Lead Software Engineer

In this hands-on leadership role you’ll help design, build, and scale a core platform for an AI-powered business management product.You’ll work across both frontend and backend of applications and mobile experiences, playing a direct role in shaping both the product and the tech stack.This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a startup environment: fast-paced, high ownership, and focused on turning ideas into production-quality software.Why This RoleHigh ownership and direct product impactReal users, real scale, and meaningful problemsModern stack with AI-assisted development workflowsOpportunity to help shape both product and engineering directionCompetitive Salary depending on experience, equity, monthly stipend for benefitsLocation:Must be in the Greater-Phoenix area Work will be Hybrid ( no office yet... possible plans for collaborative space to be located in Scottsdale or Tempe )Compensation:160K-220K plus equity (depending on experience)What You'll DoOwn the technical roadmap and deliver against product and revenue goalsWrite production code across backend and frontendReview React Native work from mobile contractors and step in when neededMentor developer and direct contract developersHelp hire and onboard the permanent team as they growRun two-week sprints and give the CEO clear status updatesLead code reviews, set engineering standards, and write tests and documentationBalance new features against technical debt and explain the trade-offsDesign secure, scalable architectures and integrate third-party servicesDeploy and troubleshoot on AWS, including Laravel Vapor and serverlessPartner with designers to deliver polished, usable experiencesUse AI tools (Cursor, Claude, GitHub Copilot) to ship faster while reviewing output for security, correctness, and maintainabilityTurn customer insights and feature requests into practical solutions with the CEOBuild a positive, accountable engineering cultureTech StackBackend: PHP, Laravel, MySQLFrontend: Vue.js, Vuex, Vuetify, Nuxt.js, React.jsMobile: React Native, Expo, Xcode, Android StudioCloud: AWS, Laravel Vapor, serverlessWorkflow: Git, GitHub, Bitbucket, Jira, SlackAI: Cursor, Claude, GitHub CopilotTechnical Requirements6+ years of software engineering with substantial full-stack ownership (equivalent experience considered)Strong production experience with PHP/Laravel, MySQL, and Vue.jsBackground in API design, database performance, secure architecture, and testingAWS and serverless experience (AWS DevOps and Laravel Vapor a plus)Working knowledge of React Native and Expo, enough to review code and unblock contractorsResponsible use of AI-assisted development toolsAgile/Scrum and source control experienceLeadership RequirementsExperience leading and mentoring engineers, including early-career developersExperience guiding a product through growth in a start-up or fast-paced environmentAbility to build a technical roadmap and explain it to non-technical leadersExperience with contracted or distributed teamsComfort balancing speed, quality, and technical debtPrior experience at a company of similar stage, ideally familiar with SaaSStrong communication and collaboration skillsMust be a US Citizen to be considered as no sponsorship is available for this role.