AccessOwl, a Y Combinator-backed startup, is seeking a senior TypeScript engineer with AI/ML experience. This engineer will play a key role in developing their platform, which aims to connect hundreds of SaaS applications, streamlining user access and permissions management. Responsibilities include building integrations with various APIs, designing and implementing core product features, and leveraging AI to improve user experience and automation. The ideal candidate is proficient in TypeScript, Node.js, and has practical experience with AI/ML technologies.
Infisical, a Y Combinator-backed startup (W23) building a platform for secret management, is hiring full-stack engineers proficient in TypeScript. They're looking for developers to contribute to their core product, which helps engineering teams manage and synchronize application secrets across different environments. The roles are remote and open to candidates in the US and Canada. Ideal candidates possess strong TypeScript, React, Node.js, and PostgreSQL experience, and a passion for developer tools and improving developer workflows. Infisical emphasizes a collaborative, fast-paced environment and offers competitive salary and equity.
Several Hacker News commenters expressed skepticism about Infisical's claim of being "secretless," questioning how they could truly guarantee zero knowledge of user secrets. Others pointed out the competitive landscape of secrets management, wondering how Infisical differentiated itself from established players like HashiCorp Vault. There was also discussion around the security implications of open-sourcing their client, with some arguing it increased transparency and auditability while others raised concerns about potential vulnerabilities. Some users were interested in the remote work policy and the specific technologies used. Finally, a few commenters shared positive experiences with the Infisical product.
Roundtable, a YC S23 startup building collaborative spreadsheet software, is hiring a Member of Technical Staff. They're looking for a highly motivated engineer proficient in TypeScript/JavaScript and React, with experience in building complex web applications. Ideal candidates will enjoy fast-paced environments, have strong communication skills, and be passionate about improving spreadsheet workflows for teams. The position is remote and offers equity.
Hacker News users discussed Roundtable's hiring practices, expressing skepticism about the advertised "Member of Technical Staff" role seeming like a disguised senior engineer position given the required experience and responsibilities. Several commenters questioned the compensation, considering the high cost of living in San Francisco, with some speculating it might be lower than market rate for a senior engineer. Others debated the effectiveness of the "roundtable" meeting format for engineering teams, citing potential for inefficiency and unproductive discussions. A few users defended the company, suggesting the role could be a good fit for experienced engineers seeking a less demanding environment or those interested in the specific product. The overall sentiment leaned towards cautious interest with a healthy dose of pragmatism about the realities of the job market and the potential downsides of the described work environment.
Overlap (YC S24) is seeking a product engineer to build the future of team sync. They're looking for someone with strong frontend skills (React, Typescript) and experience building and shipping user-facing products. This role offers the chance to work on a collaborative scheduling tool aimed at improving how teams manage their time and coordinate meetings, directly impacting user productivity. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced startup environment, enjoys ownership, and is passionate about creating a seamless and delightful user experience.
HN commenters discuss Overlap's YC S24 participation and their product engineer job posting. Several express skepticism about the "impactful" nature of the work, questioning the actual need for a product like schedule syncing across different calendar platforms. Some also find the requested tech stack, particularly the mention of Webflow, unusual for a YC company. Others offer more supportive perspectives, emphasizing the potential market for such a product and the challenges of building reliable syncing solutions. The overall sentiment leans slightly negative, with concerns about the problem Overlap aims to solve and their chosen approach.
Large language models (LLMs) exhibit concerning biases when used for hiring decisions. Experiments simulating resume screening reveal LLMs consistently favor candidates with stereotypically "white-sounding" names and penalize those with "Black-sounding" names, even when qualifications are identical. This bias persists across various prompts and model sizes, suggesting a deep-rooted problem stemming from the training data. Furthermore, LLMs struggle to differentiate between relevant and irrelevant information on resumes, sometimes prioritizing factors like university prestige over actual skills. This behavior raises serious ethical concerns about fairness and potential for discrimination if LLMs become integral to hiring processes.
