Founding Engineer

HartleyCo; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

HartleyCo is building an AI-native operating system for modern manufacturers and distributors, embedding AI into quoting, agreements, pricing, freight, order processing and ERP-driven tasks. You will join as a Founding Engineer, working directly with the founders and customers to take product ideas from first conversations through production deployment.

You will own meaningful system areas, influence architecture, and shape how the engineering team evolves as the company scales.

Qualifications

• At least three years of software engineering experience.
• Proficiency with Python, TypeScript, React or similar tech.
• Production experience with LLMs, AI agents, evaluations or workflow automation is valuable.
• Strong communication with customers; familiarity with manufacturing/distribution a plus.

Responsibilities

• Build full-stack AI-native products using Python, TypeScript and modern frontend frameworks.
• Collaborate with founders and customers to translate workflows into clear product requirements.

Skills

Python

TypeScript

React

LLMs

AI agents

Workflow automation

Job description

I’m working with an early-stage AI company building the operating system for modern manufacturers and distributors.

The product deploys AI directly into complex operational workflows, including quoting, customer agreements, pricing, freight, order processing and ERP-driven administrative work. The goal is not to add another dashboard. It is to automate the repetitive work currently handled manually across emails, spreadsheets and legacy systems.

They are hiring a Founding Engineer to work directly with the founders and customers, understand how these businesses operate and build the product from first conversation through production deployment.

What You’ll Work On

You’ll build full-stack, AI-native products using Python, TypeScript and modern frontend frameworks. The role covers agentic workflows, integrations, backend systems, customer-facing interfaces and the infrastructure required to make AI reliable in real operational environments.

You’ll speak directly with manufacturing and distribution teams, turn ambiguous workflow problems into clear product requirements and ship solutions quickly. This is a hands‑on engineering role with significant influence over architecture, product direction and how the engineering team develops.

What They’re Looking For

• You’ll likely have at least three years of strong software engineering experience, although exceptional earlier-career engineers will be considered.
• You should be comfortable working across Python, TypeScript, React or similar technologies, with experience taking products from zero to one. Production experience with LLMs, AI agents, evaluations or workflow automation is highly valuable.
• The strongest candidates will combine technical depth with product judgement and the ability to communicate naturally with customers. Experience in manufacturing, distribution, logistics, supply chain, ERP software or other operational industries is advantageous but not essential.

This is best suited to someone who wants meaningful ownership, enjoys working through messy real-world problems and is excited by the opportunity to become a foundational member of the company.