Lead Full Stack Developer – Founding Engineer (React, Node.js, Python)
La Jolla, CA
Full Time
Business Development
Mid Level
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
About Us
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.
Role Overview
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.
Responsibilities
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
About Us
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.
Role Overview
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.
Responsibilities
- 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
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