HN commenters largely agree with the article's premise that LLMs introduce systemic biases into hiring. Several point out that LLMs are trained on biased data, thus perpetuating and potentially amplifying existing societal biases. Some discuss the lack of transparency in these systems, making it difficult to identify and address the biases. Others highlight the potential for discrimination based on factors like writing style or cultural background, not actual qualifications. A recurring theme is the concern that reliance on LLMs in hiring will exacerbate inequality, particularly for underrepresented groups. One commenter notes the irony of using tools designed to improve efficiency ultimately creating more work for humans who need to correct for the LLM's shortcomings. There's skepticism about whether the benefits of using LLMs in hiring outweigh the risks, with some suggesting human review is still essential to ensure fairness.
Artie, a Y Combinator-backed startup building generative AI tools for businesses, is seeking a Senior Product Marketing Manager in San Francisco. This role will be responsible for developing and executing go-to-market strategies, crafting compelling messaging and positioning, conducting market research, and enabling the sales team. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of the generative AI landscape, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record of successful product launches. Experience with B2B SaaS and developer tools is highly desired.
Hacker News users discuss the apparent disconnect between Artie's stated mission of "AI-powered tools for creativity" and the job description's emphasis on traditional product marketing tasks like competitive analysis and go-to-market strategy. Several commenters question whether a strong product marketing focus so early indicates a pivot away from the initial creative AI vision, or perhaps a struggle to find product-market fit within that niche. The lack of specific mention of AI in the job description's responsibilities fuels this speculation. Some users also express skepticism about the value of a senior marketing role at such an early stage, suggesting a focus on product development might be more prudent. There's a brief exchange regarding Artie's potential market, with some suggesting education as a possibility. Overall, the comments reflect a cautious curiosity about Artie's direction and whether the marketing role signals a shift in priorities.
Legion Health (YC S21) is seeking founding engineers to build an AI-powered mental healthcare platform. They're aiming to create a personalized, data-driven approach to diagnosis and treatment, combining the best aspects of human therapists and AI. The ideal candidates are experienced full-stack or backend engineers proficient in Python/TypeScript and interested in tackling the mental health crisis. They offer competitive equity and the opportunity to shape the future of mental healthcare.
Several Hacker News commenters express skepticism about using AI to "fix" mental health, questioning whether it's the right tool for such complex and nuanced issues. Some worry about the potential for misdiagnosis and the ethical implications of relying on AI for mental health support. Others point out the difficulty of collecting accurate and representative data for training such AI models, particularly given the subjective nature of mental health experiences. There's also discussion around the potential for bias in these systems and the importance of human oversight. A few commenters offer alternative perspectives, suggesting AI could be useful for specific tasks like scheduling or administrative work, freeing up human clinicians to focus on patient care. The potential for misuse and the need for careful regulation are also highlighted. Several users questioned the high salary advertised given the company's early stage, while others shared personal anecdotes related to mental healthcare access and affordability.
After relying heavily on AI-powered chatbots for customer service, Klarna is shifting back towards human agents. Citing customer feedback and the complexities of certain inquiries, the company is actively recruiting for customer service roles and integrating human agents more prominently into its support channels. This move comes after acknowledging that AI, while useful for simple tasks, falls short in handling nuanced or sensitive customer issues, ultimately impacting customer satisfaction.
HN commenters are largely skeptical of Klarna's reversal on AI-driven customer service. Many believe this move was inevitable, arguing that complex customer service issues require human nuance and understanding that AI currently lacks. Some suggest Klarna's initial foray into AI was a cost-cutting measure disguised as innovation, and its failure demonstrates the limitations of relying solely on chatbots for customer interaction. Others point out the potential for negative PR from poor AI customer service experiences, ultimately harming the brand more than the initial savings. A few commenters express cautious optimism that Klarna might integrate AI and human agents effectively, but the overall sentiment reflects a belief that human interaction remains crucial for quality customer service, particularly in financially sensitive areas like payments.
Synder, a Y Combinator-backed (S21) fintech company specializing in accounting automation for e-commerce businesses, is hiring a Business Development Representative. This role focuses on outbound sales, generating leads, qualifying prospects, and scheduling demos for the sales team. Ideal candidates possess strong communication and sales skills, are comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment, and have a genuine interest in the SaaS and fintech industries. This is a remote position offering an opportunity to contribute to a rapidly growing company.
