Build the execution layer for autonomous finance.
The problem we’re solvingFinance is one of the hardest domains to automate. Not because the data doesn’t exist - but because it’s fragmented across systems, full of edge cases, and constantly changing. Most “AI finance” products stop at dashboards, copilots, or brittle automations that fall apart outside of demos.
Cortena is building the execution layer that makes autonomous finance workflows reliable in production.
We connect real finance systems end to end and use autonomous agents to execute operational finance workflows continuously, not just analyze them after the fact. When execution is correct and always up to date, financial intelligence emerges naturally.
Based in Rotterdam and backed by Builders Studio, Cortena is building an AI-native finance operating system for modern SMEs - one agent at a time.
The roleWe’re looking for a Founding Engineer to co-architect and build Cortena’s technical foundation from the ground up.
This is a true founding role. You’ll work directly with the CTO to design and implement the core systems that power autonomous finance execution. The architectural decisions you make in the next 6–12 months will define what Cortena can (and cannot) become.
You’ll operate at the intersection of AI systems, financial data, and product design, turning messy real-world finance workflows into production-grade, reliable systems used daily by real companies.
This role is for a hands-on builder who wants real ownership, thrives in ambiguity, and cares deeply about correctness, reliability, and long-term system design.
Key responsibilitiesCo-architect Cortena’s core AI-driven finance platform alongside the CTO
Design and implement agent-based systems for autonomous finance execution
Build reliable data pipelines and system integrations across the finance stack
Own AI features from prototype to production, including monitoring and iteration
Work closely with product to translate complex financial logic into intuitive experiences
Make high-impact architectural decisions in an early-stage environment
Help establish engineering best practices as the company scales
Strong software engineering background with experience building production systems
Hands-on experience with AI/ML systems (LLMs, prompt engineering, or agent architectures)
Solid understanding of data pipelines, APIs, and system integrations
Experience working with complex, structured data
Comfortable working across the stack, from backend systems to product-facing components
Ability to operate independently and own outcomes
Fluency in English
Bonus points for:
Experience with financial, accounting, or ERP systems
Familiarity with forecasting, planning, or financial modeling
Experience in early-stage startups or founding teams
Background in distributed systems, cloud-native architectures, or MLOps
Be a foundational builder of an AI-native finance operating system
Work on deep, non-trivial problems at the intersection of AI, data, and finance
Shape product direction, architecture, and engineering culture from day one
Meaningful equity via a stock option plan, reflecting true founding-level ownership
Help define how autonomous agents execute real business workflows
We believe early technical builders should share meaningfully in the upside they create.
If we succeed, finance won’t be something companies report on. It will be something that runs continuously, correctly, and autonomously.
If you want to help build a system where finance execution becomes intelligence, we’d love to talk.
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This role is Cortena, a Builders portfolio company. Hiring is managed by the Cortena team.
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