At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with prospects and source new opportunities in a fast-paced AI startup.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge AI lab with a talented team from top tech companies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity, comprehensive benefits, and catered lunches.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant downtown Austin office with a dynamic team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of building revolutionary AI technology that impacts real-world problems.
- Qualifications: Sales experience or proven success in a high-growth environment; adaptability is key.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are an applied AI lab building end-to-end software agents. We're the makers of Devin, the first AI software engineer, and Windsurf, the AI-native IDE. Together, they represent our vision for collaborative AI teammates that enable engineers to focus on more interesting problems and empower teams to strive for more ambitious goals. Our team is small and talent-dense. Among our founding team, we have world‑class competitive programmers, former founders, and leaders from companies at the cutting edge of AI including Scale AI, Palantir, Cursor, Waymo, Tesla, Lunchclub, Modal, Google DeepMind, and Nuro. Building Devin and Windsurf is just the first step—our hardest challenges still lie ahead. If you’re excited to solve some of the world’s biggest problems and build AI that can reason on real-world tasks, apply to join us.
About the Role
As an SDR, you will be responsible for engaging with prospects and sourcing new opportunities in our target accounts. You will be a crucial contributor to Cognition’s revenue growth and development. You’ll work closely with the go-to-market team to accelerate the sales cycle and help build one of the fastest-growing AI startups.
In this role, you will:
- Research, prospect, and engage high-level prospects within your AE’s account list.
- Learn to navigate complex organizational structures and identify executive sponsors & champions.
- Discover and understand the business objectives of your customers, and engage with key stakeholders via cold outreach.
- Support cross‑functional partnerships in generating new business opportunities and progressing them forward.
- Consistently deliver on monthly meeting/opportunity targets, and drive success via multi‑channel outreach (email, LinkedIn, calls).
- Provide timely and insightful input back to other corporate functions.
Requirements for the role:
We’re looking for A‑players with insanely high adaptability, who have or feel they would thrive in an intense early‑stage company environment.
- 1+ years in a sales role with a track record of success & high performance OR proven track record of success in another domain.
- Ability to learn and become an expert quickly, on both our product and how prospects/customers use AI code generation to have real, quantifiable impacts on their business.
- Team player – We value simplifiers, not complexifiers.
- Self‑starter – Hunger to dream up, plan, and execute tasks independently.
- Interface with prospects to explain Cognition and its technology (Devin & Windsurf).
- Bonus: familiarity or experience with software engineering, SaaS, infrastructure, or AI‑powered developer tools (ex: Copilot, ChatGPT, etc.).
You might excel if you…
- Are highly ambitious or have a competitive background (athletics, debate, etc.).
- Have found success in another high‑growth, fast‑paced environment.
- Have experience with software engineering, studied computer science, or another technical background.
What we believe…
Our best work is done in person. The team works together 5 days a week in our office in downtown Austin, TX (in the heart of the city). We’re not a family, but a lot of our employees have them. Cognition offers a number of benefits and perks to make sure everyone is cared for – including but not limited to:
- Competitive comp plan
- Comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision)
- 401K, equity
- Catered lunches, fully stocked kitchen, swag, etc.
- Team events & activities
- Downtown parking
We truly have one of the best teams in the space. We are set on hiring team members who can communicate the advancement, excitement, and passion of the product and technology for the Sales team and our customers. We don't want this to be just another job, we want this opportunity to fundamentally change your career.
Equal Opportunity
Cognition is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities throughout the hiring process - please let us know if you need any.
AI Startup SDR — In-Office in Austin | Equity + Benefits employer: Cognition
Cognition is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant heart of downtown Austin, TX, where our collaborative work culture thrives on innovation and teamwork. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and unique perks like catered lunches and team events, all designed to foster a supportive environment for personal and professional growth. Join us to be part of a talented team that is not just building cutting-edge AI technology but also committed to transforming your career in a fast-paced, dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AI Startup SDR — In-Office in Austin | Equity + Benefits
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know our products, Devin and Windsurf, inside out. The more you understand how they work and the problems they solve, the better you'll engage with prospects. Show genuine enthusiasm for our tech during conversations!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Use LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals and potential clients. Don’t be shy—send personalised messages that highlight your interest in AI and how you can help them achieve their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Role-play with friends or colleagues to refine how you present Cognition and our offerings. The more confident you are in your delivery, the more likely you are to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission of building groundbreaking AI solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace AI Startup SDR — In-Office in Austin | Equity + Benefits
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for AI:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI and our products shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the potential of Devin and Windsurf, so don’t hold back on sharing why you’re drawn to this field!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in sales or tech. We’re looking for A-players, so connect your past successes to how they can help us grow at Cognition. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the SDR role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and fluff. Use bullet points if it helps convey your skills and experiences more effectively—remember, we want to see your best self!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Cognition.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognition
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding Devin and Windsurf. Familiarise yourself with their features and how they can impact businesses. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to the team.
✨Show Your Sales Savvy
Prepare examples from your past sales experiences that highlight your ability to engage prospects and close deals. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex organisational structures and identified key stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
This role requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment. Share stories that showcase your adaptability and resilience, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight any experiences where you had to think on your feet or pivot quickly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the company's future challenges or how the sales team collaborates with other departments. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
