Some engineers enjoy writing code. Others can't stop building.
If you've been programming since you were a teenager, spend your evenings experimenting with new technology, and get genuine satisfaction from shipping products, this role was written for you.
Referment is partnering with a venture-backed AI startup looking for one exceptional engineer to help build the next generation of AI-powered cybersecurity products.
You'll work directly with the founders and own features from customer problem through to production.
You'll enjoy this role if you...
- Love building more than talking about building
- Prefer shipping software over writing documentation
- Can move between backend, frontend and infrastructure without thinking twice
- Get excited by hard engineering challenges like building compilers, DSLs, or internal developer tools
- Use AI every day, but don't rely on it to think for you
- Enjoy solving messy customer problems instead of perfectly defined tickets
What You'll Be Building
- You'll design complex backend architecture and systems.
- Ship React interfaces.
- Build internal developer tools and agentic consoles.
- Improve databases and handle systems programming.
- Debug production and deploy continuously.
- Help shape both the product and the engineering culture.
What We're Looking For
- Deep technical focus on hard engineering and complex backend architecture
- Strong Python backend fundamentals with high-level application of tools like FastAPI, Django, or Flask
- Senior-level technical sophistication and the ability to move beyond routine maintenance tasks
- Verifiable track record of technical contributions and honest project claims (e.g. active GitHub or OSS presence)
- React experience or willingness to work across the frontend
- Startup mentality with genuine product ownership
- Around 3-6 years' experience with a focus on engineering depth
Extra points for experience with:
- Founding or leadership roles (e.g. Co-Founder or CTO)
- Building internal developer tools, DSLs, or compilers
- Multi-language proficiency (e.g. Go, C, or Rust)
- Cybersecurity
- Workflow orchestration (Prefect, Airflow)
- High-growth SaaS
This probably isn't for you if...
- Your focus is primarily on product management or innovation titles rather than hands-on engineering
- You consider routine infrastructure maintenance to be your core focus area
- You need detailed specs before starting work
- You only enjoy one part of the stack
- You avoid production responsibility
- You're looking for a comfortable corporate engineering role
- You're currently splitting your attention with another startup
Why join?
- Competitive salary
- Meaningful equity
- One of the first engineering hires
- Direct access to the founders
- Huge ownership from day one
- Build products that customers actually use
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Founding Engineer (AI Startup) (5C0BE43) employer: Referment
Referment is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Finance Director, you will not only lead the finance function but also play a pivotal role in shaping the company's growth trajectory, with ample opportunities for professional development and advancement. Located in a vibrant B2B technology hub, the company provides a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and rewarded.