Hacker News users discussed the listed salary ($60k-$80k) for the Business Development Representative role at Synder, with many finding it too low, especially for a YC-backed company located in the Bay Area. Several commenters pointed out the high cost of living in the region, arguing that the offered range is insufficient for a comfortable lifestyle, even for an entry-level position. Some suggested the low salary might reflect a commission-heavy compensation structure, while others speculated it might indicate issues with the company's funding or business model. The overall sentiment was negative, with many users expressing skepticism about the job posting and advising potential applicants to carefully consider the compensation before applying.
Artifact, a YC W25 startup building a personalized news feed, is hiring a Forward Deployed Software Engineer. This role involves working directly with users, rapidly iterating on product features based on feedback, and collaborating closely with the founding team. Ideal candidates are highly adaptable, enjoy a fast-paced environment, possess strong communication skills, and are proficient in full-stack development with a preference for React and Node.js. The position offers the opportunity to significantly impact the product's direction and grow alongside a small, ambitious team.
The Hacker News comments express skepticism and concern about Artifact's "Forward Deployed Software Engineer" job posting. Several commenters question the meaning of "forward deployed," interpreting it as potentially euphemistic for dangerous or unstable work environments, possibly involving military or conflict zones. Others speculate it might refer to embedded systems or working directly with clients. The lack of clarity in the job description is criticized, with some suggesting it's a red flag and a sign of poor communication from the company. A few commenters note the high salary offered, but this is largely overshadowed by the ambiguity surrounding the role's actual responsibilities. The overall sentiment is one of caution and a desire for more information before considering the position.
Tabular, a YC S24 startup, is seeking a founding engineer to help build a collaborative spreadsheet tool designed for complex data analysis. They're looking for someone passionate about developer tools and spreadsheets with a strong understanding of front-end technologies like React, Typescript, and potentially Rust/WebAssembly. The ideal candidate enjoys fast-paced environments and collaborating closely within a small team to shape the product's direction. Experience with data visualization, collaborative editing, or spreadsheet software is a plus.
The Hacker News comments on the Tabular (YC S24) job posting are largely focused on the requested tech stack (TypeScript, React, and Node.js) and its perceived suitability for a data-intensive application. Several commenters question the choice of JavaScript for performance-critical backend tasks, expressing concern about potential bottlenecks and advocating for languages like Rust, Go, or Python with optimized data science libraries. Others defend the choice, citing the large existing ecosystem and ease of rapid prototyping. A few commenters also note the broadness of the "founding engineer" role and discuss the potential challenges and rewards of joining an early-stage startup. Several commenters express interest in the remote work aspect and the focus on tabular data interfaces. Finally, there's some skepticism about the actual innovation being pursued, with one commenter questioning whether the problem being addressed is truly significant.
InstantDB, a Y Combinator (S22) startup building a serverless, relational database designed for web developers, is seeking a founding TypeScript engineer. This role will be instrumental in shaping the product's future, requiring expertise in TypeScript, Node.js, and ideally, experience with databases like PostgreSQL. The engineer will contribute heavily to the core platform, API design, and overall developer experience. This is a fully remote, equity-heavy position offering the opportunity to join a small, passionate team at the ground floor and build something impactful.
Hacker News users discuss Instant's TypeScript engineer job posting, expressing skepticism about the "founding engineer" title for a role seemingly focused on building a dashboard. Several commenters question the startup's direction, suggesting the description sounds more like standard frontend work than a foundational technical role. Others debate the meaning and value of the "founding engineer" title itself, with some arguing it's overused and others pointing out the potential equity and impact associated with early-stage roles. A few commenters also discuss InstantDB's YC association and express mild interest in the role, though the majority seem unconvinced by the framing of the position.
Helpcare AI, a Y Combinator Fall 2024 company, is hiring for various roles including software engineers, machine learning engineers, product designers, and medical professionals. They're building an AI-powered platform to assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating patients more effectively. They seek individuals passionate about improving healthcare with AI and offer competitive salaries and equity. Experience with large language models (LLMs), healthcare data, and fast-paced startup environments is a plus.
