Head of Engineering

A1 is building a proactive AI chat app for everyday users to bring intelligence to conversations, errands, organising and workflows. Unlike traditional chat-based applications, 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.

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.

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

• 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

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

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.