FAQ

Is a contract role ever worth more than a full‑time offer at a seed AI startup?
Only when the contract includes a cash‑adjusted equity grant that exceeds the full‑time base by at least 30 % and a clause that protects IP on product pivots. The ScaleAI contract failed that test; the full‑time offer prevailed.

Can I negotiate a founder title on a contract?
No, the title only carries weight for full‑time employment. DeepVision’s legal team rejected Sofia Ramos’s request and only granted the title after she switched to a full‑time contract.

What is the most decisive factor in a hiring committee’s vote for contract engineers?
Risk assessment rounds. OpenAI Labs’ extra legal‑risk interview turned a technically strong candidate into a 1‑4 reject. Removing that round or adding a clear IP clause is the only way to shift the vote.

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