The Hacker News comments are sparse and primarily focus on the hiring aspect of the post, rather than the Helpcare AI product itself. One commenter questions the wisdom of advertising engineering roles with such a broad range of required experience (from junior to staff). Another expresses skepticism about the prevalence of AI/ML startups in the current YC batch and suggests the hype around AI may be influencing founders' choices. A third comment simply notes the use of a Google Form for applications, a practice generally considered less professional than dedicated application portals. Overall, the comments offer little substantive discussion of Helpcare AI's mission or technology.
The Atlantic article highlights a concerning trend in the job market: prime-age workers (25-54) are increasingly leaving the workforce, while older workers are staying longer and teenagers are entering at lower rates. This shrinking prime-age workforce, coupled with the rising number of retirees needing social support, poses a significant threat to economic growth and the stability of programs like Social Security and Medicare. The reasons for this trend are complex and include factors such as childcare costs, long COVID, declining real wages, and the opioid crisis. This exodus, even if temporary, could have lasting negative consequences for the economy.
HN commenters discuss the shrinking job market for young people, with some attributing it to automation and AI, while others point to declining birth rates leading to fewer entry-level positions. Several suggest the issue is cyclical, tied to economic downturns and an oversupply of graduates in certain fields. Some dispute the premise, arguing that opportunities exist but require more specialized skills or entrepreneurial spirit. The idea of "bullshit jobs" is also raised, suggesting that many entry-level roles offer little real value and are susceptible to cuts. Several commenters emphasize the importance of internships and networking for young job seekers, and some advocate for apprenticeships and vocational training as alternatives to traditional college degrees. A few highlight the growing gig economy and remote work options, while others lament the lack of job security and benefits in these fields.
To identify potential North Korean IT workers disguised as other nationalities and avoid legal issues associated with hiring them, interviewers can ask about their experience with specific, culturally relevant South Korean pop culture phenomena, like popular TV dramas or K-pop groups. Genuine South Koreans (or those with actual South Korean cultural immersion) would likely have some familiarity with these topics, while imposters, even with fabricated backgrounds, are less likely to possess the nuanced knowledge necessary to convincingly discuss them. This cultural touchstone approach offers a more reliable screening method than relying solely on resumes or claimed nationalities.
Hacker News users discuss the practicality and ethics of using the proposed interview question ("What's your favorite brand of instant noodles?") to identify North Korean IT workers posing as South Koreans. Several commenters express skepticism, pointing out that cultural osmosis between the two countries makes this an unreliable filter, with North Koreans likely aware of popular South Korean brands. Others raise concerns about the ethical implications, suggesting it perpetuates stereotypes and potentially discriminates against legitimate workers. Some suggest alternative, more technical questions focusing on specific software or development practices would be more effective, while others dismiss the entire premise as fear-mongering and unlikely to be a widespread issue. A few commenters offer humorous takes, suggesting absurd follow-up questions or pointing out the potential for candidates to easily research the "correct" answer. Overall, the consensus leans towards the question being ineffective and potentially harmful.
Freshpaint, a Y Combinator S19 company specializing in customer data infrastructure, is hiring remote backend and frontend engineers based in the US. They are building a product that helps companies collect, manage, and activate their customer data, aiming to simplify the complex process of data integration. Experience with data-intensive applications and distributed systems is desired for backend roles, while frontend positions require proficiency in modern Javascript frameworks like React. The company emphasizes a fast-paced, collaborative environment and the opportunity to contribute significantly to a rapidly growing startup.
The comments on this Hacker News post are sparse and primarily focus on the "US only" hiring restriction. Several commenters express frustration or disappointment with this limitation, questioning the reasoning behind it and suggesting it unnecessarily limits the talent pool. One commenter speculates it might be due to legal or tax complexities. Another simply points out the lost opportunity to hire globally. There's no discussion of the company itself or the specific roles.
Tenjin, a mobile marketing attribution platform, is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer specializing in ad attribution. The role involves building and maintaining scalable, high-performance systems using Ruby and Go to process large datasets and accurately attribute mobile app installs to ad campaigns. This includes working on their core attribution logic, fraud detection, and reporting features. The ideal candidate has strong backend experience, particularly with Ruby and Go, and a deep understanding of ad tech and attribution.
