At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build the MVP for AI transparency in higher education.
- Company: ShowMyAI, a pioneering startup focused on responsible AI in education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity, high autonomy, and meaningful impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI in education and restore academic integrity.
- Qualifications: Strong backend or full-stack engineering experience; interest in AI and education.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a founder experienced in scaling EdTech startups.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
Build the trust layer for AI in Higher Education. ShowMyAI is building the infrastructure for AI transparency in universities - helping students, educators, employers, and regulators understand how AI is used, not just whether it was used. We’re looking for a Founding Engineer to partner closely with the founder to design and build the MVP from first principles.
Why this matters
AI use in education is accelerating while trust, policy alignment, and verification are lagging behind. ShowMyAI exists to close that gap by making AI use transparent, auditable, and fair. This is a chance to shape a product that could become core infrastructure for responsible AI in Higher Ed, restoring academic integrity and empowering students to use AI in a responsible way.
What you’ll do
- Architect and build the initial MVP (LTI-first, LMS-integrated)
- Make foundational technical decisions across backend, data models, and integrations
- Build LLM interaction tracking, verification flows, and regulator-ready exports
- Collaborate directly with the founder and designer on product direction and roadmap
- Set technical standards and culture from day one
About the founder
The company is led by a founder with 12 years’ experience in EdTech, most recently helping scale a startup from zero to eight-figure ARR, culminating in a strong exit last year. The founder’s background is in go-to-market, partnerships, and growth; allowing the founding engineer to focus on building the product properly, while adoption and commercialisation are handled in parallel.
What we’re looking for
- Strong experience as a backend or full-stack engineer
- Comfortable working early-stage with ambiguity and ownership
- Experience with APIs, authentication, integrations, and data security
- Interest in AI systems, education, or responsible technology
- Pragmatic, opinionated, and collaborative mindset
- Founder experience isn’t required, good judgement and curiosity matter more.
What’s on offer
- Competitive Salary between £70-£80K
- Founding-level equity
- High autonomy and real technical ownership
- Opportunity to build meaningful infrastructure in EdTech & AI
Interested? Please send your CV and a short (non-AI) cover letter.
Founding Software Engineer in Sheffield employer: ShowmyAI
Contact Detail:
ShowmyAI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Software Engineer in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the EdTech and AI space, especially those connected to ShowMyAI. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for responsible AI in education. When you get the chance to chat with the founder or team, share your thoughts on how to build trust in AI. It’ll show you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical discussions! Brush up on your backend and full-stack skills, and be ready to discuss your past projects. We want to see how you think and solve problems.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us at ShowMyAI.
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Software Engineer in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personalised Cover Letter: When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor it specifically to us at ShowMyAI. Highlight your passion for AI in education and how your skills align with our mission to build trust in AI use. This is your chance to show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your CV, don’t just list your previous jobs; showcase your technical skills and projects that relate to backend or full-stack engineering. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges and what you can bring to the table as we build our MVP.
Be Authentic: We’re looking for genuine voices, so keep your application authentic and free from AI-generated content. Share your unique perspective on responsible technology and education, and let your personality shine through!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we won’t be looking at LinkedIn applications, so make sure to send your CV and cover letter directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at ShowmyAI
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies and frameworks mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your backend and full-stack skills, especially around APIs and data security. Being able to discuss your past projects and how they relate to building an MVP will show your technical prowess.
✨Understand the Mission
ShowMyAI is all about AI transparency in education, so do your homework on the current landscape of AI in higher education. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to restoring academic integrity and empowering students. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company’s mission.
✨Be Ready for Ambiguity
As a founding engineer, you’ll need to thrive in an early-stage environment where things might not be crystal clear. Think of examples from your past where you’ve navigated uncertainty and taken ownership of projects. This will highlight your pragmatic and collaborative mindset.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show you’re engaged and curious about the product and its direction. Inquire about the technical standards and culture the founder envisions, or how you can influence the roadmap. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values.