Artie, a YC S23 startup building AI-powered tools for game developers, is seeking a Founding Product Engineer (#3). This role will be instrumental in shaping the core product, designing and building user interfaces, and implementing integrations with game engines like Unity and Unreal. The ideal candidate possesses strong frontend skills (React, Typescript), experience with 3D graphics or game development, and a passion for building tools that empower creators. This is a high-impact opportunity to join an early-stage team and contribute to the future of game development.
Spice Data, a Y Combinator-backed startup, is seeking a software engineer to build their AI-powered contract analysis platform. The ideal candidate is proficient in Python and JavaScript, comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment, and passionate about leveraging large language models (LLMs) to extract insights from complex legal documents. Experience with natural language processing (NLP), information retrieval, or machine learning is a plus. This role offers the opportunity to significantly impact the product's direction and contribute to a rapidly growing company transforming how businesses understand and manage contracts.
HN commenters discuss the unusual job posting from Spice Data (YC S19). Several find the required skill of "writing C code like it's 1974" intriguing, debating whether this implies foregoing modern C practices or simply emphasizes a focus on efficiency and close-to-the-metal programming. Some question the practicality and long-term maintainability of such an approach. Others express skepticism about the company's claim of requiring "PhD-level CS knowledge" for seemingly standard software engineering tasks. The compensation, while unspecified, is a point of speculation, with commenters hoping it justifies the apparently demanding requirements. Finally, the company's unusual name and purported focus on satellite data also draw some lighthearted remarks.
Weave, a YC W25 startup, is seeking a founding product engineer to build the future of online reading. They're developing a collaborative reading platform to facilitate deeper understanding and engagement with complex topics. This role involves designing and building core product features, directly impacting the user experience. Ideal candidates are strong full-stack engineers with a passion for online communities, education, or productivity. Experience with TypeScript/React is preferred, but a proven ability to learn quickly is paramount.
Several commenters on Hacker News expressed skepticism about the extremely broad job description for a founding product engineer at Weave, finding the listed requirements of "full-stack," AI/ML, distributed systems, and mobile development excessive for a single role. Some questioned the feasibility of finding someone proficient in all those areas and suggested the company hadn't properly defined its product vision. Others pointed out the low salary range ($120k-$180k) for such a demanding role, particularly in a competitive market like San Francisco, speculating that it might indicate a lack of funding or unrealistic expectations. A few commenters defended the breadth, suggesting it's common for early-stage startups to require versatility, and emphasizing the learning opportunities inherent in such a role. There was also a brief discussion on the use of AI/ML, with some questioning its necessity at this stage.
Hadrius, a YC W23 startup building a platform to help businesses manage cyber risk, is hiring founding software engineers and tech leads. They're seeking ambitious engineers with a strong foundation in backend development (Go preferred), an interest in security, and a desire to take ownership and grow with a fast-paced startup. Experience with distributed systems, cloud infrastructure, and/or data engineering is a plus. Successful candidates will play a critical role in shaping the company's technical direction and building its core product.
Several Hacker News commenters expressed skepticism about the Hadrius job posting, particularly its emphasis on "ambitious career goals" without clearly defined roles or responsibilities. Some saw this as a red flag, suggesting the company might be looking for employees willing to take on excessive work for less pay, exploiting their ambition. Others questioned the vagueness of the posting and its target audience, wondering if it was aimed at junior engineers unaware of typical startup expectations. A few commenters noted the high salary range ($150k-$300k) as unusual and possibly indicative of a very early-stage company trying to attract top talent despite significant risk. Some pointed out the potential downsides of joining such a nascent venture, including the possibility of rapid changes in direction and long hours. Finally, there was discussion about the technology itself (structural integrity monitoring using IoT) with some seeing its potential and others expressing doubts about the market size and competitive landscape.
Spaceium, a YC S24 startup building a collaborative 3D world for space simulations and mission design, is hiring a software engineer. They're looking for someone proficient in C++, familiar with 3D graphics and game engine development (Unreal Engine preferred), and interested in space exploration. The role involves developing core features for their platform, including physics simulations, user interface elements, and collaborative tools. Experience with distributed systems or cloud computing is a plus.
