Application Guide

How to Apply for VP of Engineering

at Synonym

🏢 About Synonym

Synonym is building bioproduct infrastructure to decarbonize industries through sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Unlike typical biotech companies, they're focused on scaling production infrastructure, combining engineering rigor with sustainability impact. Their work on Roebling's simulation platform represents a unique intersection of biotechnology, AI, and scalable compute systems.

About This Role

As VP of Engineering at Synonym, you'll lead the technical evolution from MVP to production-ready platform for their bioproduct simulation system. This role involves architecting both the core simulation infrastructure and AI-assisted workflows while scaling the engineering team. You'll directly impact how sustainable bioproducts are developed and scaled globally.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by reviewing simulation platform performance metrics, then collaborate with the CTO on architecture decisions for multitenancy. Afternoon could involve mentoring engineers on AI workflow integration and meeting with the CEO to align technical roadmap with business goals. You'll constantly balance immediate platform improvements with long-term scalability planning.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Synonym Is Looking For

  • Has shipped products in early-stage startups and scaled compute-heavy systems (experience with simulation, scientific computing, or similar domains)
  • Can architect both backend infrastructure (Python-based compute systems) and frontend interfaces (TypeScript/React) for complex engineering workflows
  • Demonstrates ability to lead through ambiguity in a startup environment while making high-quality technical decisions about multitenancy, caching, and scalability
  • Combines technical depth with strong communication skills to collaborate with CEO/CTO on product roadmap and translate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

📝 Tips for Applying to Synonym

1

Highlight specific examples of scaling compute-heavy systems, especially if related to scientific computing, simulations, or AI/ML pipelines

2

Demonstrate your experience with the full stack (Python backend + TypeScript/React frontend) in your resume projects

3

Show how you've led teams through ambiguity in early-stage environments with concrete metrics or outcomes

4

Research Roebling's platform and propose specific architectural approaches to their multitenancy and scalability challenges

5

Emphasize your experience with AI-assisted workflows, prompt strategy, or model evaluation pipelines if applicable

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience architecting and scaling compute-heavy systems, particularly for simulation or scientific applications', 'Examples of leading engineering teams through the MVP-to-production transition in early-stage startups', 'Your approach to integrating AI workflows with deterministic engineering logic (specific to their AI-assisted workflow system)', "Why you're passionate about sustainable bioproduct infrastructure and decarbonization technology"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Understand Synonym's bioproduct focus and how Roebling's simulation platform enables sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels
  • → Research the technical challenges of simulation platforms (compute infrastructure, scalability, multitenancy) in scientific/engineering contexts
  • → Learn about AI-assisted workflows in engineering/scientific domains and how they integrate with deterministic systems
  • → Investigate Synonym's leadership team (CEO, CTO) and their backgrounds to understand company culture and technical direction

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Architectural decisions for Roebling's simulation platform: how would you approach multitenancy, caching strategies, and compute infrastructure?
2 Experience with AI-assisted workflows: discuss prompt strategy, model evaluation pipelines, or fine-tuning approaches you've implemented
3 How have you scaled engineering teams and processes during rapid growth phases in previous startups?
4 Technical leadership in ambiguous environments: share examples of making high-quality decisions with incomplete information
5 Collaboration with CEO/CTO on product roadmap: how do you balance technical excellence with business priorities?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on large-company experience without demonstrating ability to thrive in early-stage startup ambiguity
  • Generic architecture discussions without specific examples related to compute-heavy systems or simulation platforms
  • Neglecting to show how you integrate technical leadership with business strategy and product roadmap collaboration

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Synonym!

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