Founding Engineer (Full Stack Developer)

Founding Engineer (Full Stack Developer)

About the Company

We are a venture-funded startup backed by top investors in tech and gaming, with a team of veterans of the consumer app and mobile space.

We’re building epic strategy games that generate themselves using the best of what AI and humans have to offer.

Our first product is a highly popular daily online game blending the addictive simplicity of Wordle, with perfected easy-to-learn, hard-to-master, elements of the best strategy games.

We have an active player base that is as passionate as we are about the future of games, and we are committed to creating high-quality, user-centric consumer apps that deliver both fun and intellectual challenges to our daily users around the world.

Location

We’re based in San Francisco with a preference for hybrid work, but the team is remote-friendly. The locations for this role are : San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, or US Remote.

About the Role

As our Founding Engineer and first Full Stack Developer hire, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our product's technical foundation and scaling ability.

We are seeking a passionate platform engineer who thrives in startup mode, excels at building apps from scratch, and is dedicated to launching high-quality products for web and mobile.

This role requires expertise in backend development, and offers the opportunity to lead the development of our first product, from concept through to launch and scaling.

The ideal candidate for this role loves shipping new features to users fast, has an excellent eye for quality while not being afraid to get scrappy, and can grow with the role and the company over time.

What You'll Do

• Develop and maintain high-quality, scalable, and efficient code.
• Work closely with the CEO and the growing product and engineering team to ideate, strategize, and iterate on game features and mechanics.
• Integrate third-party services, libraries, and tools to enhance game functionality, performance, and user experience.
• Develop and enforce coding standards and best practices, including robust testing.
• Stay up-to-date with emerging trends and technologies in the web and mobile industries, adapting and innovating as needed.

What We're Looking For

• 4+ years of hands-on experience as a Full Stack Developer or Backend Engineer, with a proven track record of building high-quality interactive web applications.
• An entrepreneurial mindset, with previous B2C startup experience, particularly in high-growth environments where you’ve had to adapt and scale quickly from 0 to 1.
• Strong understanding of modern programming tools (e.g. Docker, Git, etc.), frontend and backend development concepts, and proficiency with server-side technologies such as Python, FastAPI, Flask, Node.js, etc.
• Experience with database systems (e.g. PostgreSQL) and strong familiarity with cloud technologies (AWS, Heroku, etc.), API integrations, and third-party apps, as well as the latest frameworks and technologies used in building scalable applications.
• A robust portfolio of projects demonstrating your skills in full-stack development and your ability to ship high-quality backend code for consumer-facing applications.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with a capacity to adapt to a fast-paced environment, and a knack for simplifying and resolving technical challenges.
• A passion for all phases of software development from ideation and design through to deployment and optimization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a fast-moving and growing team.

Awesome if You Also Have

• Previous experience as a Founding Engineer or early member of a top consumer startup.
• Experience shipping casual games or working on apps in the gaming industry, with a track record of projects related to web or mobile games that cater to both gamers and non-gamers.
• Familiarity with Machine Learning and Data Engineering principles.
• Personal passion for strategy games, puzzle games, daily games, chess, or chess-like games.
• BS in Computer Science, AI / ML, or equivalent from a top-tier university (optional).

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and equity package.
• Great office in San Francisco, with flexible remote work options (including full US Remote).
• Opportunity to join the founding team of a breakout startup with high impact on the company’s direction.
• Being part of a rocketship funded by world-class investors in the field.
• Professional development and opportunity to grow within the company.
• A creative and entrepreneurial working environment where you are encouraged to bring new ideas to life.
• Unlimited PTO and top-tier medical insurance benefits.

How to Apply

If you’re excited about building the next big thing in consumer apps and have a deep passion for creating memorable user experiences, we’d love to hear from you.

Shoot us a note with your resume and LinkedIn profile at [email protected] to join us on this exciting journey!

Echo Chess is proud to celebrate diversity and we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.