**Key Requirements:** Background in Big Tech and high-growth startups, proficient in Python, startup mentality, strong academic pedigree, no career gaps or job-hopping. **Responsibilities:** Own 0→1 product development, scale features, immediate impact. **Location:** San Francisco, CA. **Work Type:** Hybrid, 4-day in-person. **Visa:** Sponsorship available. **Salary:** $180K–$250K.

Salient is a financial technology company, founded in 2023, based in sf, ca. we're implementing bleeding edge AI, in partnership with the largest lenders in the united states.

we code in python.

we're also hiring - if you're interested in learning more, please reach out to founders at trysalient dot com.

investors: matrix partners, y combinator, general catalyst

Head of People

Salient

Salient is a high-growth AI startup transforming auto loan servicing by
automating consumer-facing communications through voice AI. Their platform
supports loan providers by handling critical verification and delinquency calls
while ensuring strict compliance with federal and state regulations. Backed by
Andreessen Horowitz with $60M in Series A funding, Salient is cash flow
positive, generating over $10M in ARR, and headquartered in San Francisco with a
lean 20-person team.



Salient is looking for Product Engineers (Backend or Fullstack) to take full
ownership of product development—from 0→1 builds to scaling features used by
real customers. Engineers work in agile pods, ship quickly, and see immediate
impact, such as launching new customer-facing tools within weeks. The ideal
candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment and is excited
to work in person four days a week alongside a team of top-tier engineers
solving hard, regulated problems in real time.

Al Heath

default plan

HackerRank 

Final Interview

Live Coding Interview

Call with engineering leadership - culture and background

Engineering Screen

Salient Recruiter Phone Screen

Product Engineer

Salient is a high-growth AI startup transforming auto loan servicing by automating consumer-facing communications through voice AI. Their platform supports loan providers by handling critical verification and delinquency calls while ensuring strict compliance with federal and state regulations. Backed by Andreessen Horowitz with $60M in Series A funding, Salient is cash flow positive, generating over $10M in ARR, and headquartered in San Francisco with a lean 20-person team.Salient is looking for Product Engineers (Backend or Fullstack) to take full ownership of product development—from 0→1 builds to scaling features used by real customers. Engineers work in agile pods, ship quickly, and see immediate impact, such as launching new customer-facing tools within weeks. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment and is excited to work in person four days a week alongside a team of top-tier engineers solving hard, regulated problems in real time.

Candidate needs background in both Big Tech (e.g., Google, Meta, Amazon, Dropbox) and high-growth startups

Startup mentality: scrappy, self-sufficient, and eager to take initiative

Experience in regulated industries or with LLMs

Strong academic pedigree (target schools include Stanford, CMU, MIT, etc.)

TA experience in difficult CS classes is a strong green flag

Career gaps, job-hopping, or “coasting” profiles from long-tenured Big Tech roles will not be considered

Proven track record of shipping user-focused products

Excellence in cross-functional collaboration and communication

Experience building scalable systems

- **Experience Requirements**: Candidates should have 4+ years of software engineering experience, ideally with a mix of Big Tech (e.g., Google, Amazon) and high-growth startup backgrounds. Experience in regulated industries or with LLMs is a plus.

- **Technical Skills**: Proficiency in Python is a must. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of shipping user-focused products and building scalable systems.

- **Education**: Strong academic pedigree is essential, with a preference for graduates from top-tier schools (e.g., Stanford, CMU, MIT). Teaching assistant experience in challenging CS courses is a strong positive indicator.

- **Soft Skills**: A startup mentality is crucial—candidates should be scrappy, self-sufficient, and proactive. Excellence in cross-functional collaboration and communication is also required.

- **Traits to Avoid**: Candidates with career gaps, frequent job changes, or those who have primarily worked as contractors are less favorable. Profiles that appear to be coasting in long-tenured Big Tech roles should be scrutinized.

- **Success Factors**: Ideal candidates exhibit a blend of startup agility and robust technical expertise, with a clear history of impactful contributions in product development.

Open to visa sponsorship and potential relocation support (case-by-case)

4-day in-person work week in SF; daily start time is 8:00 AM with typical end time around 6–7 PM (sometimes later)

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