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Trajectory
Continual-learning platform that customizes open-source models and optimizes AI agent 'harnesses'
Last verified August 19, 2026 · Updated daily
What Trajectory is building
A software platform that automates customization of open-source models and optimizes the programmatic 'harnesses' agents use for tools/actions. Proprietary SDPO (self-distillation policy optimization) ingests human-in-the-loop corrections to update agent decision paths; also open-sourced 'Continuous LoRA' framework that halves training time via concurrent jobs.
Why this matters
Malde reportedly left ~$2B in unvested Google equity to start Trajectory; his thesis (every product becomes a 'living system' improving with every user interaction) parallels Satya Nadella's 'token capital' argument. Sequoia leading a back-to-back round nine weeks after seed, with NVIDIA strategic participation, signals scarcity-priced bet on continual learning as core AI infrastructure.
Open roles at Trajectory
3 positions we're tracking. Roles are re-checked daily and removed when filled.
Know when Trajectory is hiring before anyone else
A role stays uncontested for about four days. Here's the window — and where we put you in it.
From $9/month, cancel any time.
Watching Trajectory
0 applicantsRole spotted & verified
1You get the alert
1You've applied
~8Hits the job boards
250+Hiring outlook
Round explicitly funds expanding the research and engineering team; live Ashby board with named MTS roles. Small (11-12 person) team scaling fast on fresh $40M.
Working at Trajectory
Trajectory is Continual-learning platform that customizes open-source models and optimizes AI agent 'harnesses', founded in and now <50 people. At this stage, expect broad remit, direct access to founders, and equity that still means something if the company works out.
San Francisco is where most Trajectory positions are located.
How to actually get hired at Trajectory
Why applying the normal way doesn't work
With only <50 employees, Trajectory doesn't have dedicated recruiters. Founders review applications between running the company. The challenge isn't competition — it's visibility. Direct outreach wins.
Who to contact at Trajectory
Founding team
Former Apple researcher; public speaker on closing the AI 'experience gap.'
Former Google DeepMind researcher.
Stanford; post-training for agentic coding at Google DeepMind, previously at Windsurf (trained SWE-1). Left substantial unvested Google equity to found Trajectory.
What to show them
RLHF/DPO/GRPO experience, LoRA/distillation work, agent post-training; reproducible papers or open-source contributions.
A cold email that works at Trajectory
What Trajectory screens for
Reference OPSD/SDPO using 'privileged hints rather than larger teacher models,' and the legal-AI customer (Harvey) matching frontier performance at far lower cost.
Tailor your CV to the specific Trajectory role rather than sending a general one. Applications that mirror the language of the job description clear automated filters at a materially higher rate.
Don't make these mistakes
Do NOT confuse with 'Trajectory Labs' (AI-safety/red-teaming), 'Trajectory Inc' (ERP/CRM consultancy), or YC's 'General Trajectory.' Distinct from generic fine-tuning services — edge is continual learning + harness optimization.
Mistakes that kill Trajectory applications
Don't send the same CV you sent everywhere else. At <50 people it's obvious, and it's the fastest rejection there is.
Nobody cares what you want. Start with Malde reportedly left ~$2B in unvested Google equity to start Trajectory; his thesis (every product becomes a 'living system' improving with every user interaction) parallels Satya Nadella's 'token capital' argument and how you'd help.
Most AI applications get ghosted. A day-five follow-up can double your response rate.
Applying to Trajectory? Get the contact, not the form.
The Trajectory interview process
3 stages · 7 days typical · take-home: yes · modelled from similar companies
We don't yet have verified candidate reports for Trajectory. What follows is the typical process for a <50-person AI company — treat it as a model, not confirmed detail.
Interview stages
Intro Call
Video call · 30 min
Culture fit and role expectations
Founder or hiring manager
Technical Deep Dive
Video call or in-person · 60 min
Past projects and problem-solving approach
Technical founder or lead
Final Round
In-person or video · 45 min
Team fit and offer discussion
Founding team
Trajectory take-home assignment
Trajectory includes a take-home exercise in their interview process. For AI roles, this typically involves a practical problem that takes 2-4 hours. Focus on clean, working code over premature optimization. They're evaluating how you think and communicate, not just the solution.
Trajectory interview timeline
Trajectory runs about days from first contact to offer. The median for AI companies at <50 people is 10 days, so Trajectory is faster than most.
Interviewed at Trajectory?
Tell us how it went — stages, questions, timeline. Takes 90 seconds and it's how this page stays accurate for the next person.
Submit your Trajectory interview experience →Trajectory jobs, frequently asked questions
How many jobs does Trajectory have open?
We're tracking 3 active openings at Trajectory (verified August 2026).
Does Trajectory hire remotely?
Currently, Trajectory only has in-office roles in San Francisco.
What roles is Trajectory hiring for?
Trajectory is hiring across Other, Data, Engineering. The most recent opening is Member of Technical Staff–Generalist.
How do I apply for a job at Trajectory?
Click through to apply, or see our detailed guide on landing a job at Trajectory.
Does Trajectory respond to cold emails?
We haven't verified response rates at Trajectory yet.
Who is the hiring manager at Trajectory?
At this size, hiring is usually run by a founder or department head.
How competitive is it to get hired at Trajectory?
Roles at <50-person AI companies typically draw 50-100 applicants in the first two weeks. Applying inside 72 hours of a posting going live is the single biggest lever you control.
How many rounds is the Trajectory interview?
3 stages: Intro Call, Technical Deep Dive, Final Round.
Is the Trajectory interview hard?
The interview emphasizes technical depth and system design over abstract problems. Hardest stage: Technical Interview.
Does Trajectory give a take-home task?
Yes, Trajectory includes a take-home assignment.
How long does Trajectory take to get back to you?
Around 7 days across the full process.
What should I prepare for the Trajectory interview?
Study technical depth and system design. At this size (<50), they care about self-sufficiency over textbook knowledge.
Where is Trajectory based?
Trajectory is headquartered in San Francisco, US.
Get Trajectory roles before they're posted
A role stays uncontested for about four days. Here's the window — and where we put you in it.
From $9/month, cancel any time.
Watching Trajectory
0 applicantsRole spotted & verified
1You get the alert
1You've applied
~8Hits the job boards
250+