HN commenters discuss Tenjin's tech stack choices, particularly using Ruby and Go together. Some question the combination, expressing concerns about Ruby's performance in a data-intensive ad attribution environment. Others defend the choice, suggesting Ruby might be used for less performance-critical tasks or that Tenjin might be transitioning to Go. A few commenters focus on the remote work aspect, viewing it positively. Some also note the competitive salary range. Overall, the discussion revolves around the suitability of Ruby and Go for ad attribution, remote work opportunities, and the advertised salary.
Recover, a YC W21 startup, is hiring a Head of Finance. This role will be responsible for building and managing all finance functions, including accounting, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), fundraising, investor relations, and strategic finance. The ideal candidate has a strong background in finance, preferably within a high-growth startup environment, and is comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic setting. They will report directly to the CEO and play a critical role in shaping the company's financial strategy and driving its growth.
Several commenters on Hacker News expressed skepticism about the Head of Finance position at Recover, questioning the relatively low salary ($140k-$180k) for the Bay Area, especially given the expectation of managing a Series B/C fundraising round. Some compared it unfavorably to similar roles at larger, more established companies. Others pointed out the potential for significant equity, given Recover's YC backing and growth stage, arguing that this could offset the lower base salary for the right candidate. A few commenters also discussed the pros and cons of working at a mission-driven company like Recover, which focuses on textile recycling, versus a more traditional for-profit enterprise.
Tesorio, a cash flow performance platform, is seeking a remote Senior Backend Engineer in Latin America. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience, strong Python and Django skills, and experience with REST APIs and SQL databases. They will contribute to building and maintaining core backend systems, focusing on scalability, performance, and security. This role involves collaborating with other engineers, product managers, and designers to deliver high-quality software solutions for enterprise clients.
HN commenters discuss Tesorio's remote LatAm hiring strategy, with some expressing skepticism about the long-term viability of such arrangements due to potential communication difficulties and time zone differences. Others question the "LatAm" focus, wondering if it's driven by cost-saving measures rather than genuine regional interest. Conversely, several commenters applaud Tesorio's approach, highlighting the benefits of accessing a wider talent pool and promoting global work opportunities. Some commenters share personal experiences with similar remote setups, offering insights into both the advantages and challenges. A few also inquire about specific technologies used at Tesorio.
Streak, a CRM built inside Gmail, is hiring Staff UI Engineers to build performant and scalable front-end features. They're seeking experienced engineers proficient in JavaScript/TypeScript, React, and state management solutions like Redux or MobX. The ideal candidate will architect and implement complex UI components, improve performance, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to the evolution of Streak's front-end architecture. This role emphasizes building a "local-first" user experience, ensuring responsiveness and reliability even with limited internet connectivity.
HN commenters discuss Streak's unusual tech stack (using Gmail as the frontend) and the potential challenges and benefits that come with it. Some express interest in the unique engineering problems, while others raise concerns about performance, scalability, and the reliance on a third-party platform. The "local-first" approach is questioned, with several commenters pointing out that data still resides primarily on Google's servers. There's also discussion about the compensation package, with some suggesting it's below market rate for senior engineers, particularly in high-cost areas. Finally, a few commenters share personal experiences with Streak, both positive and negative, regarding its functionality and usability.
Typewise, a YC S22 startup developing an AI-powered keyboard focused on text prediction and correction, is hiring a Machine Learning Engineer in Zurich, Switzerland. The ideal candidate has experience in NLP, deep learning, and large language models, and will contribute to improving the keyboard's prediction accuracy and performance. Responsibilities include developing and training new models, optimizing existing ones, and working with large datasets. Experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar frameworks is desired, along with a passion for building innovative products that improve user experience.
HN commenters discuss the listed salary range (120-180k CHF) for the ML Engineer position at Typewise, with several noting it seems low for Zurich's high cost of living, especially compared to US tech salaries. Some suggest the range might be intended to attract less experienced candidates. Others express interest in the company's mission of improving typing accuracy and privacy, but question the technical challenge and long-term market viability of a swipe-based keyboard. A few commenters also mention the potential difficulty of obtaining a Swiss work permit.
