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Remote, OR 97458, USA

Shawn B.

Technical recruiting leader | ex-a16z, Etsy, Google | Executive search, AI/ML & security hiring, scaling high-growth teams

Talent partner with 20+ years recruiting senior engineering, data science, security and executive talent across startups, hyper-growth companies and global enterprises. I specialize in AI/ML, cloud and security hiring, building high‑quality pipelines and running data‑driven talent programs — recruited a CISO at Andreessen Horowitz in 60 days, was a founding recruiter for Amazon Music (27→100+ engineers in a year), and launched Google’s Military Academies recruiting program. I partner with hiring leaders to design assessment frameworks, streamline workflows (reducing time‑to‑fill and improving candidate experience) and execute retained search and strategic hiring initiatives.
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Shawn B.

Experience

Jun 2025 — Present

Search Foundry

Recruiter & Sourcing Specialist | ex-a16z | Engineering & GTM

  • Recruit and source candidates for Engineering and GTM roles.
  • Leverage ex-a16z network to access top-tier talent.
  • Manage full-cycle recruitment and candidate pipelining.
Feb 2025 — Present

Search Foundry

GTM Talent Acquisition

Search Foundry delivers bespoke recruiting solutions for early-stage and hyper-growth tech companies, specializing in AI, ML, and cutting-edge technology roles.

  • Spearheaded GTM, product engineering, and Gen/Voice AI recruiting, improving hiring efficiency by 40%
  • Implemented SWAT Recruiting strategies, significantly reducing time-to-hire for critical roles by 30%
  • Led global executive search initiatives, successfully hiring key roles across diverse industries including Distinguished Engineers and GTM executives
  • Accelerated hyper-growth in AI & ML talent acquisition, bolstering the company’s competitive edge in the tech industry
Jul 2021 — Feb 2025
Andreessen Horowitz

Andreessen Horowitz

Talent Partner

Founded in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, Andreessen Horowitz is a venture capital firm that invests in early to late-stage tech companies, and operates across a wide range of technology sectors.

  • Drove key technology and executive hiring initiatives within the firm, including critical roles like Chief Information Security Officer and Head of Real Estate
  • Expanded the talent network by 75% through strategic relationship building and engagement initiatives with top-tier professionals
  • Successfully executed innovative recruiting solutions, directly contributing to a16z's sustained growth and portfolio company support
  • Led talent acquisition for Capital Networks Partners, shaping a16z’s network of experts and ensuring ongoing access to top talent for portfolio companies
May 2020 — May 2021
Axoni

Axoni

Contract Technical Recruiter

Axoni specializes in real-time data replication technology serving large financial institutions, focusing on distributed ledger technology to optimize capital markets infrastructure.

  • Recruited top-tier blockchain engineers, playing an integral role in developing distributed ledger technology solutions
  • Enhanced the company's technological capabilities by recruiting for roles in software, hardware, GNC, spacecraft, and launch systems
  • Successfully closed hard-to-fill positions, achieving 95% of recruitment targets within set timelines
  • Testified to the significant reduction in hiring time and increase in candidate quality, aligning talent acquisition with strategic business goals
Mar 2018 — May 2020
Etsy

Etsy

Lead Data Science Recruiter

Etsy is a global marketplace for unique and creative goods, connecting millions of buyers and sellers from around the world.

  • Pioneered recruitment for key roles in data science, machine learning, and software engineering across multiple regions
  • Implemented diverse recruiting strategies leading to a 40% increase in quality hires for critical technology roles
  • Optimized recruitment processes, resulting in a 20% decrease in time-to-hire across all technical positions
  • Enhanced employer branding initiatives, boosting Etsy's position as a desirable workplace for tech talent
Jun 2016 — Mar 2018
Coupang

Coupang

Lead Technical Recruiting Consultant

Coupang leverages innovative technology and customer-friendly services to revolutionize the online shopping experience in South Korea and beyond.

