David AI | Operations Lead

Recruiting From Scratch; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative AI startup is seeking a Founding Operations Lead to drive high-stakes operational projects and optimize data workflows. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of audio AI systems while working with a talented team. You'll manage relationships with AI labs, design scalable systems, and report directly to leadership, contributing to strategic decisions. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and are passionate about AI, this position is perfect for you. Join a company that values creativity and offers meaningful equity in a rapidly growing field.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off

Flexible vacation policy

Direct mentorship from seasoned founders

Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI problems

Qualifications

• 2-6 years of experience in startups or technical operations roles.
• Strong technical foundation with a degree in relevant fields.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational projects involving audio data pipelines and workflows.
• Collaborate with teams to build tools and improve automation.

Skills

Project Management

Cross-functional Collaboration

Problem-solving

Data Analysis

Technical Communication

Education

Bachelor in Computer Science

Bachelor in Industrial Engineering

Tools

SQL

Python

Job description

Who is Recruiting from Scratch:

Recruiting from Scratch is a talent firm that focuses on placing the best candidate for our clients.

Title of Role: Founding Operations Lead
Location: San Francisco, CA (Preferred)
Company Stage of Funding: Seed (Raised $5M from Tier 1 VCs)
Office Type: Hybrid (2–3 days/week onsite preferred)
Salary: $140,000–$180,000 base + meaningful equity

Company Description

This stealth AI startup is building the intelligence layer for the next generation of machine learning systems, with a focus on cutting-edge advancements in audio AI. Backed by top-tier investors including a leading accelerator and venture capital firms, the company has already secured early partnerships with top AI research labs and large enterprise customers, despite being less than a year old.

They're tackling some of the hardest challenges in audio data infrastructure — and as one of the first operations hires, you'll be joining a small, elite team working at the intersection of machine learning, automation, and real-world deployment. This is an opportunity to get in early and help shape the trajectory of a high-impact AI company from day one.

What You Will Do

• Own and lead high-stakes operational projects involving audio data pipelines, collection workflows, and labeling infrastructure.

• Design and implement scalable systems for managing large-scale, high-complexity data workflows.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, product, and research teams to build internal tools and improve automation.

• Drive customer success and manage relationships with technical teams at AI labs and enterprise partners.

• Constantly optimize operational systems — identifying inefficiencies and developing repeatable, scalable processes.

• Use data to drive key decisions — analyze costs, throughput, and quality across workflows.

• Report directly to company leadership and contribute to strategic decision-making and company growth.

Ideal Candidate Background

• 2–6 years of experience in high-velocity environments such as startups, consulting, venture-backed companies, or technical operations roles.

• Strong technical foundation — ideally with a degree in Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

• Demonstrated ability to thrive in ambiguous, fast-paced environments, and ship work independently.

• Excellent project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Strong working knowledge of technical tools — comfortable using SQL, Python, and internal platforms to support operations.

• A proactive problem-solver with a “get-it-done” attitude and a bias for action.

• Excellent communicator with a strong attention to detail and ownership mindset.

Preferred

• Experience at early-stage startups or in founder/operator roles (0→1 or scaling from 1→n).

• Exposure to or interest in AI/ML or audio technologies.

• Experience in building operational infrastructure from scratch.

• Software development or technical product experience.

• Multilingual (a plus, given the global nature of audio data).

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary range: $140K–$180K base

• Meaningful equity in a fast-growing, high-upside AI company

• Health, dental, and vision coverage

• Paid time off and flexible vacation policy

• Hybrid working environment with a strong in-person culture

• The opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI problems with top researchers and builders

• Direct mentorship from seasoned founders and operators

This is an unparalleled opportunity to help shape the backbone of next-generation AI systems. If you’re looking for a high-impact role where you’ll own mission-critical systems, work with exceptional people, and move fast — we’d love to hear from you.