Founding Software Engineer

Build From Zero With Proven FoundersWe’re an early-stage, self-funded startup operating in stealth mode- founded by two entrepreneurs with multiple successful exits across diverse industries. We’re building a high-impact SaaS platform to disrupt a massive, fragmented market.We’ve been working on this project for over a year, and we’re getting closer to launch. We’re ready to hire our first full-time team member, and are looking for a rockstar that can step up and play in the big leagues.This isn’t just another job. It’s a rare opportunity to help shape the product, culture, and trajectory of a company from day one. You’ll work directly with both founders who are extremely active in the business - one a visionary with nonstop ideas and an incredible network, the other a seasoned operator who’s scaled businesses before and knows how to do it again.We move fast, think deeply, and care deeply about execution. If you’re energized by early-stage chaos, have unending energy and crave a seat at the table, keep reading.How We WorkWe believe in autonomy with accountability. You’ll have the freedom to lead and build—but also the responsibility to deliver and raise the bar. And yes, come on board now and you’ll earn your spot as an owner with equity.While we support flexibility, we’re big believers in in-person energy. We’ve built our home base in coworking spaces like Industrious and mHUB, because we know the best ideas (and decisions) often come from being in the room together.We’re keeping the team small and exceptional. No fluff. No politics. Just sharp people doing meaningful work. If that sounds like your kind of place, welcome to the ground floor.Role OverviewWe’re looking for a versatile and motivated developer to join as an early team member at a pivotal moment. You’ll play a key role in helping bring our product to life—collaborating with our external development partner and working directly under the mentorship of a top-tier technical advisor and acting partially as a fractional CTO during the development cycle.This role is ideal for a technically strong builder who also brings a “second superpower”—another area of passion and skill where you can contribute meaningfully beyond code. Whether it’s digital design, financial modeling, data analysis, had a past life as a paralegal or product strategy, we’re looking for someone who wants to wear multiple hats and grow into a uniquely valuable cross-functional leader.You’ll be instrumental in shaping our technology, refining the product experience, and helping guide internal decisions on what to build next. You’ll also be exposed to early-stage decision-making across multiple disciplines—perfect for someone with long-term aspirations to lead in both tech and business.Our current stack potentially includes:Frontend: Next.js, Tailwind CSS, ZustandAPI Layer: Node.js (Nest.js), Express APIs, JWT-based Auth (Auth0/Cognito)Data Layer: PostgreSQL, Prisma ORMCloud Infrastructure: AWS ECS (Fargate) or AWS Lambda for APIs, AWS S3, Redis cacheHosting: AWS Amplify or VercelThird-Party Integrations: Stripe, Twilio, OptaPlanner, ZendeskMonitoring & Observability: DataDog or CloudWatchKey ResponsibilitiesWrite, test, and deploy code across the stack to support platform developmentCollaborate with our external development firm to ensure clean handoffs and consistent code qualityContribute to architectural and product decisions in collaboration with founders and advisorsAssist in QA, debugging, and feature refinement post-launchLeverage your “superpower” to support another key area of the business—this could include:Digital or print design (UX/UI, branding, etc.)Financial modeling, analytics, or operationsMarketing tech or product/customer researchLegal/paralegal/contract workBusiness operationsSales and Marketing…any other area of expertise that will allow you to bring a special talent into the organizationLearn and grow under the guidance of a highly respected technical mentorQualifications3–6 years of experience in full-stack developmentSolid working knowledge of modern development frameworks and toolsDemonstrated ability to build and ship products in fast-paced environmentsProven interest and capability in at least one additional functional area beyond engineeringStrong business acumen, common sense, and the ability to align technical decisions with company goalsCurious, collaborative, and comfortable working in ambiguityBonus: Experience with AI/ML tools or APIs is a plusCompensationBase salary: up to $90,000 depending on experienceEquity: Competitive early-stage equity with meaningful upside and the opportunity to gain more equity via salary tradeMentorship from a globally recognized engineering leaderIn-person role with flexibility, based at mHUB in Chicago, with access to a vibrant, innovation-focused coworking communityExposure to early-stage product, design, and strategic decision-makingPowered by JazzHROl9DdKWcImSeniority levelSeniority levelMid-Senior levelEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionEngineering and Information TechnologyIndustriesInternet PublishingReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Pre-Launch Stealth Startup by 2xSign in to set job alerts for “Software Engineer” roles.Chicago, IL $60,000.00-$100,000.00 2 days agoSoftware Developer - Fall Internship 2025Deerfield, IL $98,600.00-$157,500.00 2 days agoSoftware Engineer- $100,000-$150,000 + bonus!Greater Chicago Area $100,000.00-$150,000.00 4 days agoSoftware Developer - Summer Internship 2025Chicago, IL $105,000.00-$140,000.00 1 month agoChicago, IL $105,000.00-$140,000.00 1 month agoChicago, IL $100,000.00-$130,000.00 4 months agoChicago, IL $1,000.00-$2,000.00 3 weeks agoChicago, IL $100,000.00-$155,000.00 3 months agoChicago, IL $80,000.00-$90,000.00 3 days agoChicago, IL $48,000.00-$120,000.00 2 days agoChicago, IL $140,000.00-$170,000.00 2 months agoChicago, IL $80,930.00-$147,900.00 3 days agoDeerfield, IL $98,600.00-$157,500.00 1 month agoDeerfield, IL $87,200.00-$139,700.00 1 month agoSoftware Engineer (Python), Data PlatformChicago, IL $165,000.00-$195,000.00 2 weeks agoWe’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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Created: 2025-09-17