Senior AI-Native Software Engineer
VanHack
San Francisco, CA · Posted October 15, 2026
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November 2026
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How AI is used in this kind of work
Among computer and information research scientists, AI is already used for a large share of the tasks. Measured exposure for computer and information research scientists: 34% (high).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
About the job
About the Opportunity
We're looking for a Senior AI-Native Software Engineer who is excited about rethinking how software is built.
This isn't a traditional software engineering role focused on completing tickets or implementing predefined features. We're looking for someone who can think creatively, challenge conventional development practices, and build systems that leverage AI to automate and accelerate software engineering.
Our goal is to move toward an AI-driven software development environment where intelligent agents can execute increasingly complex engineering activities.
To make that possible, we need engineers who can design the systems, automation, observability, and infrastructure that enable AI agents to work effectively.
If you've already built something meaningful using AI and enjoy experimenting with new ways of developing software, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Do
Design and build AI-driven software systems that enable intelligent agents to execute engineering activities.
Develop automation and workflows that reduce manual engineering effort and improve development efficiency.
Implement observability, tracing, and monitoring capabilities to support AI-driven operations.
Architect scalable and reliable systems that can support growing customer demands.
Identify opportunities to rethink traditional software development processes through AI.
Experiment with emerging AI technologies and translate ideas into practical engineering solutions.
Take ownership of technical initiatives, from identifying problems and designing solutions to implementation.
Collaborate with the team to continuously improve how software is developed, operated, and maintained.
Help establish the foundations for an increasingly autonomous, AI-enabled software development environment.
What We're Looking For
Engineering Experience
Senior-level software engineering experience, with a strong understanding of software architecture and scalable systems.
Previous experience working in an enterprise environment, with exposure to engineering practices required to build and maintain systems at scale.
More recent experience working in a startup environment, where autonomy, adaptability, and ownership are essential.
Experience designing, building, and operating production software systems.
Strong understanding of observability, monitoring, and traceability.
Ability to approach engineering challenges from a systems perspective rather than focusing exclusively on individual features.
AI & Automation
Hands-on experience using AI to solve meaningful engineering or product challenges.
Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for AI-driven automation.
Interest in designing systems where AI agents can perform development or operational activities.
Ability to think beyond traditional development workflows and explore AI-native approaches.
A track record of building, experimenting with, or implementing practical AI solutions.
We're particularly interested in understanding what you've actually accomplished using AI, whether internally at your company or as part of a customer-facing product.
Mindset & Working Style
Creative problem-solver: You enjoy exploring unconventional solutions and challenging established approaches.
Self-directed: You can identify what needs to be done and independently drive initiatives forward.
Ownership mentality: You take responsibility for the systems you build and the outcomes they deliver.
AI-first thinker: You naturally consider how AI and automation can improve or transform engineering processes.
Startup mindset: You're comfortable with ambiguity, experimentation, and rapidly changing priorities.
Systems thinker: You understand how to design solutions that are scalable, reliable, and maintainable.
Technology Stack
We're technology-agnostic.
Your experience with a particular programming language is less important than your ability to design systems, solve complex problems, and leverage AI effectively.
We value engineers who can adapt to different technologies and select the right tools for the problem.
What Makes This Opportunity Different?
This is an opportunity to help shape how software engineering evolves in an AI-native environment.
Rather than simply integrating AI into existing development workflows, you'll be helping build the systems that allow AI agents to take on increasingly sophisticated engineering responsibilities.
You'll have the opportunity to experiment, challenge traditional approaches, and take meaningful ownership of technical solutions.
We're looking for someone who doesn't just use AI to write code faster, but thinks about how AI can fundamentally change the way software is built.
Location
Candidates based in Brazil are preferred, particularly those in São Paulo, where the company has access to a coworking space.
The company is also open to considering relocation to San Francisco.