Founding Product Engineer

About the company

Clera is a talent-matching platform that replaces traditional job applications by connecting candidates and hiring teams through curated introductions.

About this role

ABOUT THE ROLE Join a small, impact-driven product team at a seed-stage AI startup transforming the construction industry. The company builds computer vision and AI solutions that automate blueprint reading, cost estimation, and permit applications — helping teams build more homes, hospitals, and schools faster and with less waste. As a Founding Product Engineer, you'll have an outsized influence on the product, working directly with customers and shaping core features from concept to production. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Own features end-to-end — interview customers weekly and ship meaningful iterations on a tight feedback loop. - Build intuitive UIs that make complex blueprint and hardware data accessible to users accustomed to paper-based workflows. - Contribute across the full stack: React frontend, Python backend, and supporting infrastructure. - Act as a 0-to-1 architect — taking raw ideas from concept through to production. - Translate messy, domain-specific knowledge from customers into clear, actionable product decisions. - Help shape product direction, not just implementation details. - Apply strong product taste to how things look, feel, and work for real users. - Handle the operational "schlep" that keeps an early-stage startup moving forward. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR Required: - Demonstrated ability to build and ship full-stack software (React + Python); open to all experience levels — new grads encouraged. - Experience owning features end-to-end, from discovery through deployment. - Track record of regular customer interviews and translating domain knowledge into product decisions. - Experience building and maintaining Python-based backend services and deployment/infrastructure. - Strong product taste and user-focused design sensibility. - Excellent communication skills, empathy, and a growth mindset. - Ability and willingness to work in-office in San Francisco full-time. - Must be eligible to work in the US (US citizen or valid work visa) — visa sponsorship is not available. Nice to Have: - Previously built and shipped a product used or paid for by real customers (founder or early startup experience). - Construction domain experience or a clear, genuine interest in the industry. - Experience at an early-stage or high-growth startup. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS - Salary: $120,000 – $180,000 per year - Early-stage equity opportunity as a founding team member - Direct impact on product direction and company culture from day one LOCATION This is a full-time, on-site role based in San Francisco, CA. Candidates must be willing to relocate to San Francisco if not already local. Remote work is not available for this position.