Head of Engineering – AI Model Routing Startup

You were early at an AI company that took off, you still write code, and you've built teams. Turn a fast-growing group into a real engineering organisation.

A seed-stage AI startup in San Francisco believes companies should control their own AI rather than depend on one provider's models, prices and privacy terms. Its platform sends each request to the best of hundreds of open-source and proprietary models, runs wherever the customer chooses, and lets teams build AI agents that carry out real business tasks. About a hundred customers around the world rely on it, from young startups to public companies. You'll set the technical direction and shape a team of about 18 people into a strong engineering organisation.

What you'll own

• The technical course of the routing engine, the agent framework, memory and performance
• Hiring engineers and setting standards for code quality and reliability
• The hardest technical problems, together with the CEO, COO and CPO
• Staying hands-on in the code while leading the team

Must-haves

• You were one of the first engineers at an AI company that grew fast or became well known (mainly big-tech experience without a start-up phase won't fit)
• You still write code yourself while you design the architecture and lead people (a manager who no longer codes won't fit)
• You've recruited engineers and been responsible for technical choices and quality at meaningful scale
• 4+ years of experience
• Working from the San Francisco office five days a week, 9-9-6

Bonus points

• Depth across both infrastructure and product
• Founder or independent-builder experience
• A strong computer science background, and already based in San Francisco

What's in it for you

• $350k–$500k base
• A leadership role where you keep building
• A company apartment to help you relocate, plus relocation and health benefits
• Visa sponsorship available

Good to know

• Full-time, on-site in San Francisco, 9-9-6; engineers also work on site with customers abroad
• Process: intro with company leadership one or two technical interviews a 3–4 hour technical exercise a one-day work trial on site references offer

When you apply, please include

• Your CV (PDF), your LinkedIn URL, and GitHub if you have one
• The early-stage AI company you helped grow: what you built and how the team developed
• The engineers you hired and the standards you set
• Your current location, and confirmation that five days a week in San Francisco works for you
• Your visa or citizenship status
• Your base salary expectation, your notice period, and any other interview processes you're in

Does this sound like you? Apply now. If you're a match, we'll be in touch within 3 working days.

RnB Consultancy | Netherlands | 3604 AB Maarssen | KvK 71489703