Strategic Projects Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site · Full-time Compensation: $80,000–$110,000 base + up to 100% of base as bonus + meaningful equity About the Company An early-stage, venture-backed AI research lab investigating the boundaries and capabilities of artificial intelligence through novel datasets and experimentation. Its customers are the frontier model labs. Backed by top-tier investors and operators, it was one of the fastest-growing companies in its accelerator batch. Founded 2025 · 11–50 people · Industry: AI research & data The Role We're hiring highly driven early-career operators as Strategic Projects Associates — new grads through ~2 years of experience who thrive in fast-paced, high-intensity environments and want significant ownership early. You'll work closely with Strategic Projects Leads (SPLs) supporting client execution, operational initiatives, and cross-functional projects, gaining deep exposure to startup operations, AI workflows, and customer strategy. High performers can become SPLs in approximately one year. What you'll be doing Partner with frontier AI labs alongside SPLs to build next-generation datasets that push the boundaries of AI Manage teams of experts across professional domains like finance, software engineering, and law Create and execute sales memos and develop data samples Support SPLs and the broader team across operational initiatives Drive execution on cross-functional projects in product, research, and operations Tech stack: AI tools (e.g. Claude Code), Microsoft Office Requirements New grad to 2 years experience High-intensity background: top internships or startup Willing to work 6 days a week Strong written and verbal communication Excited about AI and frontier labs SF in-person Green Flags Technical skills with AI tools like Claude Code Top-company internship pedigree (FAANG, frontier AI lab, quantitative trading firm) showing they have already operated in high-intensity environments Prior startup or founding-team experience demonstrating real ownership and execution under ambiguity Self-evidence of grinder mentality: shipped side projects, ran a business in school, competed at a high level, or comparable Technical major (CS, EE, ML, math, physics) or demonstrated technical fluency even without a degree Excited about the AI mission and frontier AI labs as customers, not just chasing the AI job market Red Flags Looking for a structured rotational program, banking-track, or consulting-track entry-level role with predictable scope Will not work 6 days a week or pushes back on extreme-ownership intensity expectations Multiple under-6-month tenures already on a short resume without context Needs AI knowledge but won't learn rapidly; expects to be trained vs. self-directed pickup Pure generalist background with no high-intensity adjacency (no top internship, no startup, no competitive activity) Why Join Work directly with the founding team and learn how a company is built from 0 to 1, with direct mentorship Network with frontier AI researchers, builders, and investors Competitive base + up to 100% of base as bonus + meaningful equity, with a fast track to Strategic Projects Lead A high-ownership alternative to entry-level investment banking and consulting Details Location: San Francisco, CA Work policy: Fully in-person; 6 days/week Compensation: $80,000–$110,000 + equity Visa sponsorship: None available Employment type: Full-time #J-18808-Ljbffr David Joseph & Company