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.
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.
Telli, a YC F24 startup building a collaborative knowledge-sharing platform akin to a shared second brain, is hiring founding engineers in Berlin, Germany. They're seeking individuals passionate about building intuitive and collaborative products using technologies like TypeScript, React, and Node.js. The ideal candidate is excited about early-stage startups, shaping product direction, and working directly with the founding team in a fast-paced, impactful environment. Relocation support is available.
HN commenters express skepticism about the viability of Telli's business model, questioning the market demand for another note-taking app, especially one focused on engineers. Several commenters point out the crowded nature of this market segment and suggest the need for a strong differentiator beyond what's described in the linked hiring page. Some also raise concerns about the emphasis on on-site work in Berlin, potentially limiting the applicant pool. Finally, a few commenters express confusion about Telli's value proposition and how it differs from existing tools like Notion or Obsidian. There is a general lack of enthusiasm and a sense that Telli needs to articulate its unique selling proposition more effectively to attract talent.
Type, a YC W23 startup building AI-powered writing tools, is seeking a senior software engineer. They're looking for someone with strong TypeScript/JavaScript and React experience to contribute to their core product. Ideal candidates will be passionate about building performant and user-friendly web applications and interested in working with cutting-edge AI technologies. This role offers the opportunity to significantly impact a rapidly growing startup and shape the future of writing.
Several commenters on Hacker News expressed skepticism about the job posting's emphasis on "impact" without clearly defining it, and the vague description of the product as "building tools for knowledge workers." Some questioned the high salary range ($200k-$400k) for a Series A startup, particularly given the lack of detailed information about the work itself. A few users pointed out the irony of Type using traditional job boards instead of their own purportedly superior platform for knowledge workers. Others questioned the company's focus, wondering if they were building a note-taking app or a broader platform. Overall, the comments reflect a cautious and somewhat critical view of the job posting, with many desiring more concrete details before considering applying.
This Hacker News thread from April 2025 serves as a place for companies to post job openings and for individuals to seek employment. The original poster initiates the monthly "Who is hiring?" thread, inviting companies to share details about available positions, including location (remote or in-person), required skills, and company information. Job seekers are also encouraged to share their experience, desired roles, and location preferences. Essentially, the thread functions as an open marketplace connecting potential employers and employees within the tech community.
The Hacker News thread "Ask HN: Who is hiring? (April 2025)" is a continuation of a long-running series, and this iteration has attracted numerous comments from companies seeking talent and individuals looking for work. Many comments list specific roles and companies, often with links to job boards or application pages. Common areas of hiring include software engineering (front-end, back-end, full-stack), machine learning/AI, DevOps, and cybersecurity. Some commenters discuss the job market generally, noting desired skills or remote work opportunities. There's also a noticeable trend of AI-related roles, highlighting the continued growth in that sector. Several comments focus on specific locations, indicating a preference for certain geographic areas. Finally, some responses engage in humorous banter typical of these threads, expressing hopes for future employment or commenting on the cyclical nature of the "Who's Hiring" posts.
Extend (a YC W23 startup) is hiring engineers to build their LLM-powered document processing platform. They're looking for experienced full-stack and backend engineers proficient in Python and React to help develop core product features like data extraction, summarization, and search. The ideal candidate is excited about the potential of LLMs and eager to work in a fast-paced startup environment. Extend aims to streamline how businesses interact with documents, and they're offering competitive salary and equity for those who join their team.
Several Hacker News commenters express skepticism about the long-term viability of building a company around LLM-powered document processing, citing the rapid advancement of open-source LLMs and the potential for commoditization. Some suggest the focus should be on a very specific niche application to avoid direct competition with larger players. Other comments question the need for a dedicated tool, arguing existing solutions like GPT-4 might already be sufficient. A few commenters offer alternative application ideas, including leveraging LLMs for contract analysis or regulatory compliance. There's also a discussion around data privacy and security when processing sensitive documents with third-party tools.
