Lead Full Stack Developer Founding Engineer (React, Node.js, Python)

Job Title: Lead Full Stack Developer – Founding Engineer (React, Node.js, Python)
Location: San Diego, CA (La Jolla) - In-Person
Compensation: $100,000 - $135,000 (based on experience)
Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

We are a non-profit and an early stage tech startup on a mission to solve the career crisis facing Gen Z. With youth unemployment at record highs and entry-level jobs requiring "3-5 years experience," we're building the bridge that helps students land their first real opportunity.

Our career growth platform connects students with project-based learning opportunities that build real skills employers actually want. The app includes career matching algorithms, skill assessments, project libraries, and an AI-powered recommendation system. We're live and growing rapidly with thousands of active users, and we need a talented developer to help us scale to reach millions of students who need our help.

We are seeking a motivated Lead Full Stack Developer to join as our founding engineer and help take the product to the next level. This is a rare opportunity to have massive impact - your code will directly help thousands of students launch their careers.

You'll work directly with our Full Stack AI product manager in a fast-paced startup environment to design and implement new features, improve scalability, and ensure stability across the application. As a founding engineer, you'll have direct input on technical architecture, product roadmap, and company strategy. This isn't just a coding role, it's a chance to help solve one of the biggest problems facing young people today.

• Build and optimize mobile experiences using React Native for iOS and Android
• Develop robust backend services in Node.js with RESTful APIs
• Create intelligent data pipelines and AI features using Python , working with OpenAI APIs, text embeddings, and vector databases
• Design and implement new features based on user feedback, from conception to deployment
• Make critical technical decisions on architecture, database design, and infrastructure
• Collaborate with the product manager on UX/UI decisions (no dedicated designer yet - your design sense matters!)
• Lead deployment, CI/CD processes, and ensure 99.9% uptime for thousands of daily users
• Mentor interns and future team members as we grow

• 3-5 years of professional development experience with a track record of shipping products
• Strong proficiency in React Native and modern JavaScript/TypeScript
• Solid backend experience with Node.js , Express, and RESTful API design
• Working knowledge of Python for data processing and scripting
• Experience with PostgreSQL or similar relational databases
• Startup mindset: Comfortable with ambiguity, rapid iteration, and wearing multiple hats
• Product thinking: Ability to balance technical excellence with shipping fast
• Self-directed: Can take a problem from definition to deployed solution independently
• AI-Empowered: Know when to use AI to supercharge delivery and where to avoid it.
• Strong communication skills and ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Must be authorized to work in the US (No Sponsorship available)

• Experience with AI/ML integration , especially OpenAI API, or similar
• Knowledge of vector databases and text embedding systems
• UI/UX design sense - ability to create intuitive, attractive interfaces without a designer
• Experience with Digital Ocean, AWS or similar cloud platforms
• Familiarity with educational technology or career development platforms
• Previous non-profit or mission-driven work experience
• Experience as a founding engineer or in companies under 10 people
• Knowledge of modern deployment practices (Docker, GitHub Actions)

• Meaningful Impact: Your work will directly help thousands of students launch their careers
• Founding Engineer Title: Shape the technical direction of a growing platform
• Competitive Salary: $100,000 - $135,000 based on experience
• Full benefits suite offered with Triple V paying 99% of basic medical (1st of the month following your start date, retirement savings options, as well as sick and vacation time (vacation options begin after probationary period)
• Location: Beautiful La Jolla office, close to beaches and UCSD campus

• Frontend: React Native, React Web
• Backend: Node.js, NestJs, Python
• Database: PostgreSQL, Redis
• AI/ML: OpenAI API, Vector DBs
• Infrastructure: AWS, Vercel