Strategic Projects Associate

Strategic Projects Associate OverviewA fast-growing, San Francisco-based AI research lab is hiring a Strategic Projects Associate to help support high-priority client execution, operations, and cross-functional projects for frontier AI labs. This role is designed for ambitious new grads or early-career candidates with 0–2 years of experience who want an intense, high-ownership alternative to traditional entry-level banking, consulting, or rotational programs. The ideal candidate is sharp, fast-moving, highly communicative, and excited to operate at the edge of AI, datasets, and customer strategy. This is an in-person role in San Francisco for someone who is energized by startup intensity, willing to work 6 days a week, and excited to learn quickly in a high-agency environment. High performers can grow into a Strategic Projects Lead role in roughly one year. Location: San Francisco, CAWork Type: In-personEmployment Type: Full-timeExperience: New grad to 2 yearsCompensation: $80,000–$110,000 base + bonus potential up to 100% of base + meaningful equityVisa Sponsorship: Not available ResponsibilitiesPartner with Strategic Projects Leads to support execution for frontier AI lab customersHelp build next-generation datasets that push the boundaries of AI capabilitiesManage and coordinate teams of domain experts across areas like finance, software engineering, law, and other specialized fieldsCreate sales memos, data samples, and client-facing materialsSupport operational initiatives across customer strategy, research, product, and internal workflowsDrive fast-moving cross-functional projects with urgency, precision, and strong follow-throughUse AI tools and operational systems to improve speed, quality, and executionWork closely with the founding team and senior operators to learn how a company is built from 0 to 1 QualificationsNew grad or early-career candidate with 0–2 years of experienceStrong written and verbal communication skillsHigh-intensity background, such as top-company internships, startup experience, competitive academic environment, quantitative finance, technical projects, or similarExcited about AI, frontier labs, and the future of model developmentComfortable working in ambiguous environments and learning quickly without needing heavy structureWilling to work 6 days a week in a fast-paced, high-ownership environmentStrong interest in AI tools and Microsoft OfficeSelf-directed, organized, and able to execute quickly across multiple workstreamsBased in or willing to relocate to San Francisco for an in-person role Strong PlusTechnical major or technical fluency, especially in CS, engineering, math, physics, ML, or a related fieldExperience using AI tools like Claude Code or similar toolsPrior startup, founding team, or high-ownership project experienceEvidence of “grinder” mentality, such as side projects, competitive sports, business building, academic excellence, or other demanding pursuitsInternship experience at a top technology company, frontier AI lab, quantitative trading firm, finance firm, or high-growth startupAbility to start quickly BenefitsCompetitive base compensation with bonus potential up to 100% of baseMeaningful equity in a fast-growing AI companyDirect mentorship from the founding teamExposure to frontier AI labs, researchers, builders, and investorsOpportunity to develop deep AI fluency and operational hard skillsLearn how to build a company from the ground upAccelerated career growth, with strong performers able to grow into Strategic Projects Lead in approximately one yearA high-upside alternative to traditional entry-level banking, consulting, or rotational programs