Several commenters on Hacker News expressed skepticism about the job posting due to the vague nature of the product description ("building software to help manage space missions") and the perceived buzzword-heavy language. Some questioned the actual technical challenges involved, suggesting the work might be more focused on mundane tasks like data entry and form filling rather than complex software engineering. Others pointed out the low salary range ($60k-$100k) relative to the Bay Area and the experience level sought, especially for a YC-backed company. A few commenters defended the posting, noting that early-stage startups often lack detailed product information and that the salary might be reasonable depending on equity offered. The most compelling comments highlighted the mismatch between the ambitious vision presented and the seemingly low compensation and unexciting potential work involved.
Continue, a Y Combinator-backed startup building AI-powered coding tools, is hiring a software engineer in San Francisco. They're looking for a strong engineer with experience in areas like distributed systems, type-safe languages, and developer tooling. The ideal candidate will contribute to building core product features, scaling their infrastructure, and improving the developer experience. This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI technology and shape the future of coding.
HN commenters discuss the unusual job posting format, which presents as a series of challenges and puzzles rather than a traditional description. Several express skepticism, questioning the relevance of the puzzles to actual software engineering work and suggesting they might filter out otherwise qualified candidates. Some suspect the format is driven by a desire to go viral or attract specific personality types. Others appreciate the unconventional approach, viewing it as a way to identify creative problem-solvers and filter out those lacking genuine interest. The discussion also touches on the potentially high cost of living in San Francisco and the apparent focus on recent grads. A few commenters shared their experiences with the application process, with mixed results regarding its difficulty and relevance.
Koko, a mental health service providing anonymous peer support and clinical care, is seeking a CTO/Lead Engineer. This role will be responsible for leading the engineering team, building and scaling the platform, and shaping the technical strategy. The ideal candidate has experience building and scaling consumer-facing products, managing engineering teams, and working with complex data pipelines and infrastructure. This is a crucial role with significant impact, joining a fast-growing company focused on making mental healthcare more accessible.
HN commenters discuss Koko's CTO search, expressing skepticism and concern about the apparent lack of technical leadership within the company, especially given its focus on mental health and reliance on AI. Some question the wisdom of seeking a CTO so late in the company's development, suggesting it points to scaling or architectural challenges. Others raise ethical concerns about the use of AI in mental health, particularly regarding data privacy and the potential for algorithmic bias. Several comments note the potentially high-pressure environment of a mental health startup and the need for a CTO with experience navigating complex ethical and technical landscapes. Finally, the relatively high equity offered (0.5-1%) is seen by some as a red flag, indicating potential instability or a lack of other experienced engineers.
Voker, a YC S24 startup building AI-powered video creation tools, is seeking a full-stack engineer in Los Angeles. This role involves developing core features for their platform, working across the entire stack from frontend to backend, and integrating AI models. Ideal candidates are proficient in Python, Javascript/Typescript, and modern web frameworks like React, and have experience with cloud infrastructure like AWS. Experience with AI/ML, particularly in video generation or processing, is a strong plus.
HN commenters were skeptical of the job posting, particularly the required "mastery" of a broad range of technologies. Several suggested it's unrealistic to expect one engineer to be a master of everything from frontend frameworks to backend infrastructure and AI/ML. Some also questioned the need for a full-stack engineer in an AI-focused role, suggesting specialization might be more effective. There was a general sentiment that the job description was a red flag, possibly indicating a disorganized or inexperienced company, despite the YC association. A few commenters defended the posting, arguing that "master" could be interpreted more loosely as "proficient" and that startups often require employees to wear multiple hats. The overall tone, however, was cautious and critical.
PropRise, a YC S23 startup, is seeking its first Founding Engineer to build a platform streamlining the commercial real estate appraisal process. This full-stack role involves building the core product from the ground up, including frontend, backend, and database architecture. The ideal candidate is experienced with modern web frameworks, enjoys fast-paced startup environments, and is passionate about improving efficiency in complex industries. Equity is offered, providing an opportunity to significantly impact and benefit from the company's growth.
The Hacker News comments discuss the unusual nature of the job posting for a "Founding Engineer" at a company that already seems to have a product and existing engineers. Several commenters express skepticism about the "Founding Engineer" title, suggesting it might be a way to underpay or mislead potential hires. Others speculate on the reasons behind the seemingly contradictory situation, proposing that perhaps the existing team is non-technical or that the company is pivoting and needs to rebuild its engineering team. Some users question the high salary range offered ($170k - $280k), wondering if it's realistic for a pre-seed company. There's also a brief discussion about the company's business model and potential market.
