Founding Solutions Engineer

Lance (YC W26); San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering tech company is seeking a Founding Forward Deployed Engineer to launch and manage AI systems in hotels across the U.S. This role involves real-time system deployment, debugging under pressure, and frequent travel. Ideal candidates are strong engineers comfortable with real-world challenges and ready to engage with customers directly. Experience in operating in ambiguous circumstances will set you up for success. This is an operational role that drives revenue and influences product development.

Qualifications

• Strong engineering background with a focus on deploying systems.
• Experience in handling real-world, messy systems.
• Willingness to travel frequently is essential.

Responsibilities

• Launch systems at hotels across the U.S.
• Configure and tune AI agents in production.
• Debug real-world failures under pressure.
• Ship fixes and improvements quickly.

Skills

Strong engineering skills

Ability to debug under pressure

Customer interaction

Adaptability to ambiguous situations

Thrives in ambiguity

Job description

Lance (YC W26) builds AI agents that run hotel operations—answering calls, closing bookings, and handling workflows. We’re live in 50+ hotels across Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt properties.

The Role

As a Founding Forward Deployed Engineer, you make Lance work in the real world.

You’ll deploy systems on-site, debug live issues, and ship product improvements based on what actually breaks. You own everything from scoping to go-live to reliability. This is not a support role.

What You’ll Do

• Launch systems at hotels across the U.S.
• Configure and tune AI agents in production
• Debug real-world failures under pressure
• Ship fixes and improvements fast

What We’re Looking For

• Strong engineer who ships
• Comfortable in messy, real-world systems
• Can work directly with customers
• Willing to travel frequently
• Thrives in ambiguity

Why This Role

Deploy on Monday. Handle real customer calls by the end of the week. You’ll own revenue-driving systems, shape the product, and see your work live in production.