Founding Engineer – AI & Product

Lushescapes, a distinguished luxury travel curator renowned for crafting deeply bespoke journeys for global travelers, from exclusive island retreats and polar expeditions to immersive cultural explorations and private family adventures, is embarking on a significant technological evolution. We are developing an intelligent, tech-enabled system to revolutionize the discovery, decision-making, and guest experience facets of our business. The core objective is not feature expansion, but rather the infusion of intelligence into the very fabric of how journeys are explored, designed, and executed.

Role: Founding Engineer – AI & Product (Full-Stack)

This is a foundational, 0→1 build role within our nascent India team. You will work in direct collaboration with the founder to architect and construct the central technology backbone, encompassing the application layer, backend infrastructure, AI systems, and critical integrations. This position demands comprehensive end-to-end ownership, requiring you to think strategically from a product perspective, execute flawlessly in code, and iterate based on tangible user engagement. Artificial Intelligence is central to this ambitious build.

What you will work on:

• Design and build the core platform, including backend services, APIs, integrations, and the data layer.
• Develop the customer-facing application, featuring user profiles, preference management, a secure document vault, journey tracking, concierge services, and real-time updates, including SOS functionality.
• Build AI-driven recommendation and decision-support systems utilizing Large Language Models (LLMs), structured, and unstructured data.
• Create the experience discovery layer, incorporating advanced filters, metadata management, mapping capabilities, and calendar-based logic.
• Construct the website as an integrated system, managing content, lead capture, workflow automation, and analytics.
• Develop internal tools for streamlined journey design, efficient supplier workflows, and enhanced personalization.
• Ensure all systems are secure, modular, and scalable, with robust authentication, data handling, and access control mechanisms.
• Ship features continuously and refine them based on real-world usage and feedback.

What you bring:

• 4–7 years of experience in building and shipping robust products.
• Strong full-stack development capabilities with a proven track record of hands-on execution.
• Extensive experience with backend systems, APIs, integrations, and cloud infrastructure.
• A deep, practical understanding of AI/LLMs, extending beyond surface-level application.
• The ability to translate complex user journeys and business logic into elegant and clean architectural designs.
• Comfort and effectiveness working independently with a high degree of ownership.

Technical exposure (flexible): React / Next.js / Node / Flutter (or equivalent), AWS / GCP / Firebase / Supabase, APIs, integrations, data systems.

How this role works:

• Direct, collaborative partnership with the founder.
• Part of a small, high-trust, and agile team.
• Experience rapid decision-making and fast iteration cycles.
• See your contributions implemented and utilized immediately.

Location: New Delhi NCR (Hybrid model – in-person collaboration 1–2 times per week)

Compensation: Competitive, aligned with industry standards.