How we work

Brief to placement, in eight steps.

The whole process, written out, with what each side is on the hook for at each step. We’d rather over-explain than have anyone be surprised.

Step

Brief

Founder sends a role brief: title, level, stack, what counts as a yes, what kills a candidate. Inside 4 business hours, a senior engineering lead has read it.

For the founder

Send the brief; receive a calibration request.

For the engineer

Nothing yet. Your CV stays where it is.

Step

Calibration

30-minute call with the founder or hiring lead. We lock the bar: the must-haves, the dealbreakers, the comp range, the timeline, the interview loop.

For the founder

Single call, no slide deck, no kickoff process.

For the engineer

Nothing yet. Calibration is between us and the founder.

Step

Ranking pass

Deterministic stack and seniority match across the pool, then an AI scoring pass against the actual JD. A recruiter prunes to the strongest 3 to 5 candidates.

For the founder

We do the sourcing time you would have done.

For the engineer

If you score, your profile lands on a recruiter's shortlist (still anonymized).

Step

Shortlist

Slate of 3 to 5 engineers delivered to the founder. The preview shows level, summary, skills, and days in the pool, and we make the introductions once engagement terms are in place.

For the founder

Read three named profiles + the recruiter's written read.

For the engineer

We ask if you're open to the company before any name moves.

Step

Introduction

Engagement terms signed. We log an immutable introduction record. From this point, the engineer's identity is visible to the founder, and the fee gate is open.

For the founder

Direct conversation with three engineers, your call.

For the engineer

First conversation with the founder, on your terms, with our brief in hand.

Step

Onsite

Founder runs their interview loop. We coach the engineer on what the loop tends to look like: system design rubrics we've seen, behavioral patterns, how to ask about compensation early.

For the founder

Your interview process, unchanged.

For the engineer

Prep packets and inside read on the loop, on us.

Step

Offer

Founder extends an offer. We help the engineer compare it against the band for their level + city, and workshop the counter where the room is real.

For the founder

We move the engineer toward yes, fast.

For the engineer

Negotiation help, included, because you're in the pool.

Step

Placement

Engineer signs. Founder pays the placement fee (less any intake credit). 90-day replacement window starts at the engineer's start date.

For the founder

One invoice, plain English.

For the engineer

We stay in your corner through your first 90 days.

The shape

Two paths in, one path out.

Path A

Intake slate ($750)

Steps 01 to 04 inside 14 days. Refundable if we miss the SLA. Credited 100% against placement on hire.

Start the intake

Path B

Pay-on-hire engagement

Standard contingency. 22% on first-year base, paid only when a placement closes. Email to start.

Email us