Stardex Seeks AI-Savvy Engineer to Revolutionize Recruiting Data Migration

Executive search firms drowning in fragmented candidate data and legacy systems now have a potential lifeline. Stardex, a Y Combinator-backed startup (S21 batch), is tackling this niche but critical problem with an AI-native Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and CRM platform designed specifically for boutique and mid-market recruiting firms. Their solution aims to consolidate institutional knowledge and candidate interactions into a single AI-powered interface – but first, they must solve the daunting challenge of migrating decades of messy, unstructured data from outdated platforms.

This migration bottleneck is precisely why Stardex is hiring its inaugural Customer Success Engineer (AI & Data Migration). The role represents a strategic investment in overcoming the primary adoption hurdle for their platform: transitioning clients from creaking legacy systems without data loss or operational disruption. The successful candidate will architect and execute complex data migrations, transforming inconsistent, often poorly structured data from platforms like Bullhorn or Salesforce into Stardex's optimized structure.

"Our customers are moving off legacy platforms—and they need someone to make that transition seamless," explains Sanket Chauhan, Stardex co-founder. The job demands a unique hybrid skillset: deep technical proficiency in TypeScript and SQL for crafting precise data transformation scripts, coupled with an obsessive attention to detail where "zero margin for error" is paramount. Crucially, the role also requires fluency in leveraging AI tools like Claude Code or Cursor to automate migration steps that would otherwise consume hundreds of manual hours.

Beyond raw technical skills, Stardex emphasizes practical AI application. The ideal candidate instinctively automates repetitive tasks and constantly seeks efficiency gains through AI, understanding that scalable migration processes are foundational to onboarding new clients swiftly. They also need foundational database optimization knowledge to ensure migrated data performs well within Stardex's environment and clear communication skills to bridge technical complexities for non-technical firm partners.

The position offers significant ownership as the first dedicated hire in this function. The engineer will define Stardex's entire customer onboarding playbook for data migration, working directly with founders Chauhan and Pranav Badami. This ground-floor opportunity provides exposure to AI implementation in a real-world SaaS product, deep immersion in the $15B+ executive search industry, and the chance to build systems from scratch.

Stardex's focus on executive search firms fills a gap often overlooked by generic recruiting tools. These firms handle highly sensitive, high-stakes placements where historical data on candidates and client relationships holds immense value. Migrating this data accurately isn't just a technical task—it's about preserving institutional memory that can dictate future placements. By solving this pain point, Stardex positions itself to capture clients frustrated with one-size-fits-all solutions lacking industry-specific workflows.

With backing from Y Combinator and a lean team of three, Stardex represents a classic high-growth startup opportunity. The $40K-$60K salary reflects early-stage constraints but is balanced by outsized impact potential. Candidates can apply directly via the Stardex job posting or contact [email protected]. Recent graduates with the requisite technical drive are explicitly encouraged to apply, signaling Stardex's willingness to invest in talent development for this mission-critical role.

As recruiting firms increasingly demand AI capabilities, startups like Stardex betting on vertical-specific solutions face a pivotal moment. Their success hinges not just on superior AI features, but on removing the friction of adoption—making this Customer Success Engineer role arguably one of their most strategic hires yet.