  • Led the end-to-end hiring process for crucial engineering and GTM roles, driving the team's growth to over 100 members
  • Developed and executed a comprehensive recruitment strategy, significantly boosting the quality and efficiency of hires
  • Played a key role in establishing Coupang's presence in new markets by staffing the Engineering department from scratch
  • Significantly improved the candidate experience and employer brand through strategic initiatives and programs
Jan 2015 — Jun 2016
Amazon

Amazon

Senior Technical Recruiter

Amazon is a global leader in e-commerce and cloud computing, offering a broad range of products and services designed to cater to nearly every aspect of daily life.

  • Managed full recruitment lifecycle for key roles in Engineering and Product Marketing at Amazon Music, significantly scaling the team within a year
  • Employed innovative sourcing and selection techniques, resulting in the successful placement of highly specialized technical talent
  • Contributed to the foundational team build-out, significantly influencing Amazon Music's market position and success
  • Implemented continuous improvement processes for the recruiting cycle, leading to a 25% increase in hiring efficiency
Mar 2014 — Feb 2015
Castlight Health

Castlight Health

Executive Recruiter

Microsoft is a comprehensive technology company that develops, licenses, and supports a wide range of software products and services.

  • Directed recruitment processes for engineering positions, contributing to the strategic development of the tech workforce
  • Enhanced talent acquisition strategies, leading to a 30% improvement in hiring top-tier software engineers
  • Pioneered recruitment initiatives that aligned with corporate diversity and inclusion goals, improving diverse hiring rates by 40%
  • Streamlined hiring workflows with innovative tools and platforms, reducing time-to-fill by 25% and enhancing candidate engagement
Jan 2014 — Jun 2016
Amazon

Amazon

Senior Technical Recruiter

Amazon is an international e-commerce website for consumers, sellers, and content creators.

  • Handled end-to-end recruitment for both Engineering and Product Marketing roles.
  • Reduced hiring cycle time by 25% through process and workflow optimization.
  • Partnered with hiring managers to streamline assessments and offers.
Apr 2013 — Mar 2014
Symantec

Symantec

Senior Cyber Security Recruiter

Rally Software, a part of Broadcom, is renowned for its expertise in semiconductor and infrastructure software solutions.

Jan 2013 — Jan 2014
Castlight Health

Castlight Health

Executive Recruiter (contract)

From pioneering digital health for over a decade to now offering the industry’s most comprehensive navigation solution, Castlight Health simplifies the complexities of healthcare for millions.

  • Spearheaded end-to-end recruitment for a Series C healthcare startup.
  • Focused on executive search and filling hard-to-recruit roles.
  • Ensured hiring aligned with organizational growth goals and talent needs.
Dec 2010 — Apr 2013
Amazon Music

Amazon Music

Senior Recruiter

  • Initiated and led the recruitment for pivotal engineering roles, contributing to early-stage team growth and solidifying Amazon Music’s talent base
  • Designed and executed specialized recruitment strategies that significantly reduced hiring time by 20% for crucial roles
  • Enhanced employer branding and talent outreach for the Amazon Music division, increasing applications from top-tier engineering talent by 30%
  • Implemented comprehensive candidate assessment frameworks, elevating hiring standards and team performance
May 2008 — Dec 2010
Microsoft

Microsoft

Senior Recruiter

Microsoft specializes in software development, offering products and services including cloud computing and the Microsoft Office suite.

  • Spearheaded recruitment efforts for engineering roles, significantly enhancing Microsoft’s technical talent pool
  • Utilized competitive intelligence and market insights to develop targeted recruitment campaigns, reducing hiring cycles by 15%
  • Collaborated closely with hiring managers to ensure alignment of recruitment strategies with departmental goals and projects
  • Pioneered innovative candidate engagement and experience initiatives, leading to a 35% increase in offer acceptance rates
Jan 2003 — May 2008
Google

Google

Lead Recruiter

A problem isn't truly solved until it's solved for all. Googlers build products that help create opportunities for everyone, whether down the street or across the globe. Bring your insight, imagination and a healthy disregard for the impossible. Bring everything that makes you unique. Together, we can build for everyone.Check out our career opportunities at goo.gle/3DLEokh

  • Directed full-cycle recruiting during Google's hyper-growth to scale engineering and technical teams.
  • Initiated Google's first Military Academies recruiting program and formed a specialized team.
  • Implemented hiring strategies to support rapid expansion across technical domains.