Nivalto05.02.26
AI SCORE 8.5

Founding Head of Engineering - AI Agents & Infrastructure

$275K–$325K/year

About the Role

We're seeking a Founding Head of Engineering for AI, Agents & Infrastructure to join our innovative team at Nivalto. This remote role is perfect for candidates based in the San Francisco Bay Area. As the Founding Head of Engineering, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI agents and their infrastructure, contributing to a market projected to exceed $400 billion by 2030. This position offers an equity-first compensation model, with a post-seed salary ranging from $275K to $325K, plus a performance bonus of 20-25%.

What You'll Do

  • Lead the architecture and specification of Nivalto's AI agent infrastructure, ensuring compliance and security in regulated environments.
  • Drive the development of the Agent ROA Protocol, establishing it as a standard in the industry.
  • Build and manage a high-performing engineering team, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
  • Collaborate with the CEO and VP of Product to align engineering efforts with business goals and customer needs.
  • Establish engineering disciplines such as CI/CD, security baselines, and release processes.

Requirements

  • 10+ years of experience in software engineering leadership, particularly in early-stage startups.
  • Strong backend and platform skills, with a focus on APIs and distributed systems.
  • Proven track record of leading 0→1 product development from concept to deployment.
  • Experience with governance, identity, and authorization systems.
  • Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to write clear specifications and design documents.

Nice to Have

  • Experience in payments orchestration or high-integrity transaction systems.
  • Familiarity with regulated domains such as banking or healthcare.
  • Participation in standards bodies like IETF or CNCF.

What We Offer

  • Equity-first compensation model with significant ownership potential.
  • Performance bonuses based on company and individual achievements.
  • Remote work flexibility with a focus on work-life balance.
  • Visa sponsorship and relocation support for exceptional candidates.
  • Opportunity to shape the future of AI agents and their infrastructure.
Why This Job8.5 of 10

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead the engineering efforts at Nivalto, focusing on AI agents and infrastructure in a remote setting.

Salary Range
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Optional
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Bonus
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About Nivalto

Discover exciting career opportunities at Nivalto in 2026. Explore a variety of positions, including remote, hybrid, and office roles. Utilize advanced filters, application tracking, and gain valuable company insights to tailor your resume and maximize your chances. Stay updated with industry news and vacancy scores to find the perfect job at Nivalto. Start your journey towards a fulfilling career today!

Industry
Tech
Location
Remote

Who Will Succeed Here

Extensive experience with backend development technologies such as Node.js, Python, or Go, coupled with a deep understanding of RESTful APIs and microservices architecture to effectively lead the engineering team in building scalable AI infrastructure.

Strong leadership skills with a proven track record in managing remote teams, fostering a collaborative culture, and implementing agile methodologies to drive team productivity and innovation in a distributed work environment.

A proactive mindset with a solid understanding of security best practices and compliance frameworks relevant to cloud computing, ensuring the integrity and reliability of AI agent systems while navigating the complexities of a fast-evolving tech landscape.

Learning Resources

Backend Development Roadmapguide

Career Path

Founding Head of Engineering - AI Agents & Infrastructure(Now)Director of Engineering - AI Solutions(2-4 years)Chief Technology Officer (CTO)(5-8 years)

Market Overview

Market Size 2024
$45B
Annual Growth
12.5%
AI Adoption in Backend Development
35%
Investment in Cloud Infrastructure
+50%
Labour Demand for Backend Roles
+20%
Avg Salary for Head of Engineering
$180K

Skills & Requirements

Required
Backend DevelopmentAPIsDistributed Systems
Growing in Demand
Microservices ArchitectureDevOps PracticesContainerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
Declining
SOAP Web ServicesJava EE (Enterprise Edition)

Domain Trends

Rise of AI-Driven Development
AI tools are increasingly being integrated into backend development processes, with 35% of companies adopting AI for code generation and optimization.
Shift to Serverless Architectures
The serverless computing market is expected to grow by 28% annually, allowing developers to focus on code rather than infrastructure management.
Increased Emphasis on Security Compliance
With data breaches on the rise, 60% of companies are prioritizing compliance with security standards in their backend systems, driving demand for skilled professionals.

Industry News

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