space is looking for a Founding Engineer to help shape the product, technology, and company direction from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to sit at the intersection of deep customer engagement and hands-on engineering - translating real operational problems in sea and air freight into scalable, production-ready AI-powered solutions. You'll be one of the first technical hires, working closely with the founding team to move from demos to a robust, globally deployed product. The company builds purpose-built AI agents that automate freight operations - think rate requests, bookings, exception handling, and operational intelligence - for top-tier freight forwarders worldwide., * Lead customer conversations and translate insights directly into product features and technical strategy. * Design, build, and ship full-stack applications across the entire product surface. * Push the AI capabilities of the product forward - working with LLMs, vector stores, and model fine-tuning. * Drive the transition from demo-mode to scalable, high-quality production systems. * Help define and shape the product roadmap, technical architecture, and company direction. ## Related Videos - [You are not an AI developer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1148-you-are-not-an-ai-developer) - [Developing the Backend with Stefan Lingler, CTO at Shpock](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100360-developing-the-backend-with-stefan-lingler-cto-at-shpock) - [Watch Tests Go Brrrr! : Getting Started with Cypress in ReactJS](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/282-watch-tests-go-brrrr-getting-started-with-cypress-in-reactjs) - [Stop using Node.js like in 2020! What changed and what you can do today with Node.js](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100011-stop-using-node-js-like-in-2020-what-changed-and-what-you-can-do-today-with-node-js) - [Building AI Applications with LangChain and Node.js](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1512-building-ai-applications-with-langchain-and-node-js) - [Meet Your New BFF: Backend to Frontend without the Duct Tape](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/682-meet-your-new-bff-backend-to-frontend-without-the-duct-tape) ## Related Articles - [What Are Large Language Models?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/304-what-are-large-language-models) - [Dev Digest 132 - Binging WADFlix?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/473-dev-digest-132-binging-wadflix) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer)