Cabana
I’m working with a YC-backed defense AI startup that’s scaling like crazy (60% MoM growth, profitable, $1M ARR inside 8 months, $3.3M raised). They’re building an AI platform that helps defense suppliers, from seatbelt makers to loitering munitions, win the right government contracts.
They’re lean, scrappy, and hiring their Founding Engineer to own massive parts of the stack, ship fast, and work directly with customers shaping mission‑critical defense tech.
Responsibilities
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
Qualifications
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
SF office, 5 days/week
Seniority level Entry level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Software Development
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Cabana by 2x
Benefits Medical insurance
Vision insurance
401(k)
Pension plan
Paid paternity leave
Paid maternity leave
#J-18808-Ljbffr
They’re lean, scrappy, and hiring their Founding Engineer to own massive parts of the stack, ship fast, and work directly with customers shaping mission‑critical defense tech.
Responsibilities
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
Qualifications
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
SF office, 5 days/week
Seniority level Entry level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Software Development
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Cabana by 2x
Benefits Medical insurance
Vision insurance
401(k)
Pension plan
Paid paternity leave
Paid maternity leave
#J-18808-Ljbffr