Data Acquisition Associate

Abaka AI•Mountain View, CA

18h•$80,000 - $110,000

About The Position

We are looking for a Data Acquisition Associate to help expand and manage Abaka AI’s global network of raw data suppliers. You will work closely with our Data Acquisition Engineers to identify new data sources, evaluate prospective suppliers, manage outreach, and support suppliers throughout the onboarding and delivery process. This role combines sourcing, operations, and AI-assisted systems building. Vibe coding is a core part of the job: you will be expected to use AI coding tools to independently build functional scripts, automations, internal tools, and workflows that improve the efficiency of our data acquisition operations. A traditional software engineering background is not required, but hands-on experience building with AI coding tools is mandatory. This is an ideal opportunity for an early-career candidate who is resourceful, technically capable, commercially minded, and excited to build systems from the ground up in a fast-moving 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