Commercial Associate (Physical AI)
Crane Venture Partners, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
About us
At Encord, we're building the AI infrastructure of the future by solving one of the least glamorous, but most critical, problems in AI: data quality. For the vast majority of teams, preparing high-quality training data is the most costly and time-consuming part of bringing AI products to market, and it ultimately determines whether models succeed or fail.
As former computer scientists, physicists, and quants, we experienced this pain firsthand. AI today feels like the early days of the internet — huge potential, but immature tooling holding real progress back. That gap is why we started Encord.
We're now a 100+ person team operating at the cutting edge of computer vision and deep learning, backed by CRV, Y Combinator, and leaders like Luc Vincent (former VP of AI at Meta). We're one of the fastest-growing companies in the space and consistently rated by customers as the best tool on the market.
The role This is not a traditional BDR role.
As a Commercial Associate on Encord's Physical AI team, you'll be an early commercial hire focused on one of the most exciting frontiers in AI: robotics, autonomous systems, and embodied intelligence. You'll help us engage the teams building the next generation of physical AI — from humanoid robots to autonomous vehicles to intelligent manufacturing systems.
You'll sit at the intersection of outbound strategy, customer discovery, and deal execution in a vertical where data quality isn't just important — it's mission‑critical to safety, reliability, and real‑world deployment. From day one, you'll be expected to think like a seller: prioritizing the right accounts, understanding the unique challenges of physical AI, and partnering closely with Account Executives to move real opportunities forward.
This role is designed to identify future sellers early. We optimize for trajectory over polish. High performers typically progress into closing, leadership, or specialist roles (Sales, Solutions, Growth) within 12–18 months, often sooner.
What you'll do
Identify, research, and prioritize high‑potential accounts building physical AI systems (robotics, autonomous vehicles, drones, manufacturing automation, etc.)
Develop strong points of view on who to target and why — understanding the unique data challenges of physical AI deployment
Execute thoughtful, multi‑channel outbound (email, LinkedIn, calls, creative plays) tailored to technical teams working on embodied intelligence
Craft messaging that resonates with robotics engineers, perception teams, and ML researchers
Partner with Growth and Sales to test campaigns, refine targeting, and improve conversion in this emerging vertical
Own outcomes, not just activity — quality opportunities matter more than volume
Work directly with Account Executives to progress live opportunities
Support discovery, demos, trials, and follow‑ups with highly technical buyers
Help shape business cases around deployment timelines, safety requirements, and regulatory considerations
Ensure a high‑quality, consistent prospect experience
Learn how complex, technical B2B deals get done in the physical AI space
Who we're looking for
You're ambitious, curious, and want to build a commercial career at the cutting edge of AI
You've consistently performed in the top percentile of what you've done — academically, professionally, or competitively
You're motivated by ownership, learning, and long‑term growth, not just title or short‑term compensation
You enjoy figuring out why something works, not just following a script
You're comfortable operating with ambiguity and high expectations
You can engage with technical concepts (computer vision, sensor fusion, ML ops) without losing sight of business outcomes
You're genuinely excited about the physical AI space — robotics, autonomous systems, embodied intelligence
You want to be part of building something — not just maintaining it
Experience requirements
1–3 years of professional experience in a commercial, customer‑facing, or high‑performance role
Exposure to outbound prospecting, pipeline generation, or client engagement is strongly preferred
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Evidence of discipline, resilience, and continuous improvement
Interest in or exposure to robotics, autonomous systems, or physical AI is a plus but not required
Why Encord
Competitive salary, commission, and meaningful equity in a high‑growth startup
Clear, accelerated growth opportunities as the company scales rapidly
Strong in‑person culture: 3–5 days/week in our newly launched North Beach loft office
Flexible PTO to fully recharge
18 paid vacation days in the U.S. plus federal holidays
Annual learning & development budget
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
Frequent travel opportunities across the U.S., London, and Europe
Bi‑annual company offsites, twice‑weekly team lunches, and monthly socials
#J-18808-Ljbffr
As former computer scientists, physicists, and quants, we experienced this pain firsthand. AI today feels like the early days of the internet — huge potential, but immature tooling holding real progress back. That gap is why we started Encord.
We're now a 100+ person team operating at the cutting edge of computer vision and deep learning, backed by CRV, Y Combinator, and leaders like Luc Vincent (former VP of AI at Meta). We're one of the fastest-growing companies in the space and consistently rated by customers as the best tool on the market.
The role This is not a traditional BDR role.
As a Commercial Associate on Encord's Physical AI team, you'll be an early commercial hire focused on one of the most exciting frontiers in AI: robotics, autonomous systems, and embodied intelligence. You'll help us engage the teams building the next generation of physical AI — from humanoid robots to autonomous vehicles to intelligent manufacturing systems.
You'll sit at the intersection of outbound strategy, customer discovery, and deal execution in a vertical where data quality isn't just important — it's mission‑critical to safety, reliability, and real‑world deployment. From day one, you'll be expected to think like a seller: prioritizing the right accounts, understanding the unique challenges of physical AI, and partnering closely with Account Executives to move real opportunities forward.
This role is designed to identify future sellers early. We optimize for trajectory over polish. High performers typically progress into closing, leadership, or specialist roles (Sales, Solutions, Growth) within 12–18 months, often sooner.
What you'll do
Identify, research, and prioritize high‑potential accounts building physical AI systems (robotics, autonomous vehicles, drones, manufacturing automation, etc.)
Develop strong points of view on who to target and why — understanding the unique data challenges of physical AI deployment
Execute thoughtful, multi‑channel outbound (email, LinkedIn, calls, creative plays) tailored to technical teams working on embodied intelligence
Craft messaging that resonates with robotics engineers, perception teams, and ML researchers
Partner with Growth and Sales to test campaigns, refine targeting, and improve conversion in this emerging vertical
Own outcomes, not just activity — quality opportunities matter more than volume
Work directly with Account Executives to progress live opportunities
Support discovery, demos, trials, and follow‑ups with highly technical buyers
Help shape business cases around deployment timelines, safety requirements, and regulatory considerations
Ensure a high‑quality, consistent prospect experience
Learn how complex, technical B2B deals get done in the physical AI space
Who we're looking for
You're ambitious, curious, and want to build a commercial career at the cutting edge of AI
You've consistently performed in the top percentile of what you've done — academically, professionally, or competitively
You're motivated by ownership, learning, and long‑term growth, not just title or short‑term compensation
You enjoy figuring out why something works, not just following a script
You're comfortable operating with ambiguity and high expectations
You can engage with technical concepts (computer vision, sensor fusion, ML ops) without losing sight of business outcomes
You're genuinely excited about the physical AI space — robotics, autonomous systems, embodied intelligence
You want to be part of building something — not just maintaining it
Experience requirements
1–3 years of professional experience in a commercial, customer‑facing, or high‑performance role
Exposure to outbound prospecting, pipeline generation, or client engagement is strongly preferred
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Evidence of discipline, resilience, and continuous improvement
Interest in or exposure to robotics, autonomous systems, or physical AI is a plus but not required
Why Encord
Competitive salary, commission, and meaningful equity in a high‑growth startup
Clear, accelerated growth opportunities as the company scales rapidly
Strong in‑person culture: 3–5 days/week in our newly launched North Beach loft office
Flexible PTO to fully recharge
18 paid vacation days in the U.S. plus federal holidays
Annual learning & development budget
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
Frequent travel opportunities across the U.S., London, and Europe
Bi‑annual company offsites, twice‑weekly team lunches, and monthly socials
#J-18808-Ljbffr