Founding Software Engineer

Company overview: Company Size: 5Industry: AI / Generative Media / Motion Graphics SoftwareFounded: 2025Headquarters: Berlin, Germany: On-site Strongly preferred(Remote possible from New York, NY or San Francisco, CA) · Full-timeTotal Funding: Not Disclosed (YC S25 startup) Job overview:A startup is hiring a Founding Software Engineer to lead development of an AI-powered video production platform. The role involves building full-stack features, designing scalable systems, optimizing LLM-based workflows, and developing a motion graphics engine.They are looking for someone with at least 1 year of production experience, strong full-stack and system design skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment. Experience in high-growth or top tech companies is a plus.This is a high-impact role with ownership over the technical foundation and engineering culture. Salary ranges from $80,000 USD to $130,000 annually. ResponsibilitiesPartner with the founders to deliver user-centric product solutions from concept to production.Own the end-to-end development of full-stack product features.Design scalable architecture that supports rapid product iteration and long-term growth.Build and optimize agentic LLM systems using tool-calling, multi-step reasoning, and MCP protocols. Optimize LLM inference performance, latency, and cost across multiple model architectures.Develop a high-performance motion graphics engine.Make architectural decisions that support scaling the platform to millions of users.Qualifications:1+ years of experience building production software.Strong experience with full-stack development.Experience building or working with modern web applications.Strong programming and system design skills.Ability to ship products quickly in fast-moving environments.Must-have requirements:Proven experience working with or within a top high-growth startup or elite technology companyStrong programming skills in modern languages used for web or backend development.Ability to design and build scalable full-stack systems.Comfort working in fast-paced startup environments with high ownership.Ideal candidate profile:Ambitious builder who wants to join a founding teamStrong curiosity about AI and creative toolsComfortable solving ambiguous technical problemsExcited about building systems that support millions of usersMotivated by ownership and long-term impactInterview process:Intro call with the foundersTechnical discussion or coding interviewArchitecture or system design conversationFinal founder interviewBenefits:Salary range: $80,000 to $130,000 annually.401(k) retirement, Health insurance, Vision insurance, Dental insurance, 0.50% - 1.50% Equity