US IT Recruiter - Startup Hiring

Role Overview

We are seeking a technically knowledgeable US IT Recruiter to autonomously handle recruitment for early-stage startups, primarily Seed and Pre-Seed companies. This role demands a deep understanding of technology to identify exceptional engineering talent, leveraging personal networks and sourcing skills to operate effectively in the highly competitive US startup hiring landscape.

Compensation

Successful hires earn a guaranteed minimum payout of $8,000, with rewards ranging between $8,000 and $20,000 depending on the seniority and complexity of the position.

Areas of Recruitment Focus

• Technical Positions: Frontend Engineers (React, Next.js, TypeScript etc.), Backend Engineers (Python, Java, Node.js, Go etc.), Full-Stack Engineers, AI/ML Engineers, Founding Engineers, Senior/Staff Engineers, and other specialized technical roles.
• Non-Technical Roles: Account Managers, Go-to-Market (GTM) roles, Sales, Business Development, Customer Success, and additional startup functions.

Candidate Requirements

• A minimum of 3 years of recruitment experience for US-based technology startups.
• In-depth knowledge of technical roles, engineering tech stacks, and the ability to assess candidate suitability beyond superficial keyword matching.
• Established track record recruiting for Seed and Pre-Seed startups, particularly within San Francisco and the Bay Area.
• Comprehensive awareness of the US technology talent marketplace including compensation, competition, and prevailing hiring trends.
• A well-developed, personally managed candidate database and talent network built beyond reliance on job portals.
• Expertise in sourcing talent through LinkedIn, GitHub, job boards, community channels, and referrals.
• Experience engaging directly with senior stakeholders such as founders, CTOs, engineering leads, and hiring managers.
• Strong skills in quickly interpreting job requirements to create targeted talent pipelines.
• Effective candidate engagement and closing capabilities complemented by excellent communication skills.

Preferred Candidate Attributes

• Track record of maintaining and nurturing proprietary talent pools rather than solely utilizing job board resources.
• Experience recruiting engineers from reputable US tech companies and startups.
• Success in closing challenging hiring needs like Founding Engineer, AI/ML Engineer, Senior Backend Engineer, and Staff Engineer roles.
• Familiarity with the San Francisco and Bay Area tech startup ecosystems.
• Proven ability to support hiring efforts spanning Pre-Seed to Series A stages.
• Ability to thrive in dynamic, fast-evolving recruitment environments.
• Keen understanding of what defines an ideal engineer fit for early-stage startups beyond just technical qualifications.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end recruitment processes from understanding requirements to closing offers.
• Collaborate closely with founders and hiring managers for role definition and adjustment.
• Develop and sustain high-quality candidate pipelines for US positions.
• Initiate proactive candidate sourcing rather than relying on inbound applications.
• Expand, manage, and refine your personal candidate database continuously.
• Evaluate candidates for both technical skills and cultural compatibility.
• Lead initial candidate interviews assessing relevant experience and fit.
• Maintain ongoing communication and follow-up with candidates throughout the hiring process.
• Offer market intelligence on talent supply, compensation standards, and recruitment trends.
• Keep recruitment metrics and candidate records precise and updated.
• Contribute ideas to enhance sourcing approaches and the overall recruitment process.

Ideal Candidate Profile

You have the autonomy to fully take ownership of searches, for example, independently sourcing a Founding Backend Engineer for a Pre-Seed AI startup based in San Francisco by mapping profiles, identifying talent pools, sourcing, screening, and presenting qualified candidates without need for supervision. You operate as a trusted talent partner, leveraging technical insight to go beyond traditional recruitment methods.