Scale Engineer

Software Engineer, Generalist

Full Stack Engineer · Mid · Full Time

SF / NYUSD 150k – 250k12mo ago
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Role

What you'll do.

Software Engineer, Generalist at Cursor in San Francisco or New York, working on AI-powered coding automation tools. The role involves full-stack development, AI/ML integration, and building products for professional programmers in a flat, talent-dense organization focused on inventive research and engineering.

Responsibilities

  • AI-Powered Code Automation: Design and implement AI-driven features for automated code generation, completion, and refactoring within the Cursor IDE
  • Full-Stack Development: Build and maintain both frontend user interfaces and backend services that power the Cursor coding platform
  • Language Server Integration: Develop and optimize language servers for multiple programming languages to provide intelligent code analysis and suggestions
  • Performance Optimization: Optimize application performance for real-time code processing and AI model inference to ensure smooth user experience
  • Research and Experimentation: Collaborate on inventive research projects to explore new approaches to AI-assisted coding and developer productivity tools
  • Cross-Platform Development: Ensure Cursor works seamlessly across different operating systems and development environments
  • User Experience Engineering: Work closely with design team to implement intuitive interfaces that make AI coding assistance accessible to professional programmers
  • Code Quality and Reviews: Participate in code reviews, maintain high coding standards, and contribute to architectural decisions for the platform

Qualifications

What we look for.

Technical

  • Full-Stack Development

    3+ years of experience building both frontend and backend applications with modern web technologies

  • JavaScript/TypeScript Proficiency

    Strong expertise in JavaScript and TypeScript for building scalable web applications

  • AI/ML Integration

    Experience integrating machine learning models and AI APIs into production applications

  • Code Editor Development

    Familiarity with VS Code extensions, Language Server Protocol, or similar developer tooling

  • System Design

    Understanding of distributed systems, API design, and scalable architecture patterns

Education

  • Computer Science Degree

    Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent practical experience

  • Continuous Learning

    Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technologies and adapt to evolving AI/ML landscape

Experience

  • Professional Development

    3-5 years of software engineering experience with a track record of shipping production software

  • Startup Experience

    Experience working in fast-paced, early-stage startup environments with small, autonomous teams

  • Developer Tools

    Previous experience building or contributing to developer productivity tools, IDEs, or programming languages

  • Open Source Contributions

    Active participation in open source projects, particularly those related to developer tooling or AI

Skills

Required

  • Problem Solving

    Exceptional problem-solving skills with ability to tackle complex technical challenges in AI and software development

  • Truth-Seeking Mindset

    Commitment to finding the best solutions through research, experimentation, and data-driven decision making

  • Collaboration

    Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a flat, talent-dense organization

  • Shipping Mentality

    Focus on delivering high-quality software products quickly and iteratively

Preferred

  • AI Research Background

    Nice to have

    Academic or industry experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or natural language processing

  • Compiler/Language Design

    Nice to have

    Experience with compiler design, programming language theory, or language tooling development

  • Performance Engineering

    Nice to have

    Expertise in optimizing software performance, particularly for real-time applications

  • Design Sensibility

    Nice to have

    Understanding of user experience design principles and ability to contribute to product design decisions

Tech stack

Languages

TypeScriptPythonJavaScriptRust

Frameworks

ReactElectronNode.jsExpress.js

Databases

PostgreSQLRedisVector databases

Tools

DockerKubernetesGitHub ActionsVS Code APIs

Other

Language Server ProtocolWebAssemblyOpenAI APITransformer models

Compensation

Pay and benefits.

Base·USD 150,000 – 250,000

Equity·Stock options

Benefits

  • Equity Package

    Significant equity stake in a high-growth AI startup with substantial upside potential

  • Premium Office Spaces

    Beautiful offices in North Beach San Francisco and Manhattan with well-stocked libraries and collaborative spaces

  • Health Coverage

    Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage

  • Learning Budget

    Annual budget for books, courses, conferences, and other professional development resources

  • Top-Tier Equipment

    Latest MacBook Pro, external monitors, and any other hardware needed for optimal productivity

  • Flexible PTO

    Unlimited paid time off policy with encouragement to take time for rest and creativity

  • Research Time

    Dedicated time for exploring new technologies and contributing to the future of AI-assisted coding

Process

Interview steps.

  1. 01

    Application Review

    Initial review of resume, portfolio, and GitHub profile focusing on code quality and relevant project experience

  2. 02

    Phone/Video Screening

    30-45 minute conversation with engineering team member about background, interests, and alignment with Cursor's mission

  3. 03

    Technical Take-Home

    Real-world coding challenge related to AI integration or developer tooling, typically taking 2-4 hours to complete

  4. 04

    Technical Deep Dive

    90-minute technical interview discussing the take-home project, system design, and problem-solving approach

  5. 05

    Culture and Vision Fit

    Final round with team members and leadership focusing on cultural alignment, creativity, and passion for the mission

  6. 06

    Office Visit

    Optional visit to SF or NY office to meet the team, see the workspace, and ask any remaining questions

Full posting

Original listing.

Our mission is to automate coding. The first step in our journey is to build the best tool for professional programmers, using a combination of inventive research, design, and engineering. Our organization is very flat, and our team is small and talent dense. We particularly like people who are truth-seeking, passionate, and creative. We enjoy spirited debate, crazy ideas, and shipping code.

We're in-person with cozy offices in North Beach, San Francisco and Manhattan, New York, replete with well-stocked libraries.

Software Engineer, Generalist

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