About A1
There are over 5 billion users using basic applications today such email, notes, tasks that are not AI-native. Our mission is to build a proactive smart assistant for everyday users to bring intelligence to conversations, errands, organising and workflows, with minimal prompting.
Our product focuses on achieving high reliability for long-running workflows, persistent context, and real-world task completion. The system must handle multi-step reasoning, interact with external tools, and remain reliable despite non-deterministic model behavior. Our objective is to help users complete tasks daily enjoyable with over ~90%* reduced time.
Role
We are looking for a Head of Engineering who can drive engineering execution, structure engineering workstreams, and help build a high-performing engineering team.
This role focuses on turning product and technical direction into reliable delivery, and ensures the team ships effectively and consistently. A strong technical foundation in system architecture is a must.
The role involves helping manage engineering workstreams, supporting technical decisions, and leading engineering hiring across the globe.
What You'll Do
Engineering Execution
Help structure engineering workstreams and ensure projects move forward efficiently
Identify risks, unblock engineers, and maintain steady development velocity
Ensure high engineering standards while keeping teams focused on shipping
Translate product direction and technical strategy into clear engineering execution
Technical Guidance
Contribute to key architecture discussions and technical decisions
Support engineers in evaluating system design choices and implementation trade-offs
Ensure systems are implemented in a scalable and maintainable way
Team Building and Recruiting
Build and scale a strong engineering team across China, US and Europe.
Recruit high-quality engineers and help maintain a strong hiring bar
Establish structured hiring processes and interview standards
Cross-Team Coordination
Work closely with product, research, and leadership teams
Ensure alignment across different engineering efforts and locations
Help resolve technical and organisational bottlenecks
What You'll Need
Strong technical background in software engineering and system architecture
Experience managing or leading engineering teams
Ability to structure engineering work and maintain development velocity
Strong judgment in technical decision-making
Comfortable operating in early-stage environments
Clear communication and ability to work across teams
How We Work
The best products today in the world were built by small, world class teams. We are a high talent density and hands-on team. We make decisions collectively, move at rapid speed, striking a balance between shipping high quality work and learning. Joining our team requires the ability to bring structure, exercise judgment, and execute independently. Our goal is to put in hands of our users a truly magical product
Interview process
If there appears to be a fit, we'll reach to schedule 3, but no more than 4 interviews.
Applications are evaluated by our technical team members. Interviews will be conducted via virtual meetings and/or onsite.
We value transparency and efficiency, so expect a prompt decision. If you've demonstrated the exceptional skills and mindset we're looking for, the process to offer may be shorter.
A1 is building a proactive AI smart assistant designed for everyday users to bring intelligence to conversations, errands, organizing, and workflows. The company's product focuses on achieving high reliability for long-running workflows with persistent context and real-world task completion capabilities. The system handles multi-step reasoning, interacts with external tools, and maintains reliability despite non-deterministic model behavior. A1 is developing production AI systems that serve features across mobile and desktop clients, with a focus on latency, correctness, reliability, and cost optimization.