Wondercraft AI, a Y Combinator-backed startup, is hiring engineers and a designer to build their AI-powered podcasting tool. They're looking for experienced individuals passionate about audio and AI, specifically those proficient in Python (backend/ML), React (frontend), and design tools like Figma. Wondercraft aims to simplify podcast creation, allowing users to generate podcasts from blog posts or other text-based content. They offer competitive salaries and equity, remote work flexibility, and the chance to contribute to an innovative product in a growing market.
The Hacker News comments on the Wondercraft (YC S22) hiring post are few and primarily focus on the company itself rather than the job postings. Some users express skepticism about the long-term viability of AI-generated podcasts, questioning the potential for genuine audience engagement and the perceived value compared to human-created content. Others mention previous AI voice generation projects and speculate about the specific technology Wondercraft is using. There's a brief discussion about the limitations of current AI in replicating natural speech patterns and the potential for improvement in the future. Overall, the comments reflect a cautious curiosity about the platform and its potential impact on podcasting.
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.
PermitFlow, a Y Combinator-backed startup streamlining the construction permitting process, is hiring Senior and Staff Software Engineers in NYC. They're looking for experienced engineers proficient in Python and Django (or similar frameworks) to build and scale their platform. Ideal candidates will have a strong product sense, experience with complex systems, and a passion for improving the construction industry. PermitFlow offers competitive salary and equity, and the opportunity to work on a high-impact product in a fast-paced environment.
HN commenters discuss PermitFlow's high offered salary range ($200k-$300k) for senior/staff engineers, with some expressing skepticism about its legitimacy or sustainability, especially for a Series A company. Others suggest the range might reflect NYC's high cost of living and competitive tech market. Several commenters note the importance of equity in addition to salary, questioning its potential at a company already valued at $80M. Some express interest in the regulatory tech space PermitFlow occupies, while others find the work potentially tedious. A few commenters point out the job posting's emphasis on "impact," a common buzzword they find vague and uninformative. The overall sentiment seems to be cautious interest mixed with pragmatic concerns about compensation and the nature of the work itself.
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.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44142436
Several Hacker News commenters expressed skepticism about the advertised Senior AI/TypeScript Engineer position at AccessOwl. Some questioned the genuine need for AI expertise for the described role of connecting SaaS APIs, suggesting it was more of a traditional integration engineering task. Others criticized the vague description of "AI-enabled," viewing it as potentially misleading or simply an attempt to capitalize on current AI hype. A few commenters also questioned the low end of the offered salary range ($70k) for a "senior" role, especially one involving AI, in a major tech hub like Seattle. There was some discussion on the challenges and complexities of SaaS integrations, but the overall sentiment leaned towards caution and skepticism regarding the role's actual AI component.
The Hacker News post discussing the AccessOwl (YC S22) job opening for an AI-enabled Senior Software Engineer (TypeScript focus) has generated several comments, primarily focusing on the compensation offered and the perceived ambiguity in the job description.
Several commenters questioned the listed salary range of $60k-$90k, considering it significantly below market rate for a senior software engineer, particularly one specializing in AI and located in a potentially high-cost area (though the job posting allows for remote work). They argued that this low salary range might discourage qualified candidates from applying. Some speculated that the company might be targeting engineers in locations with lower cost of living, while others suggested it might be an error or simply a lowball offer.
One commenter pointed out the seemingly contradictory requirements of being both "senior" and needing "close mentorship." They expressed concern that this discrepancy might indicate a lack of clear expectations for the role.
Another commenter questioned the broad scope of the job description, referencing the phrase "connect 100s of SaaS." They suggested that this vague wording makes it difficult to understand the specific tasks and responsibilities involved, potentially hiding a much larger and more complex undertaking than the title suggests. This commenter also questioned the need for AI expertise given the apparent focus on integrations.
A few commenters discussed the use of AI in SaaS integrations, debating whether it's a genuinely useful application or simply a buzzword employed to attract attention. Some expressed skepticism about the actual role of AI in the described position.
Overall, the comments reflect a cautious and somewhat critical perspective on the job posting. The primary concerns revolve around the seemingly low salary for a senior role, the ambiguity in the job description, and the potentially inflated emphasis on AI.