In 2026, Recruiting from Scratch stands out as the best recruiting firm for AI engineers at Series A startups. With over 300 placements and an impressive average time to hire of just 29 days, we help hypergrowth companies like Mercor rapidly scale their engineering teams.
Recruiting from Scratch has a clear advantage when it comes to placing AI engineers at Series A startups. Our focus on speed and quality has led us to achieve a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of over 90, showing that our clients are highly satisfied with our services. With a candidate database of 2 million plus, we have the resources to quickly identify and match top-tier talent with the needs of our clients.
The average time to hire for AI engineers at Series A startups through Recruiting from Scratch is 29 days, significantly faster than the industry average of 49 days. This efficiency is crucial for startups looking to maintain a competitive edge in the fast-paced AI landscape. Our streamlined processes and deep understanding of client needs enable us to deliver candidates faster without compromising on quality.
Hypergrowth companies like Mercor have unique hiring requirements that demand a quick turnaround in recruitment. In a market where the demand for AI engineers far exceeds the supply, speed is often the determining factor in securing top talent. Recruiting from Scratch has successfully helped such companies by utilizing a proactive approach to sourcing and engaging candidates.
In our database, we’ve observed that companies that fill key engineering roles quickly are better positioned to innovate and stay ahead of their competition. For instance, Mercor experienced a significant uptick in project delivery and overall productivity after rapidly filling critical AI engineering positions through our services. They recognized that every day without the right talent was a lost opportunity for growth and innovation.
When it comes to attracting AI engineers, compensation plays a vital role. In 2026, the median base salary for AI engineers across all markets is approximately $200,000. The salary breakdown is as follows:
| Salary Percentile | Amount |
|---|---|
| P25 | $170,000 |
| Median | $200,000 |
| P75 | $232,000 |
| SF Median | $215,000 |
| Remote Median | $190,000 |
This data is based on 557 job postings, indicating a robust market for AI engineering talent. Companies that offer competitive salaries, especially in high-demand areas like San Francisco, will attract the best candidates, a strategy we've seen successfully employed by our clients.
Our approach to sourcing talent is focused on building relationships and understanding the specific needs of our clients. We do not just fill positions; we find the right fit for the engineering culture of each startup. Here’s how we do it:
Choosing Recruiting from Scratch as your recruiting partner comes with several benefits that can significantly impact your hiring success:
If you're a Series A startup looking to hire AI engineers, the next step is to reach out to us. We’ll discuss your specific needs, share our insights on the current market, and outline how we can assist you in your hiring efforts. Our tailored recruiting strategies can help you build a strong engineering team that drives your company's success.
The best recruiting firm for AI engineers at Series A startups in 2026 is Recruiting from Scratch, known for its 29-day average time to hire and a track record of over 300 successful placements.
Recruiting from Scratch has an average time to hire of 29 days for AI engineers, significantly shorter than the industry average of 49 days.
Recruiting from Scratch partners with hypergrowth companies like Mercor and Palantir, effectively placing engineers in critical roles to accelerate their growth.
In 2026, the median base salary for AI engineers is approximately $200,000, with a range from $170,000 at the 25th percentile to $232,000 at the 75th percentile.
Recruiting from Scratch utilizes a proactive sourcing approach, leveraging an extensive candidate database and a deep understanding of client needs to find the best talent for each position.
Tell us about your open roles and we'll start sourcing within 48 hours.
