Senior Full-Stack Engineer (Backend-Leaning) | San Francisco, USA in Cambridge
Senior Full-Stack Engineer (Backend-Leaning) | San Francisco, USA

Senior Full-Stack Engineer (Backend-Leaning) | San Francisco, USA in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 168000 - 192000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
C

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Own product features and build backend-heavy AI systems with user feedback.
  • Company: High-agency AI startup with a dynamic team of ex-founders and CTOs.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, equity, and a paid trial period with relocation support.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of AI and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in building AI products and strong systems design skills.
  • Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in ambiguity and high-energy communication.

The predicted salary is between 168000 - 192000 £ per year.

Join a high-agency, AI-native startup (12–14 team members, ex-founders & CTOs) building what could become the Claude for complex jobs — a personal AI chief of staff designed for knowledge workers. This is a senior, product-first engineering role with end-to-end ownership, where engineers don't just code — they shape the product, interact with users, and drive outcomes. If you're looking for structured environments, tickets, or low ownership — this is not the role.

What You'll Do

  • Own product features end-to-end (no ticket-taking culture)
  • Build backend-heavy systems with AI model integrations & agent workflows
  • Contribute to infrastructure and DevOps where needed
  • Implement lightweight frontend components when required
  • Work directly with users and translate feedback into shipped improvements
  • Operate in a fast-moving, ambiguity-tolerant environment

Tech Stack

  • TypeScript
  • React
  • Next.js
  • Node.js
  • PostgreSQL
  • AWS
  • Cloudflare
  • AI model integrations (multi-provider)

What We're Looking For

  • Senior Full-Stack Engineer (backend-leaning)
  • Strong systems design & architecture thinking
  • Experience building AI-enabled products (non-negotiable)
  • Hands-on exposure to:
  • Agentic workflows
  • Agent loops / orchestration
  • Model interaction patterns
  • Comfortable owning infrastructure & deployment layers
  • High agency: operates independently, drives decisions, ships fast
  • Bonus

    • Early stage startup experience
    • Former founder / early engineer
    • Side projects with LLMs (OpenAI, Claude, etc.)

    Compensation & Benefits

    • $200,000 – $240,000 base salary
    • Equity (early-stage upside)
    • Paid trial period (2 weeks, flights + accommodation covered)
    • High-impact role in a venture-backed AI company

    Location & Eligibility (Strict)

    • On-site: San Francisco (non-negotiable)
    • US-based candidates preferred
    • European candidates considered if O-1 eligible
    • Must be willing to relocate and work fully in-office

    Who Should NOT Apply

    • No hands-on AI product experience
    • Only enterprise / low-ownership environments
    • Prefer remote or hybrid work
    • Passive or low-agency working style

    Ideal Candidate Profile

    • Built or shipped AI products (from scratch or early stage)
    • Thinks in systems, not just code
    • Thrives in high-energy, direct communication environments
    • Comfortable with ambiguity, speed, and ownership

    Why This Role

    • Work on a next-gen AI system beyond chatbots real-world task execution
    • Join post-fundraising, pre-scale phase maximum impact
    • Collaborate with high-agency builders (ex-founders, CTOs)
    • Own features from idea architecture production iteration
    • Direct exposure to users, feedback loops, and product decisions

    This is where builders come to define the next era of AI — if you're ready to own, ship, and shape the future, we want to hear from you...

    Senior Full-Stack Engineer (Backend-Leaning) | San Francisco, USA in Cambridge employer: C&D Talent Advisory - Academy

    Join a dynamic and innovative AI-native startup in San Francisco, where you will have the opportunity to take full ownership of product features and directly influence the development of cutting-edge AI solutions. With a strong emphasis on high agency and collaboration among a small team of experienced professionals, this role offers not only competitive compensation and equity but also a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and rapid growth. Embrace the chance to work in a fast-paced environment that values your input and encourages you to shape the future of AI technology.
    C

    Contact Detail:

    C&D Talent Advisory - Academy Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Senior Full-Stack Engineer (Backend-Leaning) | San Francisco, USA in Cambridge

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry, especially those who are already in startups or AI. A friendly chat can lead to referrals and insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repo showcasing your projects, especially any AI-related work. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and how you think, which is super important for a role like this.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare for the interview by understanding the company’s product and tech stack. Dive deep into their AI integrations and think about how you can contribute. Being able to discuss specific ideas during the interview shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to jump in.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.

    We think you need these skills to ace Senior Full-Stack Engineer (Backend-Leaning) | San Francisco, USA in Cambridge

    Systems Design
    Architecture Thinking
    AI Product Development
    Agentic Workflows
    Model Interaction Patterns
    Infrastructure Management
    Deployment Strategies
    TypeScript
    React
    Next.js
    Node.js
    PostgreSQL
    AWS
    Cloudflare
    User Feedback Integration

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Show Your Passion for AI: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for AI and how it drives your work. Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your journey in building AI-enabled products.

    Be Clear About Your Ownership Experience: We love candidates who take ownership! Make sure to detail your past experiences where you’ve owned product features end-to-end. This will help us understand how you can thrive in our fast-paced environment.

    Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application. Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences we’re looking for, especially around systems design and architecture thinking.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!

    How to prepare for a job interview at C&D Talent Advisory - Academy

    ✨Know Your Tech Stack Inside Out

    Make sure you’re well-versed in TypeScript, Node.js, and PostgreSQL. Brush up on your experience with AI model integrations and agent workflows, as these are crucial for the role. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied these technologies.

    ✨Showcase Your Product Ownership Experience

    Prepare examples that highlight your end-to-end ownership of product features. Discuss how you’ve interacted with users to gather feedback and how that feedback has shaped your product decisions. This will demonstrate your alignment with their high-agency culture.

    ✨Embrace Ambiguity and Speed

    This role thrives in fast-moving environments, so be prepared to share experiences where you’ve successfully navigated ambiguity. Talk about how you prioritise tasks and make decisions quickly, especially in a startup context.

    ✨Engage in Direct Communication

    Since the ideal candidate thrives in direct communication environments, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to ask insightful questions during the interview to show your engagement and understanding of the role.

    Senior Full-Stack Engineer (Backend-Leaning) | San Francisco, USA in Cambridge
    C&D Talent Advisory - Academy
    Location: Cambridge

    Land your dream job quicker with Premium

    You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
    Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
    Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
    1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
    Go Premium

    Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

    >