Clera

Founding Engineer – Product & Process

Remote, United States remote Entry Salary not listed
remote Technology & IT Curated
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About the role

About the Role
This is a founding-team engineering role at a seed-stage startup that is building an AI-powered operating platform for the German tax advisory and accounting industry. The company acquires established tax firms and transforms them with proprietary technology — automating operational workflows so that tax professionals can focus on high-value client consultation.
As a Founding Engineer – Product & Process, you will turn real-world tax advisory work into executable, scalable systems. You will own the full journey from prototype to hardened production workflow, and directly shape how work flows, where automation adds leverage, and how complex, regulated processes scale across multiple firms.
This role is based on-site in Berlin, Germany. Visa sponsorship is not available.
What You'll Do
Analyze workflows across accounting, payroll, reporting, and client communication to understand how work actually moves.

Identify bottlenecks, handover points, failure modes, and unnecessary manual effort.

Rapidly design and build minimum-viable prototypes (MEPs/MVPs) to automate and validate workflows.

Implement workflow systems using n8n, Temporal, or custom backend services.

Collaborate closely with tax advisors and engineers in tight, iterative feedback loops.

Own the full transition from early prototype → hardened, production-grade workflow.

Make deliberate decisions about when a UI adds genuine value — and when it's just an implementation detail.

What We're Looking For
Required:
Based in Berlin, or willing to relocate to Berlin, Germany to work from the office.

Experience with tax, accounting, advisory, or broader professional services workflows — genuine domain knowledge of how these processes work.

Significant experience designing and shipping workflow-heavy or automation-driven systems.

Strong computer science fundamentals paired with a product-minded, deeply technical approach.

Comfort with end-to-end ownership, ambiguity, and iterative prototyping rather than rigid process mandates.

Nice to Have:
Hands-on experience with n8n, Temporal, or similar workflow orchestration tools.

Experience hardening early-stage prototypes into robust production systems.

Background working closely with domain experts (e.g. accountants, tax advisors, legal professionals).

Location & Work Arrangement
Location: Berlin, Germany

Work arrangement: On-site (Berlin office)

Visa sponsorship: Not available

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Interview prep

Walk in with sharper answers.

Use this as a quick practice sheet before you speak with the employer.

Role
Technology & IT Accounting Data Analysis Figma Founding Engineer remote

Likely questions

  1. Tell us about work you have done that is close to the Founding Engineer – Product & Process role.
  2. How would you approach your first 30 days at Clera?
  3. Which of Accounting, Data Analysis and Figma have you used recently, and what did it help you achieve?
  4. Describe a time you solved a problem without waiting to be told exactly what to do.
  5. How do you stay organised and communicate clearly when working remotely?

Prepare before the call

  • A recent example that proves your experience with Accounting, Data Analysis and Figma.
  • One short story with a problem, your action, and the result.
  • Two examples that show the strengths listed on your CV.
  • A clear reason why this role and company interest you.
  • Your availability, preferred work style, and salary expectations.

Ask them

  • What would success look like in the first 90 days?
  • What are the main problems this hire should help solve?
  • How does the team give feedback and measure good work?
  • What does a normal working week look like for this role?
Practice line

I am interested in the Founding Engineer – Product & Process role because I can bring practical experience in Accounting, Data Analysis and Figma, learn the team quickly, and contribute to the outcomes Clera needs from this hire.

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