Compensation Partner

About the Role

We're hiring a compensation partner to join our Operations team. You'll own the full spectrum of compensation at Thinking Machines – from building our philosophy and job architecture to partnering on day-to-day offer and pay decisions. 

This role directly impacts our ability to hire and retain exceptional talent. We're looking for a compensation partner who brings a point of view, not just a process.

What You’ll Do

• Design and implement Thinking Machines’ overall compensation framework and programs to attract and retain highly sought-after talent.
• Advise managers and leadership on pay decisions across offers, promotions, and retention.
• Establish our compensation strategy based on market research, analysis, and your own judgment, with awareness that standards benchmarks lag the reality of the talent market.
• Build the equity compensation framework in partnership with finance and leadership.
• Communicate compensation to candidates and employees in a clear way that builds trust. 

Skills and Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

• 7+ years of compensation experience in a high-growth environment.
• Track record building compensation programs from the ground up, ideally in an early-stage environment.
• Experience operating in a competitive and dynamic talent market without relying on benchmarks and mature processes.
• Ability to articulate a clear point of view on good compensation philosophy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience at an AI lab, foundation model company, or high-growth tech company where compensation moves faster than survey cycles.
• Familiarity with the compensation landscape across research (PhDs, postdocs, industry researchers), engineering, and non-technical functions, and how expectations differ meaningfully across all three.

Logistics

• Location: This role is based in San Francisco, California
• Compensation: Depending on background, skills and experience, the expected annual salary range for this position is $250,000 - $425,000 USD.
• Visa sponsorship: We sponsor visas. While we can't guarantee success for every candidate or role, if you're the right fit, we're committed to working through the visa process together.
• Benefits: Thinking Machines offers generous health, dental, and vision benefits, unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, and relocation support as needed.