Head of People and Talent

About Collinear

At Collinear, we help teams fearlessly ship AI.

We build the infrastructure that leading AI labs and AI-native companies rely on to evaluate and improve their models. Our platform helps researchers identify where their AI systems fall short and generates the data needed to fix it, enabling faster, more reliable AI development at the frontier.

Our customers include some of the most consequential AI labs in the world. We're a small, technically elite team that moves fast and holds a high bar, with strong revenue momentum and exciting growth ahead.

The Role

This is a high-impact leadership position that bridges the gap between Full Life Cycle Recruiting and People Strategy. You will be the primary engine for Collinear’s growth, owning the entire employee journey, from identifying niche technical talent to the direct implementation of our compensation, performance, and cultural frameworks.

This is a role for an expert operator who leads through action. We are looking for someone who is equally comfortable:

• In the weeds: Personally executing technical and non-technical searches and closing candidates.

• Stepping back: Improving systems, processes, and decision-making as we scale through Series A and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

1. Elite AI/ML Technical and Non-Technical Recruiting

• Full Life Cycle Execution: Personally own every stage of the recruiting process for our most critical roles, from entry-level to industry experts to the executive level (AI/ML Researchers, Scientists, Core Engineers, GTM, Product, G&A, etc.).

• Sourcing & Engagement: Proactively identify and engage "passive" elite talent. You are an expert at finding niche researchers and building high-trust relationships with candidates at top-tier AI labs.

• Strategic Closing: Effectively compete against Frontier Labs by articulating Collinear’s unique technical edge, equity upside, and high-impact environment.

• Recruiting Infrastructure: Maintain and optimize our recruiting tech stack (ATS), interview rubrics, and calibration discipline to ensure every hire meets our elite standard.

2. Talent Retention & Engagement

• Retention Strategy: Design and execute programs specifically aimed at retaining high-demand talent. This includes monitoring team sentiment, identifying flight risks, and proactively addressing engagement gaps.

• Career Architecture: Build clear pathways for growth and development, ensuring team members across all functions see a long-term trajectory at Collinear.

• Community & Rituals: Establish the cultural rituals and internal communications that build a sense of belonging and mission-alignment as we scale.

3. People Operations & Strategy

• Direct Implementation: Build and roll out our formal compensation philosophy, pay bands, and equity frameworks to ensure we remain the most attractive option for top talent across all disciplines.

• Performance Systems: Design and execute high-leverage performance rituals, including goal-setting, feedback loops, and calibration, that reinforce a culture of high accountability.

• Operational Execution: Manage all day-to-day People Ops, including HRIS management, payroll, benefits administration, and compliance.

• Workforce Planning: Partner with the executive team to model headcount and create hiring roadmaps that align with our product and revenue milestones.

Who You Are

• An Experienced Operator: You have 7+ years of experience in Talent Acquisition or People Operations.

• A Multi-Disciplinary Recruiter: You have a proven track record of personally sourcing and closing both technical (AI/ML or Software Engineering) and non-technical (Sales, GTM, or G&A) roles.

• A Full-Cycle Expert: You are comfortable owning the entire process, from the first cold outreach to the final signed offer and the onboarding process that follows.

• A System Builder: You have direct experience building or managing People programs, such as compensation bands or performance review cycles.

Nice to Have

• Early-Stage Experience: Prior experience navigating the rapid pace of a Seed, Series A, or Series B stage company.

• Leadership History: Experience leading a function or managing a team (though we are open to senior individual contributors ready to step up).

• AI/ML Fluency: A deep understanding of the AI talent market and the ability to credibly engage with PhD-level researchers.

• The "Underdog" Winner: A track record of winning talent away from FAANG or name-brand AI labs by selling a compelling startup vision.

• Data-Driven Mindset: Experience building data-driven compensation and equity models.

Collinear is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

The base salary range for this role in California is $175,000 to $250,000 per year, depending on experience, skills, and qualifications. This role will also be eligible for equity, benefits, and bonuses.

Collinear provides reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you need an accommodation, please contact us.

Pursuant to applicable local ordinances, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.