Converge, a YC S23 startup, is seeking its second engineer to join their New York City team. They are building a platform to automate the creation and management of financial models, primarily for private equity and venture capital. The ideal candidate is a full-stack engineer proficient in Javascript/Typescript and interested in FinTech. Experience with React, Node.js, and cloud platforms like AWS is preferred, but a strong foundation and a desire to learn are highly valued. Converge offers competitive salary and equity, alongside the opportunity to shape the technical direction of a rapidly growing company.
Commenters on Hacker News discuss Converge's early stage and the implications for a potential engineer #2. Several express concerns about joining such a young company, highlighting the risks associated with its unproven business model and the significant influence a single engineer could have, which could be both exciting and potentially overwhelming. Others question the NYC location choice given Converge's focus on construction, a sector not traditionally associated with New York. Some commenters see the posting as a positive sign, suggesting it indicates Converge has secured initial funding and is progressing. A few users express interest in learning more about the company's tech stack. Overall, the sentiment is cautiously curious, with many waiting to see more evidence of Converge's viability before considering it a serious opportunity.
Jiga, a YC-backed startup (W21) building a B2B marketplace for industrial materials in Africa, is hiring full-stack engineers proficient in MongoDB, React, and Node.js. They're looking for individuals passionate about building a transformative product with significant real-world impact, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and eager to contribute to a rapidly growing company. Experience with Typescript and Next.js is a plus.
HN commenters discuss Jiga's unusual hiring approach, which emphasizes learning MongoDB, React, and Node.js after being hired. Some express skepticism, questioning the practicality of training experienced engineers in specific technologies and the potential for attracting less qualified candidates. Others are more optimistic, viewing it as a refreshing alternative to the overemphasis on specific tech stacks in typical job postings, potentially opening opportunities for talented individuals with strong fundamentals but lacking specific framework experience. The discussion also touches on the potential for lower salaries due to the training aspect and the overall cost-effectiveness of this hiring strategy for Jiga. Several commenters share personal anecdotes of successfully transitioning to new technologies on the job, suggesting that Jiga's approach could be viable.
Frigade, a Y Combinator W23 startup building developer tools for customer onboarding, is seeking its second engineer. This full-stack role will involve significant ownership and impact, working directly with the founders on core product development. Ideal candidates have 3+ years of experience and are proficient in TypeScript, React, Node.js, and PostgreSQL. Experience with developer tools and B2B SaaS is a plus. This is a fully remote position with competitive salary and equity.
The Hacker News comments on the Frigade job posting are sparse and mostly focused on the requested skillset. Some users question the necessity of proficiency in both React and Vue.js for a single role, suggesting it might indicate a lack of focus or evolving technical direction within the company. Others express interest in the position and company mission, while a few commenters offer feedback on the job description itself, proposing ways to make it more appealing or informative. One commenter highlights the unusual use of "engineer #2" in the title, speculating about its implications for the company's structure and potential employee experience. Overall, the discussion is limited and doesn't offer substantial insights beyond surface-level observations about the job posting.
Converge, a YC S23 startup, is seeking a founding engineer to join their team in NYC. They're building a platform to simplify complex enterprise software procurement, aiming to bring transparency and efficiency to the process. The ideal candidate is a full-stack engineer with strong frontend experience, comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment. Experience with React and Typescript is preferred, and a passion for building impactful products is essential. This is a ground-floor opportunity to shape a company from its early stages and have significant ownership over the product.
Several commenters on Hacker News expressed skepticism about the extremely broad required and "nice-to-have" skills listed in the job posting, finding it unrealistic for a single engineer to possess expertise in such a wide range. Others questioned the high equity offer (0.5-1.5%) for a second engineer, suggesting it might be inflated and not truly representative of the company's stage. The NYC location was also a point of discussion, with some commenters noting the high cost of living and questioning the long-term viability of remaining in the city given potential equity dilution. Finally, several users questioned the core business idea and its differentiation in a crowded market.
CollectWise, a YC F24 startup building a platform for collectibles, is hiring a Founding Engineer. They're looking for a full-stack engineer proficient in React, Node.js, and PostgreSQL to help build their core product. This role involves significant ownership and impact on the company's technical direction and offers competitive salary and equity. Ideal candidates are passionate about collectibles, eager to work in a fast-paced startup environment, and have a strong bias for shipping quickly.
