Founding Head of Engineering - Stealth AI Supply Chain Startup

UP.Labs is hiring a hands-on Head of Engineering for a stealth startup building an AI-powered aftermarket OS for OEMs. In this role, you will lead the engineering team, own the architecture and data infrastructure, and establish the technical vision for the platform that optimizes supply chain processes.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and grow the engineering team, balancing hands-on development with strategic leadership
• Architect and own the core platform, including data pipelines, AI/ML integration layers, and scalable cloud infrastructure
• Build robust integrations with OEM ERP/DMS systems to ingest and operationalize complex parts, inventory, and pricing data
• Partner with Product and Data Science to translate messy real-world aftermarket workflows into intelligent, automated systems
• Drive best practices around security, CI/CD, observability, testing, and documentation
• Establish the technical vision for AI-driven demand forecasting, predictive placement, and closed-loop execution
• Manage and mentor distributed contributors (including nearshore/offshore teams) to build a high-performance engineering culture
• Deliver quick MVP iterations while laying the foundation for enterprise scale

Requirements:

• 8+ years in software engineering, including 4+ years leading small, high-output teams
• Strong backend or full-stack background and ability to remain hands-on
• Proven experience scaling B2B SaaS platforms with real-time data pipelines and system integrations
• Expertise in cloud architecture, CI/CD pipelines, observability, and distributed systems
• Experience working with AI/ML platforms (e.g., predictive models, optimization engines, LLM copilots)
• Familiarity with ERP/CRM/DMS integrations - SAP experience is a plus
• Experience leading or managing distributed teams (nearshore/offshore)
• A technical leader who thrives at the intersection of AI, data, and enterprise SaaS
• Hands-on and detail-oriented, comfortable writing code, reviewing PRs, and guiding architecture
• Skilled at integrating complex enterprise data systems (ERP/DMS, supply chain, pricing engines)
• Experienced building products that combine data infrastructure with applied machine learning
• A collaborative partner who can work closely with product, data science, and business stakeholders
• Capable of thriving in ambiguous, high-growth startup environments and scaling teams from 0→1 and beyond
• Knowledge of supply chain, aftermarket, or manufacturing systems (nice-to-have)