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Small Startup Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Experience working in a small startup environment (Seed or Series A). * Understanding of data lake/data warehouse, Transformer/Attention/GPU inference. * Experience in building products from zero to ...

Adapt to shifting priorities in a small startup environment. * Help the sales team build scalable strategies and establish our sales culture. * Engage with Product and Engineering teams to drive ...

Senior Software Engineer, Trust

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

Trust is part of the Checkr start-up lab: we operate with the speed of a small startup, while enjoying the leverage and resources of a known technology brand. Since launching, we've seen significant ...

We are a small startup and we intend to keep an extremely flat organizational structure for as long as possible. Instead of relying on people managers, product managers and heavy processes, we rely ...

We are a small startup and we intend to keep an extremely flat organizational structure for as long as possible. Instead of relying on people managers, product managers and heavy processes, we rely ...

Accountant Senior Tax

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$88K - $112K/yr

Their current business clients range from small startup companies to large publicly traded companies that are subject to Sarbanes-Oxley reporting requirements. Individual clients typically range in ...

Full Stack Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$190K - $300K/yr

We are a small startup and we intend to keep an extremely flat organizational structure for as long as possible. Instead of relying on people managers, product managers and heavy processes, we rely ...

This is a builder role at a small startup with no existing GTM engineering function. You will define what "good" looks like as much as you execute it. What You'll Do * Build and maintain technical ...

Applied ML Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $300K/yr

We are a small startup and we intend to keep an extremely flat organizational structure for as long as possible. Instead of relying on people managers, product managers and heavy processes, we rely ...

The perfect candidate for this role will have experience in a small startup culture, can balance the intersection of product strategy, monetization, and engineering excellence, and has flexibility to ...

We are a small startup and we intend to keep an extremely flat organizational structure for as long as possible. Instead of relying on people managers, product managers and heavy processes, we rely ...

We are a small startup and we intend to keep an extremely flat organizational structure for as long as possible. Instead of relying on people managers, product managers and heavy processes, we rely ...

Applied ML Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$170K - $280K/yr

We are a small startup and we intend to keep an extremely flat organizational structure for as long as possible. Instead of relying on people managers, product managers and heavy processes, we rely ...

Product Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

We are a small startup and we intend to keep an extremely flat organizational structure for as long as possible. Instead of relying on people managers, product managers and heavy processes, we rely ...

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Small Startup information

See California salary details

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How much do small startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for small startup in California is $21.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What should I expect in terms of team structure and collaboration when working at a small startup?

At a small startup, teams are usually lean and highly collaborative, which means you may work closely with founders, early employees, and cross-functional partners. Everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative, often wearing multiple hats and pitching in outside their official job descriptions. This environment fosters continuous learning and quick decision-making but also requires flexibility and open communication. You'll have the chance to see the direct impact of your work and may even influence key company decisions. For those seeking hands-on experience and growth, startups offer a dynamic atmosphere perfect for rapidly developing new skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a small startup?

To thrive in a Small Startup, strong entrepreneurial drive, versatility, and a willingness to take on multiple responsibilities are crucial, often supported by foundational business, technical, or marketing knowledge. Familiarity with productivity tools such as project management platforms, CRM systems, and basic accounting software is important. Adaptability, proactive problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills that set individuals apart in fast-changing startup environments. These abilities enable rapid iteration, seamless teamwork, and the ability to navigate uncertainty, all of which are essential for startup success.

What is a small startup?

A Small Startup job typically involves working in a fast-paced, early-stage company where employees take on multiple roles. These jobs require adaptability, creativity, and a willingness to solve challenges with limited resources. Unlike large corporations, startups offer more hands-on experience, direct collaboration with founders, and opportunities for growth. However, they may also come with uncertainties such as fluctuating funding and evolving job responsibilities. Joining a startup can be a great way to gain exposure to various aspects of a business and make a significant impact early in your career.

What are the most commonly searched types of Small Startup jobs in California? The most popular types of Small Startup jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Small Startup jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Small Startup jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Small Startup jobs? Cities in California with the most Small Startup job openings:
Infographic showing various Small Startup job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,324 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Senior Backend Engineer

RainesDev

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description


About the Company:
Alma is an AI company backed by leading VCs such as Bling Capital and Forerunner, focused on making immigration easy through AI native products.
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Work closely with the founding team and early customers to build a world-class AI-powered product.
  • Architect, develop, and maintain backend processes, including server-side logic, databases, and APIs.
  • Collaborate with front-end developers to ensure seamless integration of user-facing elements.
  • Engage in the entire application lifecycle, maintaining a high bar for coding, debugging, and deploying with an emphasis on high-quality, scalable code.

Requirements
Job Requirements:
  • 5-15 years of backend development experience.
  • Proficiency in Python, FastAPI, PostgreSQL, containerization, and scaling microservices.
  • Experience building AI agents and developing products built on top of LLMs/ML.
  • Proficiency with AI coding tools, specifically Cursor.
  • Experience working in a small startup environment (Seed or Series A).
  • Understanding of data lake/data warehouse, Transformer/Attention/GPU inference.
  • Experience in building products from zero to one.
  • Willing to work 5 days in the office in Palo Alto and comfortable with startup work hours (9 AM-8 PM).
  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Excitement about the mission and working at an early-stage (Seed stage) company.
  • 3+ years working most recently at a high-growth startup (Series A-C).