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Search Startup Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Top-Ranked Startup, Lean AI Leaderboard * Backed by Y Combinator ABOUT THE ROLE Retell AI ... Google search * AI-native surfaces (ChatGPT, Perplexity, etc.) * Programmatic and product-driven SE ...

The ideal candidate has at least three years of SEO or growth marketing experience (preferably in North American e-commerce), is comfortable working in startup environments, understands technical and ...

The ideal candidate has at least three years of SEO or growth marketing experience (preferably in North American e-commerce), is comfortable working in startup environments, understands technical and ...

Search Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$190K - $260K/yr

Search Engineer You'll build the systems that let anyone turn the open web into a search index ... SF HQ perks - Snacks, drinks, team lunches, intense ping pong, and peak startup energy * E-Bike ...

The ideal candidate has at least three years of SEO or growth marketing experience (preferably in North American e-commerce), is comfortable working in startup environments, understands technical and ...

You will oversee and manage SEO projects involving research, planning, project management ... PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience at an agency or startup, or as a consultant Experience in a ...

You will oversee and manage SEO projects involving research, planning, project management ... PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Experience at an agency or startup, or as a consultant • Experience ...

As the International SEO/AEO Manager at BetterHelp, you'll join a diverse team of licensed ... We have the startup DNA but we're fully backed and funded, all the way to success. * You will NOT ...

As the International SEO/AEO Manager at BetterHelp, you'll join a diverse team of licensed ... We have the startup DNA but we're fully backed and funded, all the way to success. * You will NOT ...

... startup or high-growth environments. This person will manage the full recruiting lifecycle and ... effective search strategies. * Proactively source high-quality candidates using LinkedIn ...

... startup or high-growth environments. This person will manage the full recruiting lifecycle and ... effective search strategies. * Proactively source high-quality candidates using LinkedIn ...

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Search Startup information

See California salary details

$56

$70

$91

How much do search startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for search startup in California is $70.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60.48 and $80.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a search startup founder?

To thrive as a Search Startup Founder, you need strong expertise in search algorithms, product development, and business strategy, typically supported by a technical degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with search engine technologies (like Elasticsearch or Solr), cloud infrastructure, and data analytics tools is highly valuable. Exceptional leadership, resilience, and the ability to articulate a clear vision are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for building innovative products, attracting investment, and guiding a team through the challenges of a competitive technology landscape.

What are some common challenges faced when working at a search startup, and how can new hires prepare for them?

At a search startup, team members often face the challenge of rapidly iterating on algorithms and features to meet evolving user needs and market demands. The work environment is typically fast-paced, with cross-functional collaboration between engineers, data scientists, and product managers. New hires can prepare by brushing up on their problem-solving skills, staying adaptable, and being proactive in communication. Embracing a growth mindset and being open to feedback will help you thrive and contribute meaningfully in this dynamic setting.

What is a search startup?

A Search Startup is a company or organization focused on developing new search technologies, platforms, or engines that help users find information online or within specific data sets. These startups typically innovate in areas like web search, enterprise search, AI-powered search, or niche-specific search solutions. They aim to improve how information is indexed, retrieved, and presented to users, often leveraging the latest advancements in machine learning and data analysis. Search Startups play a crucial role in shaping the future of information discovery and accessibility.
What cities in California are hiring for Search Startup jobs? Cities in California with the most Search Startup job openings:
Infographic showing various Search Startup job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 64% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,732 per year, or $70.1 per hour.

Remote Enterprise SEO & AEO Strategist

Thomas Talent Network, LLC

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$160 - $265/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Our client, a hyper-growth AI marketing software startup, is hiring a Strategic Engagement Manager to join a newly created internal services function focused on enterprise SEO and AEO strategy. This role sits at the intersection of strategy, client engagement, and operational execution, functioning like an embedded SEO/AEO consultancy within the company.

The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on enterprise SEO expertise, strong client-facing communication skills, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced startup environments. This person will partner directly with enterprise customers to build and execute search strategies while also supporting pre-sales initiatives alongside Account Executives.

Success in this role means driving measurable strategic outcomes for enterprise clients, managing multiple engagements simultaneously, influencing executive stakeholders, and helping shape the systems and processes that will scale this new function long term.

This is a highly visible founding-team opportunity with direct impact on customer growth, sales enablement, and operational scalability.

Core Skills & Keywords

  • Enterprise SEO
  • AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)
  • AI Search / Generative AI for search
  • Technical SEO audits
  • Keyword research & intent mapping
  • Content strategy & content optimization
  • Search opportunity analysis & performance optimization
  • SEO tooling & analytics (modern SEO/AEO/AI search tools)
  • Enterprise client engagement & stakeholder management
  • Pre-sales enablement & strategic audits for prospects
  • Operational process design & scalable service delivery

Responsibilities

  • Build and execute enterprise SEO and AEO strategies for high-value customers
  • Conduct technical SEO audits, keyword research, content evaluations, and search opportunity analysis
  • Develop strategic roadmaps and actionable recommendations based on customer business goals
  • Partner with Account Executives during pre-sales engagements by auditing prospect domains and providing strategic insights
  • Serve as a subject matter expert during client and prospect-facing calls
  • Manage multiple enterprise customer engagements simultaneously while maintaining high-quality deliverables and timelines
  • Lead stakeholder meetings and present findings to senior marketing leaders and executive-level audiences
  • Create scalable workflows, processes, and operational best practices as the services organization grows
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Product, Marketing, and Customer Success teams
  • Stay current on evolving SEO, AEO, AI search, and digital marketing trends
  • Identify opportunities to improve customer performance, engagement, and long-term strategic outcomes
  • Contribute to the growth and structure of a brand-new services function within the company

Required

  • 5–12 years of enterprise SEO strategy experience
  • Deep hands-on SEO expertise with the ability to independently run audits, build roadmaps, and develop keyword strategies
  • Experience owning enterprise client deliverables end-to-end
  • Strong experience presenting to executive stakeholders and enterprise marketing teams
  • Proven ability to manage multiple client engagements simultaneously
  • Startup mentality with the ability to operate independently in fast-moving environments
  • Active hands-on experience with modern SEO, AEO, and AI search tools
  • Strong communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills
  • Experience collaborating cross-functionally with Sales and client-facing teams
  • US-based — Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
  • Preference for candidates located in NYC or SF, though remote candidates are welcome. Must be open to approximately 15% travel, with increased travel expected during the first 90 days.

Qualifications

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong enterprise stakeholder management abilities
  • High level of strategic thinking and operational execution
  • Ability to thrive in ambiguity and high-growth startup environments
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Experience managing complex client relationships
  • Deep understanding of enterprise SEO strategy and AI search trends
  • Ability to present recommendations clearly and confidently to leadership teams
  • Strong project management and organizational skills
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required based on experience

Benefits & Compensation

  • Salary: $160,000 – $265,000 USD base salary
  • Equity compensation included
  • Remote flexibility within the United States
  • High-visibility founding-team opportunity
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