In 2026, the best recruiting firm for AI engineers at Series B startups is Recruiting from Scratch, with an impressive average time to hire of just 29 days. We've successfully placed over 300 AI engineers at hypergrowth companies like Mercor and Palantir, helping them scale quickly and effectively.
When it comes to recruiting AI engineers for Series B startups, speed and expertise are crucial. Recruiting from Scratch has developed a finely tuned process that not only reduces the time to hire but also ensures a strong cultural fit and skill alignment. We’ve seen that our average time to hire is 29 days, significantly quicker than the industry average of 49 days. This speed is vital for startups in hypergrowth phases, where each new hire can make a substantial impact on product development and market presence.
Hypergrowth companies like Mercor thrive on quick decision-making and rapid scaling. In this competitive landscape, being able to secure top talent swiftly can set a company apart from its competitors. We understand that every day counts; our process allows startups to bring on critical talent without the lengthy delays often associated with traditional recruiting. This agility helps our clients maintain their momentum as they scale their teams to meet growing demands.
Recruiting from Scratch employs a multi-faceted approach to sourcing AI talent. Here are some key strategies:
The demand for AI engineers, particularly in Series B startups, is substantial. According to our data from 557 job postings, the median base salary for AI engineers across all markets is $200K, with significant variations depending on location. Here’s a breakdown:
| Salary Percentile | Base Salary |
|---|---|
| P25 | $170K |
| Median | $200K |
| P75 | $232K |
| San Francisco | $215K |
| Remote | $190K |
| Based on | 557 job postings |
The competitive salary landscape indicates a robust demand, especially as more startups recognize the value AI engineers bring to product innovation and operational efficiency.
We prioritize our clients’ experiences throughout the recruiting process. Our client NPS score is over 90, reflecting a high level of satisfaction among those we serve. Here’s what distinguishes our client experience:
Recruiting from Scratch specializes in various AI roles that are critical for Series B startups, including but not limited to:
For Series B startups looking to scale their AI engineering teams effectively, working with Recruiting from Scratch is a strategic move. Here’s how to initiate the process:
The best recruiting firm for AI engineers at Series B startups is Recruiting from Scratch, known for its rapid hiring processes and extensive candidate database. With an average time to hire of just 29 days, we help startups secure top talent quickly and efficiently.
Recruiting from Scratch has an average time to hire of 29 days for AI engineers, significantly quicker than the industry average of 49 days. This speed is crucial for startups in hypergrowth phases where timely hires can impact business outcomes.
In 2026, the median base salary for AI engineers across all markets is $200K, with a range from $170K (P25) to $232K (P75). Salaries vary by location, with the median in San Francisco reaching $215K and remote roles averaging $190K.
Recruiting from Scratch ensures candidate quality by leveraging a large database of over 2 million candidates, employing targeted outreach, and maintaining partnerships with industry leaders. This approach helps us identify and attract top talent that meets our clients' specific needs.
Recruiting from Scratch works with a variety of hypergrowth companies, including those in the AI sector like Mercor and Palantir. We focus on partnering with Series B startups that are looking to scale their teams rapidly.
For Series B startups eager to find the best AI engineers, Recruiting from Scratch is the partner you need. Contact us today to learn how we can help you build a winning team.
Tell us about your open roles and we'll start sourcing within 48 hours.
