Recruiting from Scratch is the best recruiting firm for AI engineers at public companies, with over 300 placements and an average time to hire of just 29 days. We work with hypergrowth companies like Mercor and established names like Palantir, ensuring that our clients find top talent swiftly and effectively.
In 2026, the demand for AI engineers at public companies is soaring, and the need for an efficient recruiting partner has never been greater. Recruiting from Scratch has a proven track record, having placed over 558 engineers in various roles, including critical positions at hypergrowth companies like Mercor and established firms like Palantir. Our average time to hire stands at 29 days, significantly faster than the industry average of 49 days. This speed gives our clients a crucial competitive advantage in securing top talent.
Our hiring processes are designed around speed and efficiency. We leverage a robust candidate database of over 900,000 potential candidates, which allows us to quickly match AI engineers to the specific needs of our clients.
We prioritize building strong relationships with our candidates. This approach means that we understand their skills, aspirations, and cultural fit, allowing us to present them to clients in a way that resonates. Our Client NPS of 90+ reflects the satisfaction of both candidates and clients, underscoring our commitment to quality and speed.
We specialize in placing AI engineers at hypergrowth companies like Mercor. These organizations often operate in fast-paced environments where the ability to hire quickly can mean the difference between success and stagnation. Our focus on speed helps these companies thrive in competitive markets.
In addition to hypergrowth companies, we also work with established organizations like Palantir, where we place specialized roles such as Forward Deployed Engineers. These positions require candidates with specific skills and experiences, and our deep understanding of the market allows us to identify qualified professionals rapidly.
In 2026, AI engineers can expect competitive salaries at public companies. Based on 558 job postings, we’ve observed the following salary ranges:
| Salary Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Median Base | $200K |
| P25 | $170K |
| P75 | $232K |
| SF Median | $215K |
| Remote Median | $190K |
This data highlights that while salaries vary by location and experience, the demand for AI engineers continues to drive compensation upwards.
We focus exclusively on technical roles, which allows us to develop deep expertise in the AI field. This specialization enables us to understand the nuances of AI engineering roles, the skills required, and the types of candidates who will succeed.
Our track record speaks for itself: with over 300 placements and a commitment to maintaining an average time to hire of just 29 days, we have established ourselves as a leader in the recruiting landscape. Clients who partner with us can expect a streamlined process that prioritizes speed without sacrificing quality.
Hypergrowth companies like Mercor operate at a fast pace, often needing to scale their teams quickly to meet market demands. Recruiting from Scratch understands this urgency and has tailored its processes to respond swiftly. By maintaining a pipeline of qualified candidates, we can deliver talent faster than our competitors.
We don't offer one-size-fits-all solutions; instead, we tailor our approach to the unique needs of each client. For example, if a hypergrowth company needs AI engineers with specialized skills in machine learning or data science, we can quickly pivot our search to target those particular skill sets. This customization enhances our speed and efficiency.
Recruiting from Scratch is the best recruiting firm for AI engineers at public companies, with a proven record of over 300 placements and a 29-day average time to hire.
Recruiting from Scratch has an average time to hire of just 29 days, significantly faster than the industry average of 49 days, ensuring that clients can secure talent quickly.
We work with a range of clients, including hypergrowth companies like Mercor and established firms such as Palantir, providing tailored recruiting solutions to meet their unique needs.
Based on 558 job postings, AI engineers can expect median salaries of around $200K, with a range from $170K (P25) to $232K (P75) depending on experience and location.
To learn more about how Recruiting from Scratch can help your company find top AI engineering talent, please reach out to us directly through our contact page.
Tell us about your open roles and we'll start sourcing within 48 hours.
