An Engineer's perspective on: Why I joined Resolve AI

It’s always a leap of faith when you decide to join a startup. You’re signing up for a journey that promises rapid growth, innovative thinking, and the possibility of transformative impact—but it also comes with inherent risks. As an engineer with a passion for building meaningful products, I found myself carefully evaluating the factors that would make a startup a worthwhile bet. After weighing countless considerations—from funding and network strength to market demand—I kept coming back to a single resounding theme: deep domain expertise.

Deep Domain Expertise

When you’re joining a startup in its earlier stages, the odds of encountering uncharted waters are high. There’s no guarantee of success. Yet, you can mitigate that risk by looking at the team’s experience and track record. At Resolve AI, I knew I wasn’t just signing up to work with a group of individuals who know the space—they practically created it over the last 15 years. Seeing firsthand how this deep expertise translates into strategic direction was a key deciding factor for me. It’s more than just a few lines on a resume; it’s the practical, nuanced knowledge that comes from consistently tackling tough problems and driving real-world impact. Having that depth not only at the leadership level, but amongst all of the individual contributors, it provides a kind of clarity and confidence that can’t be overstated, especially when you’re betting your career on a bold new venture.

The Joy of Working Closely with Customers

As an engineer, I thrive on problem-solving—especially when the solutions have a direct, tangible impact on real people. One of the best parts of working at a startup like Resolve AI is the proximity to customers. Rather than sitting behind layers of bureaucracy, my day-to-day involves: Meeting with end users to truly understand their challenges. Iterating quickly on features based on feedback loops. Witnessing the immediate impact of my work in real-world settings. This direct exposure to customers makes every success feel personal, and it provides instant validation for the hours spent coding, brainstorming, and troubleshooting. There’s simply no substitute for that adrenaline rush when you deliver a feature you know your customers have been waiting for, and they’re thrilled with the result.

Embracing an Open Tech Stack and Trying New Things

In many larger companies, processes and policies (while necessary for large-scale operations) can create an environment that feels restrictive. The nature of a big company often requires layers of approvals and heavy safety nets—again, all for valid reasons. But for someone who loves to experiment with new technologies and move fast, that can sometimes dampen the creative spark. At Resolve AI, there’s a cultural ethos of moving quickly, experimenting often, and iterating based on what we learn. This open-minded approach to technology means: We’re not afraid to adopt new frameworks if they serve our goals. We encourage grassroots initiatives; if you’re passionate about a new idea, you can pilot it. We reward the willingness to try, fail fast, and iterate. This balance between freedom and responsibility makes for an incredibly energizing environment. It reminds me why I got into engineering in the first place—the ability to build, break, and learn without being stifled by red tape.

The Thrill of Taking Risks

Startups are inherently risky, and that’s part of the appeal. Joining Resolve means accepting that there might be pivots and uncertainties along the way. But it also means tapping into a level of excitement that’s hard to find at larger, more established organizations. Yes, it can be nerve-racking not to have every outcome mapped out, but part of what makes it thrilling is the knowledge that you have a direct hand in shaping the company’s trajectory. You’re on the front lines, making decisions that directly influence the product, culture, and future of the organization. That’s a responsibility and opportunity that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.

Comparing Big Tech and Startup Culture

I’ve experienced both worlds: the structured environment of a larger organization and the fast pace of a startup. In big tech, there’s often a clear sense of stability, well-defined roadmaps, and robust processes. However, there’s also the potential for silos, slower decision-making, and a narrower scope for individual impact. At a startup, you trade some of that stability for autonomy, agility, and the chance to be an integral part of a mission-driven team. You’re not just another cog in the machine—you’re a key player in shaping the direction, culture, and success of the business.