Member of Product Staff

About FirstPrinciples

FirstPrinciples is a non-profit organization building an autonomous AI Physicist to understand the nature of reality: the underlying structure, governing principles, and fundamental laws of our universe. We're developing an intelligent system that can explore theoretical frameworks, reason across disciplines, and generate novel insights to tackle the deepest unsolved problems in physics. By combining AI, symbolic reasoning, and autonomous research capabilities, we're developing a platform that goes beyond analyzing existing knowledge to actively contribute to physics research. Our goal is to accelerate progress on the questions that have captivated humanity for centuries. We operate as a global nonprofit organization, with a Canadian foundation, a US-based 501(c)(3).

Job Description

FirstPrinciples is looking for a driven and experienced Member of Product Staff to join our team to help build and evolve our AI Physicist platform. In this role, you will play a key, cross-functional role helping shape the vision, development, and growth of our AI Physicist product. Reporting to the Director of Product, you'll work across research, engineering, and leadership to translate scientific goals into product capabilities. As a non-profit building at the cutting-edge of AI and science, this role is a rare, rewarding opportunity to build for the unique and complex requirements of the spaces we operate in. This role requires someone who can navigate ambiguity, communicate across diverse audiences, and drive execution on technical problems. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in product management who can combine strategic thinking with enough technical depth to guide our efforts and bring complex ideas to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, refine, and shape product capabilities across the AI Physicist product in alignment with FirstPrinciples’ mission.
• Plan, prioritize, and drive product development while balancing technical constraints, product requirements, and strategic objectives.
• Work closely with FirstPrinciples leadership to ensure the product vision addresses research challenges and supports scientific advancement.
• Work closely with technical & engineering teams to translate high-level research concepts into actionable technical specifications and user stories, managing the day-to-day backlog.
• Continuously improve and iterate your product portfolio, deeply owning the vision, strategy, and roadmap of your products.
• Maintain consistent communication across the organization to ensure transparency and alignment.
• Uphold operational excellence through documentation, cross-team alignment, and strong execution rituals.

Qualifications

• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, physics, or related technical field; ensuring you can comfortably debate technical tradeoffs.
• Experience: 3–5 years experience shipping products at a technology company.
• Product Management: Deep understanding of modern product management craft and theory, as well as practical experience applying it.
• Organizational & Planning Skills: Demonstrated ability to plan product roadmaps, prioritize features, and manage releases.
• Technical Aptitude: Familiarity with software development processes, best practices, basic AI/ML concepts, and data infrastructure.
• Collaboration & Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, and comfort working in a fast-paced startup environment with a remote-first team.

Bonus Points

• Experience building foundational or frontier AI products.
• Interest in physics or fundamental science, whether through education or personal curiosity.
• Early-stage experience. You've worked somewhere small and understand how to build when processes are still taking shape.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, a cover letter detailing their qualifications and vision for the role, and references. Please include "Member of Product Staff" in the cover letter.

Key skills/competency

• Product Management
• AI/ML Concepts
• Technical Specifications
• Product Strategy
• Roadmap Planning
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Software Development Process
• Strategic Thinking
• Communication Skills
• Scientific Advancement