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# Founding Engineer

- **Company:** PEOPLE INC.
- **Location:** San Francisco, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** $160,000.0 - $200,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Programming Tools, Apache Hive, PostgreSQL, Node.Js, Redis, Next.js, Software Engineering, TypeScript, ReactJS, Agentic-AI, Virtual Agents
- **Published:** October 27, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.thejobnetwork.com/job/5d5c30d1-59d5-4b65-bc9d-03e19ef58d08/founding-engineer

## About the Role

3-7 years of professional software engineering experience
Proven experience at a Series A, Series B or fast-moving technology company
Demonstrated experience building or working with AI agents and agent-based systems
Strong full-stack proficiency with TypeScript, Node.js, Express, React and Next.js
Ability to independently ship features across the entire stack
High agency, strong sense of ownership and comfort with ambiguity
Strong startup mindset with the willingness to wear multiple hats

Important Requirements

Experience with PostgreSQL, Redis and asynchronous systems
Experience with browser automation, scraping and retrieval infrastructure
Experience with AI agent orchestration, context management and evaluations
Experience with production systems, observability and workflow orchestration

Nice to Have

Experience with MCP servers and developer tools
Background in e-commerce, retail, search, attribution or analytics
Degree from a top-50 university

## Description

People Hive is supporting a client in San Francisco in the search for a highly skilled Founding Engineer to join the business as its first engineering hire.

This is an opportunity to shape the technical direction and engineering culture of a fast-moving, YC-backed startup focused on the future of AI-powered commerce.

The successful candidate will have significant ownership across product architecture, full-stack development and the implementation of AI agent technologies. The Founding Engineer will work directly with customers, translate feedback into shipped features, and build robust and scalable infrastructure from the ground up.