Data Acquisition Associate

Abaka AI•Mountain View, CA

15h

About The Position

Abaka AI is seeking a Data Acquisition Associate to help expand and manage its global network of raw data suppliers. This role involves working closely with Data Acquisition Engineers to identify new data sources, evaluate potential suppliers, manage outreach, and support suppliers through the onboarding and delivery process. The position combines sourcing, operations, and AI-assisted systems building. A core aspect of the job is 'vibe coding,' which requires using AI coding tools to independently build functional scripts, automations, internal tools, and workflows to enhance the efficiency of data acquisition operations. While a traditional software engineering background is not necessary, hands-on experience with AI coding tools is mandatory. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career candidate who is resourceful, technically capable, commercially minded, and eager to build systems from scratch in a rapidly evolving AI company.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience
1–3 years of experience in operations, sourcing, business development, data, research, engineering, or a related field
Hands-on experience using AI coding tools such as Cursor, Claude Code, Replit, or similar platforms is required
Demonstrated ability to independently build functional scripts, automations, internal tools, or prototypes through vibe coding
Comfortable working with APIs, web scraping tools, spreadsheets, databases, and workflow automation platforms
Strong research skills and the ability to find information creatively across the internet
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Highly organized and able to manage multiple suppliers, projects, and deadlines simultaneously
Strong sense of ownership and ability to operate independently in an ambiguous environment
Resourceful, persistent, and comfortable conducting outbound outreach
Genuine interest in AI, machine learning, data infrastructure, or emerging technologies
Bias toward action, experimentation, and continuous improvement

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Python, SQL, JavaScript, or another scripting language
Experience building a personal project, internal tool, automation, or AI-powered workflow
Experience with automation platforms such as Zapier, Make, Airtable, or similar tools
Familiarity with vendor sourcing, partnerships, sales development, procurement, or marketplace operations
Experience working at a startup or in another fast-paced environment
Additional language proficiency is a plus

Responsibilities

Research and identify potential data suppliers across industries, data modalities, and global markets.
Conduct high-volume, targeted outreach to prospective suppliers through email, LinkedIn, online communities, and other channels.
Support the evaluation of suppliers based on data quality, relevance, pricing, reliability, licensing, and scalability.
Coordinate supplier onboarding, sample collection, documentation, and internal review processes.
Maintain accurate supplier records and track outreach, negotiations, deliverables, and performance.
Vibe code lightweight scripts, automations, internal tools, and prototypes using AI-assisted development platforms.
Use scraping tools, APIs, workflow builders, and AI agents to improve supplier discovery and sourcing efficiency.
Build dashboards and reporting workflows to track sourcing activity, supplier performance, and data supply coverage.
Assist with supplier communications, pricing discussions, contract coordination, and ongoing relationship management.
Work cross-functionally with Data Engineering, Research, Project Management, Legal, Finance, and GTM teams.
Identify repetitive processes and build scalable solutions that reduce manual work.
Support other data acquisition projects and operational priorities as the function grows.