Strategic Projects Associate – Coding

San Francisco, CA On-site Full-time Compensation: $80,000–$110,000 base + bonus (up to 100% of base) + equityAbout The CompanyA venture-backed AI research lab that partners with the frontier AI labs, investigating the boundaries and capabilities of AI through novel datasets and experimentation. Backed by top-tier investors and operators, and one of the fastest-growing companies in its cohort. Founded 2025 11–50 people Industry: AI researchThe RoleWork directly with the founding team on high-priority technical and operational projects supporting frontier AI labs. This is not a typical operations role.What You'll Be DoingPartner with frontier AI labs to coordinate dataset generation projects, manage timelines, and ensure delivery excellenceBuild and maintain operational tools using AI (ChatGPT, Claude Code) and scripting to automate workflows, track metrics, and improve efficiencyManage teams of technical experts across software engineering, data science, and MLCreate technical documentation, project briefs, and data samples for customer presentationsDrive process improvements and build systems to scale operations as the company growsTech stack: AI tooling (ChatGPT, Claude Code) + scriptingRequirementsNew grad to 2 years experienceTechnical fluency: ChatGPT, Claude Code dailyHigh-intensity background: top tech internships or startupExtreme ownership, operates independentlyTechnical major or CS / ML / engineering background preferredSF in-person — 6 days/weekGreen FlagsActive technical work shipped: GitHub presence, side projects with AI tooling, hackathon wins, or independent technical buildsTop-company technical internship pedigree (FAANG, frontier AI lab, quant trading firm) demonstrating high-intensity executionPrior startup or founding-engineering experience with real shipping track recordCS, ML, or technical major paired with operator instincts; can move between code and coordination fluentlyAI-native daily usage of Claude Code, ChatGPT, or comparable tools as production aids, not just experimentallyRed FlagsPure researcher mindset without shipping bias. Wants to study AI rather than ship operational systems alongside it.Cannot work long hours or weekends; pushes back on intensity expectationsStrong technical degree but no demonstrated shipping signal (no GitHub, no side projects, no internship work)AI tourist: has heard of Claude Code and ChatGPT but doesn't use them daily on real workflowsLooking for a structured rotational program or predictable scope similar to banking/consulting/big-tech entry tracksWhy JoinFounding role as an early hire with direct exposure to foundersMeaningful equity with a clear path to advancementDevelop deep AI fluency and hands-on technical skillsBuild a network of frontier AI researchers, builders, and investorsA fast-track alternative to traditional entry-level consulting, banking, or tech rotational programsDetailsLocation San Francisco, CA Work policy On-site, 6 days/week Compensation $80,000–$110,000 base + bonus up to 100% of base + equity Visa sponsorship None Available Employment type Full-time