Clera
Founding Product Engineer
San Francisco · Posted 1h ago
Job Description
About the Role
A fast-moving, seed-stage legal AI company is looking for a Founding Product Engineer to build its core product from the ground up. Operating at the intersection of AI and legal services, the company combines AI agents with licensed attorneys to deliver rapid, transparent, fixed-fee contract review, negotiation, and drafting for fast-moving businesses.
You'll work directly alongside attorneys and AI engineers to turn real legal workflows into reliable, production-grade software — something genuinely new. As one of the earliest engineers, you'll set the technical culture and standards for everyone who comes after you. This is a high-ownership, in-person role for someone who thrives in an intense, fast-paced environment and wants to make a meaningful impact early in their career.
What You'll Do
Build and own core product features across the full stack — from data models and backend systems to the interfaces attorneys and clients use every day.
Partner closely with AI engineers and attorneys to translate legal workflows and review playbooks into production-grade software.
Make pragmatic architecture and tooling decisions that enable speed today without compromising the future.
Write maintainable, reliable code and take complete ownership of what you ship in production.
Help define engineering culture, standards, and hiring practices as the team scales.
Drive features across the finish line — customer experience always comes first.
What We're Looking For
Must-haves:
1–3 years of experience building and shipping production software, ideally at an early-stage company or as a founder.
Strong full-stack ability: TypeScript/React on the front end, a modern backend stack, and relational databases.
Hands-on experience building with AI/LLMs, either professionally or in personal projects.
A track record of owning features end-to-end — from conception through production deployment.
Proven ability to make sound engineering trade-offs under pressure and with minimal process.
Comfort with ambiguity, a high bar for your own work, and a strong product instinct.
Excellent communication skills and an entrepreneurial, owner's mindset.
Nice to have:
Experience in legal tech, contract management, or document processing.
Experience working directly with domain experts (e.g., attorneys, compliance specialists) to translate workflows into software.
Familiarity with modern DevOps, CI/CD, and production monitoring practices.
Founder or early employee experience at a venture-backed startup.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $140,000 – $180,000 USD annually
Early-stage equity commensurate with a founding engineer role
Visa sponsorship: Not available
Location
This is a full-time, in-person role based in San Francisco, CA. Remote or hybrid arrangements are not available for this position.