Several Hacker News commenters expressed skepticism about CollectWise's business model, questioning the viability of selling directly to collectors and the potential market size. Some commenters also pointed out the competitive landscape, noting existing players in the collectibles management space. A few users inquired about technical details like the tech stack and the nature of the "founding engineer" role. There was a brief discussion around the valuation of collectibles and the challenges of accurate pricing. Overall, the comments reflected a cautious interest in the company, with many seeking further clarification on its strategy and target market.
Raycast, a productivity tool startup, is hiring a remote, full-stack engineer based in the EU. The role offers a competitive salary ranging from €105,000 to €160,000 and involves working on their core product, extensions platform, and community features using technologies like React, TypeScript, and Node.js. Ideal candidates have experience building and shipping high-quality software and a passion for developer tools and improving user workflows. They are looking for engineers who thrive in a fast-paced environment and are excited to contribute to a growing product.
HN commenters discuss Raycast's hiring post, mostly focusing on the high salary range offered (€105k-€160k) for remote, EU-based full-stack engineers. Some express skepticism about the top end of the range being realistically attainable, while others note it's competitive with FAANG salaries. Several commenters praise Raycast as a product and express interest in working there, highlighting the company's positive reputation within the developer community. A few users question the long-term viability of launcher apps like Raycast, while others defend their utility and potential for growth. The overall sentiment towards the job posting is positive, with many seeing it as an attractive opportunity.
Summary of Comments ( 0 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43666112
Hacker News users discussed the Artie job posting, focusing on the requested experience level for a "founding engineer." Many felt the requirements, including experience with scaling systems and leading teams, were excessive for a third engineer at an early-stage startup. Some argued that such demands indicate a lack of understanding about early-stage company needs, where adaptability and rapid development are often more valuable than scaling expertise. Others suggested the company might be looking for a more senior "lead engineer" disguised as a founding engineer, possibly due to funding levels or founder background. The high salary offered ($200k-$300k) was also mentioned, with some believing it reflected the demanding requirements, while others considered it potentially inflated for the stage of the company. A few commenters also discussed Artie's product itself, an AI-powered writing assistant, expressing skepticism about its differentiation in a competitive market.
The Hacker News post titled "Artie (YC S23) Is Hiring Engineer #3" linking to a Y Combinator job posting for Artie has generated a modest number of comments, primarily focused on the perceived difficulty of the technical challenge Artie is tackling.
One commenter expresses skepticism about the feasibility of achieving the stated goals, specifically questioning whether building a "truly open-ended creative AI writing assistant" is currently possible. They suggest that the current state of AI is more suited to narrow, well-defined tasks and that achieving true open-ended creativity in writing is a significantly more challenging problem. This comment raises a core concern about the ambitious nature of the project and implicitly questions whether applicants should be concerned about the technical viability of the company's vision.
Another commenter focuses on the specific requirement for candidates to have experience with large language models (LLMs), arguing that this limits the potential applicant pool to those who have worked with these cutting-edge technologies, which are still relatively new. This observation highlights the specialized skills needed for the position and suggests that Artie is looking for highly qualified individuals with specific experience in a rapidly evolving field. They also subtly imply that the requirement might unnecessarily restrict the applicant pool, potentially excluding talented individuals with transferable skills.
Further discussion ensues around the practicalities of using LLMs for creative writing, with one user pointing out the inherent difficulty in generating long-form coherent narratives with current AI technology. They elaborate by mentioning issues like repetition and maintaining consistent characterization across a longer piece of writing, highlighting the challenges of applying LLMs to complex creative tasks.
A later comment expresses interest in the position but also voices some concerns about the company's commitment to open-source principles. They question the long-term plan for Artie and whether the company intends to remain dedicated to open source, indicating a desire for more information about the company's future direction. This commenter represents a potential applicant who is interested in the technical challenge but also wants to ensure alignment with their personal values regarding open-source software.
Finally, another comment shifts the focus from technical challenges to the market opportunity, suggesting that the market for AI writing tools might be saturated and that Artie needs a clear differentiator to succeed. This comment introduces a business-oriented perspective to the discussion, raising the question of whether Artie can carve out a niche in a competitive landscape.
In summary, the comments on the Hacker News post express a mixture of intrigue, skepticism, and pragmatic concern regarding the technical challenges, market opportunity, and company direction of Artie. While some are excited about the potential of the technology, others raise valid concerns about the feasibility of the project and the specific requirements for the role. The comments provide a diverse range of perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing Artie as they seek to hire their third engineer.