Associate Software Engineer

Cabana; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options (0.5%-1.5%)

Competitive salary ($130k-$180k)

Job summary

A rapidly scaling defense AI startup in San Francisco seeks a Founding Engineer to own substantial portions of the tech stack and drive development of mission-critical solutions for defense clients. This role is geared towards a dynamic team player eager to tackle challenging problems with a national-security impact. Ideal candidates will have a strong foundation in React and Python, with a requirement for U.S. citizenship.

Qualifications

• 0-4 years of experience preferred, up to 7 for exceptional talent.
• Must be a US citizen.

Responsibilities

• Ship full-stack features daily.
• Build AI agents and LLM-based workflows.
• Engage with users to inform product decisions.
• Tackle ambiguous problems with national-security impact.

Skills

React

Next.js

Python

Full-stack development

Agility in feedback adaptation

Job description

This range is provided by Cabana. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$130,000.00/yr - $180,000.00/yr

Overview

I’m working with a YC-backed defense AI startup that’s scaling rapidly. They’re building an AI platform that helps defense suppliers win government contracts. They’re lean, scrappy, and hiring their Founding Engineer to own large parts of the stack, ship fast, and work directly with customers shaping mission-critical defense tech.

What you’ll be doing

• Ship full-stack features daily (70/30 backend/frontend bias but comfortable across the stack)
• Build AI agents + LLM-based workflows into production systems
• Talk to users (defense companies, military stakeholders) and turn feedback into product decisions
• Work on hard, ambiguous problems with huge national-security impact
• Be in-person in San Francisco, with occasional travel to DC / military bases

What they’re looking for

• 0–4 YoE ideal (can flex up to 7 for exceptional talent)
• Strong background in React, Next.js, Python
• Ex-technical founder, founding CTO/CPO, or Forward Deployed Engineer background = big plus
• Hungry, fast-moving builder who thrives with agency, feedback, and ambiguity
• US citizen only (no visa sponsorship)

Package

• $130k–$180k
• 0.5%–1.5% equity
• SF office, 5 days/week

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Software Development

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Location: San Francisco, CA