Sales Development Representative (SDR)

Location: US (Boston preferred) / Hybrid
Reports to: Head of Demand Generation

About Root

Root is on a mission to eliminate vulnerability backlogs—permanently. Our AI-powered, agentic platform doesn't just find security problems; it fixes them autonomously, at scale, without forcing developers to change how they work.

While others tell engineering teams to "shift left," we say shift out—moving remediation outside the developer's workflow entirely. It's a fundamentally different approach, and it's working.

We operate at the intersection of cloud infrastructure, open source, and agentic AI. If you're energized by companies that challenge conventional wisdom and move fast, you'll fit right in.

The Role

This isn't your typical SDR gig.

We're looking for a sharp, relentlessly curious operator who wants to be on the front lines of a category we're actively defining. You'll engage with engineering and security leaders at companies that are drowning in vulnerability noise—and introduce them to something that actually works.

You won't just send emails. You'll manage AI agents, collaborate with GTM Engineering to build and refine outbound systems, and help shape the playbook as we scale. You'll occasionally travel—domestically and internationally—to meet prospects, attend events, and represent Root in the field.

If you thrive in ambiguity, get bored easily by routine, and believe AI should be doing 80% of the repetitive work so you can focus on what matters—keep reading.

What You'll Do

• Identify and engage engineering, security, and DevOps leaders at target accounts
• Own outbound across email, LinkedIn, and emerging channels—leveraging AI agents to personalize at scale
• Manage and optimize AI-driven outreach tools as a core part of your workflow
• Partner with GTM Engineering and others in the company to build, test, and iterate on outbound systems
• Qualify inbound and outbound leads; set meetings that convert
• Research accounts deeply to tailor messaging and uncover pain points
• Translate Root's technical value prop into language that resonates with both practitioners and buyers
• Contribute field insights to continuously sharpen our positioning and GTM strategy
• Occasional travel opportunities events, customer meetings, and team off-sites (domestic international)

Who You Are

AI-Native. You don't just "use AI tools"—you've probably already built your own automations, played with agents, or hacked together workflows that made your last team wonder how you got so much done. You see AI as a multiplier, not a threat.

Naturally Curious. You dig into things. You read the docs. You want to understand why something works, not just that it works. Technical concepts don't intimidate you—they intrigue you.

High-Drive, High-Ownership. You don't wait for permission. You run experiments, learn fast, and course-correct without drama. Feedback fuels you.

Thrives Under Pressure. Fast-changing priorities, evolving messaging, tight timelines—this is where you do your best work. Chaos without a plan stresses you out; chaos with a direction energizes you.

Clear Communicator. You write tight, punchy copy. You can explain complex ideas simply. You know the difference between "busy" outreach and "effective" outreach.

Maverick Mentality. You question assumptions. You're not looking for a paint-by-numbers playbook—you want to help write the playbook.

Team-First, No Assholes. We don't do brilliant jerks. You're confident but coachable, competitive but collaborative. Life's too short to work with people who make hard things harder. Be hungry, be direct—but always be kind.

Experience & Skills

• 2–4 years in SDR/BDR roles, ideally in B2B SaaS (dev tools, security, or infrastructure a plus)
• Demonstrated fluency with AI tools—not just ChatGPT, but agents, automation, and workflow orchestration
• Experience with CRM and outbound tooling (HubSpot, Salesforce, Outreach, Apollo, etc.)
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Comfortable with ambiguity and rapid iteration

What This Role Is (and Isn't)

✅ A chance to build the outbound engine at an early-stage, category-defining company
✅ Exposure to enterprise sales cycles and technical buyers
✅ A role where you'll manage AI agents as part of your core toolkit
✅ Growth path into AE, GTM Engineering, or leadership roles
✅ Travel opportunities—events, customer visits, team gatherings

❌ Not a high-volume, low-touch call center
❌ Not a role where you'll follow a rigid script
❌ Not the right fit if you're waiting for someone to tell you what to do

Why Root?

• Early-stage leverage. Your work directly shapes how we go to market.
• Category creation. We're not competing in a crowded space—we're defining a new one.
• Agentic AI at the core. You'll use (and help build) the kind of AI-powered workflows most SDRs won't see for years.
• Founder access. Work closely with leadership and have real input on strategy.
• A team that gives a damn. Ambitious, collaborative, no politics.