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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Founding Engineer - **Company:** Recruiting from Scratch - **Location:** San Francisco, CA, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $150,000.0 - $300,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Artificial Intelligence, Databases, Relational Databases, Software Debugging, Python (Programming Language), PostgreSQL, Software Architecture, Next.js, Software Deployment, Software Engineering, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, TypeScript, Tailwind, ReactJS, AI Coding Agents, Backend, Fastapi, Stripe, Build Tools, Front End Software Development, Api Design, Restful APIs - **Published:** November 2, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/founding-engineer-san-francisco-ca--e930a699-aea8-4013-8c27-6a31b221615f ## About the Role * 4-12 years of professional software engineering experience, with strong backend or full-stack experience. * Experience building and shipping production software products. * Demonstrated ownership of features from initial design through production. * Strong proficiency in Python and/or TypeScript. * Experience designing APIs and working with relational databases. * Experience at an early-stage startup or evidence of building zero-to-one products within a larger organization. * Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently with minimal direction. * A product-oriented mindset and interest in contributing to decisions beyond implementation. * Comfort working across backend systems, frontend features, and architecture as needed. * Willingness to work on-site in Tribeca, New York City, four days per week., * Backend development and API design. * Python and/or TypeScript. * Relational databases and data modeling. * Full-stack product development. * System architecture and scalability. * Production deployment, debugging, and reliability. Relevant Technologies * Backend: Python, FastAPI. * Database: PostgreSQL. * Frontend: TypeScript, Next.js, React, Tailwind. * Payments and integrations: Stripe, Auth0, Canopy Connect. * Development workflow: AI-assisted coding tools. Candidates do not need to have used every technology listed. Prioritize strong engineering fundamentals, practical backend experience, production ownership, and the ability to learn new technologies quickly. Preferred Background * Experience building B2B2C products or platforms serving both businesses and consumers. * Experience at an early-stage startup or as an early engineering hire. * Experience launching new products or taking existing products from beta to broader adoption. * Experience building scalable APIs, internal tooling, and integrations. * Frequent use of AI-assisted coding tools in day-to-day engineering. * Experience in fintech, insurance technology, payments, or other regulated industries. * Interest in insurance affordability, predictive modeling, or technology-driven financial products. * Experience working closely with a CTO or founding team on architecture and product decisions. Working Style and Culture * High ownership: Takes responsibility for outcomes rather than waiting for detailed instructions. * Product-minded: Understands customer needs and makes practical engineering trade-offs. * Autonomous: Can identify problems, propose solutions, and execute independently. * Startup-oriented: Comfortable with ambiguity, shifting priorities, and a small team. * Execution-focused: Ships working software quickly without sacrificing important quality standards. * Technically versatile: Can work across backend, frontend, integrations, and architecture. * Proactive problem-solver: Looks for ways to improve systems and reduce repetitive work. * AI-enabled: Uses modern AI coding tools to increase development speed and effectiveness. * Collaborative: Works effectively with engineering, operations, and other non-engineering stakeholders., * Solve a real consumer problem: Help build technology designed to improve homeowners' ability to manage insurance costs. ## Description * Build and ship products end-to-end: Own features from initial product discussions and technical design through implementation, testing, deployment, and production support. * Develop backend services and APIs: Build reliable backend systems, APIs, and data workflows that support insurance products and customer-facing experiences. * Drive product expansion: Help launch the auto insurance product beyond beta and integrate new products into the existing platform. * Shape system architecture: Make important decisions around backend architecture, infrastructure, scalability, and long-term system design as an early member of the engineering team. * Contribute across the full stack: Work primarily on backend systems, with some frontend development using TypeScript, Next.js, React, and Tailwind. * Improve scalability and reliability: Build systems that can support growing customer demand, additional products, and expanding distribution. * Build internal tooling: Develop tools that allow non-engineering teammates to resolve common issues independently and reduce the engineering team's support workload. * Use AI-assisted development tools: Incorporate AI coding tools into your workflow to accelerate development, improve productivity, and ship efficiently. * Own technical decisions: Work autonomously, identify problems before they are escalated, and make pragmatic decisions in a fast-moving startup environment. * Collaborate closely with leadership: Work with the CTO and the broader team to influence product direction and establish engineering practices as the company grows., * Join at an early stage: Become a founding engineer at a seed-stage company with $7.5 million raised and growing revenue. * Own meaningful product work: Take responsibility for features and products from concept through production. * Influence architecture: Help shape foundational engineering decisions as the platform scales. * Expand into new products: Contribute to the launch of auto insurance and future product lines. * Work closely with the CTO: Have direct input into technical direction and product decisions. * Build with modern tools: Work with Python, FastAPI, PostgreSQL, TypeScript, Next.js, and AI-assisted development workflows.