Strategic Projects Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site · Full-time Compensation: $130,000–$150,000 + 0.2%–0.5% equity (profit-share on managed contracts; up to ~$300K total cash comp) About the Company An AI research lab building novel datasets and running experiments to probe the boundaries and capabilities of AI. Its customers are the foundation model labs, serving the frontier AI labs. Founded in 2025 and backed by leading investors, the company reports rapid early growth and strong revenue traction within its first year. Founded 2025 · 11–50 people · Industry: AI research / data operations The Role Work directly with the founding team to execute and manage delivery of high-value data contracts with top AI labs — leading large teams of domain experts, ensuring on-time, high-quality delivery, and interfacing directly with researchers and technical stakeholders. What you\'ll be doing Work with leading AI labs to generate next-generation datasets that push AI to its limits — directly generating revenue Manage teams of experts across domains such as finance, software engineering, and the sciences Collaborate with internal teams to develop groundbreaking AI research Drive initiatives across the company as an early hire Support the team across various operational initiatives Requirements Demonstrated history of strong execution in high-pressure environments (e.g. top banking, consulting, or startup ops). Willingness to work 60–70+ hours/week; intensity expected to match founder pace. Clear communication skills — must be able to interface directly with technical researchers. Fast learning and high agency — can operate with low guidance in ambiguous situations. Must work in-person from the company\'s San Francisco office. Green Flags Ex-Goldman, MBB, Catalyst, or similar high-output backgrounds. Past SPL/human data ops experience at companies like Scale AI, Mercor, Surge Past experience in healthcare/healthtech Debate/public speaking background or technical depth (CS/ML/eng) to interface well with researchers. Has trialed or succeeded in past fast-paced startup roles with strong references. Works autonomously, yet collaboratively, and doesn\'t burn out under heavy load. Red Flags Worked cushy tech jobs (FAANG PM, etc.) and may not be used to intense work environments. Struggles with ambiguity or lacks examples of owning large, complex projects. Only interested in remote work — role is strictly in-person. Can\'t articulate why they want to pivot into AI ops or join a startup now. No experience managing teams or unclear on motivating people toward execution. Why Join Direct exposure to the world\'s leading AI labs and their researchers; own contracts end-to-end Significant upside through profit-share on the contracts you manage, up to ~$300K total cash comp plus equity Ground-floor role at a fast-growing, revenue-generating research lab Details Location: San Francisco, CA Work policy: In-person, SF office; ~6-day work week Compensation: $130,000–$150,000 + equity Visa sponsorship: None available Employment type: Full-time #J-18808-Ljbffr