01→
Software Engineers
Full-stack, backend, and frontend engineers who ship product and infrastructure that scales.
Boutique engineering search
The right engineer
changes everything.
A boutique search firm placing Software Engineers, Engineering Managers, AI/ML Engineers, and Data Engineers at growing companies.
Specialized search, built around your engineering team.
Where we specialize
Focused expertise.
Better engineering hires.
We stay intentionally specialized in software engineering talent — and only that — so every search starts with sharper market knowledge, stronger technical judgment, and the right network.
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Engineering Managers
Technical leaders who build strong teams, set technical direction, and turn strategy into shipped software.
03→
AI/ML Engineers
Specialists building and deploying machine learning and generative AI systems, from research to production.
04→
Data Engineers
Engineers who build the pipelines and platforms that make an organization's data usable and reliable.
How we work
A search process
without the noise.
Precise, high-touch, and transparent from the first conversation through the accepted offer.
Define the win
We align on the mandate, the context, and what great performance looks like—not just a list of requirements.
Map the market
We identify the strongest relevant talent, including high-caliber people who are not actively applying.
Curate the round
You meet a focused slate of qualified, motivated candidates with clear, candid context.
Close with confidence
We keep both sides aligned through interviews, offer, acceptance, and a successful start.
For exceptional engineers
Your engineering career deserves more than another inbox message.
We lead with context, discretion, and honest communication. If a role is not the right next move, we will tell you—and keep the relationship for the one that is.
Join our talent network →Why First Round
Built for the engineering hires that matter.
First Round Talent is a specialized search partner for growing companies hiring software engineering talent — from individual contributors to engineering leadership. We bring the focus of a boutique search firm, the pace of a modern recruiting team, and the candor to protect everyone's time.
SpecializedHigh-touchOutcome-driven
Start the conversation
Who should be in
your first round?
Tell us what you're building, who you need, and why the hire matters. We'll take it from there.