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Trajectory is building a platform for continual learning that enables companies to post-train large-scale agentic AI models using signals from product use. Founded by researchers from DeepMind, OpenAI, Meta, Apple, Amazon, and Scale, the company has raised $60M from Sequoia, Conviction, and notable angels including Fei-Fei Li and Jeff Dean.
As Talent Engineer, you will design and operate Trajectory's talent acquisition system from first principles. This is a hybrid recruiting and systems role that combines strategic talent strategy with hands-on execution.
Key responsibilities:
**Build the Talent Operating System:** Design processes to identify exceptional people, keep them engaged, and attract them to Trajectory. Build systems that maintain candidate relationships (social engagement, coffee chats, introductions) and encode scalable context to tailor the recruiting process. Design an efficient interview pipeline that moves from first introduction to offer quickly.
**Operate the Talent Machine:** Source exceptional talent globally from campuses, talent mapping, and strategic outreach. Work directly with founders to close candidates, going the "unscalable last mile" from initial contact through offer acceptance. Systematize and host recruiting events (board game nights, competitions, hikes, dinners) that attract and engage top talent.
**Leverage AI and Automation:** Use Claude Code to build dashboards and automations. Use tools like Grok Bot to streamline communications and outreach. Systematize any process you execute more than once using AI tools.
**Metrics and Optimization:** Define and track key recruiting metrics across the funnel (conversion, speed, quality). Use data to identify and prioritize improvements.
You are a systems thinker who can turn ambiguous processes into clear decisions and executable workflows. You have taste for identifying exceptional talent in technical and non-traditional roles—you can distinguish polished, recruiter-shaped candidates from those who will actually deliver. You are an excellent communicator who builds trust quickly, conveys context clearly, and adapts your message for candidates, founders, and teammates. You go the last mile: hosting tailored events, identifying thoughtful gifts, and breaking process when it moves the needle. You are metrics-driven, highly proactive, and low ego.
**Requirements:**
- Systems thinking and ability to turn ambiguous processes into clear execution and automation
- Demonstrated ability to source and close exceptional talent
- Strong communication skills and ability to build trust quickly
- Metrics-driven mindset with ability to define, track, and optimize recruiting funnel KPIs
- Proficiency with AI tools (Claude Code, Grok Bot, or equivalent) for automation and workflow optimization
- Taste for identifying exceptional talent in technical and unusual roles
- Willingness to go the unscalable last mile (events, personalized outreach, relationship building)
