Full-Stack Software Engineer

Full-Stack Software Engineer

Are you passionate about building innovative web applications and using AI to address real-world learning challenges? Do you want to help shape the future of education? PrairieLearn, an early-stage EdTech startup, is looking for a talented Full-Stack Software Engineer to join our dynamic team.

Location: Fully remote (anywhere in the US)
Position Type: Full-time
Visa Sponsorship: Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor visas at this time.

About Us

PrairieLearn is an open-source assessment platform, originally developed at the University of Illinois and now used at top universities across the US, including Berkeley, Princeton, Michigan, and UIUC. We empower mastery-based learning, interactive question generation, and large-scale assessment with an emphasis on reliability and innovation.

About the Role

We are a small, profitable, and bootstrapped company growing quickly. As an early-stage hire, you’ll work across the stack and enjoy meaningful ownership from day one. You’ll help deliver practical, user-facing AI features with clear guardrails and authentic educational impact—far beyond a research sandbox.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain systems across the stack: Node.js/TypeScript backend, Postgres, Redis, and primarily server-rendered HTML with selectively enhanced interactivity (React/Preact)

• Design features end-to-end, from conception to rollout, focusing on reliability, clarity, and simplicity

• Collaborate directly with educators and TAs to translate academic needs into high-quality features

• Develop and ship AI-powered capabilities, including:

  • LLM-based agents to support instructors in creating and testing question generators

  • Vision-language models for grading student-submitted work (like math derivations, diagrams, and sketches)

  • Workflows that ensure safe, reliable AI integration into high-stakes assessments

You Might Be a Fit If You…

• Have experience with full-stack web development (TypeScript / Python / SQL / HTML / CSS)

• Value reliability, clarity, and simplicity in your work

• Enjoy engaging directly with users—especially instructors and TAs

• Love owning projects from initial idea through to production

• Are passionate about building impactful AI integrations—beyond demos

• Even if you don’t meet every requirement: If you’re a quick learner and passionate about education and engineering, we encourage you to apply!

Our Tech Stack

• Node.js / TypeScript backend

• Postgres, Redis, AWS, Docker

• React / Bootstrap / Server-rendered HTML frontend

• Open source: PrairieLearn on GitHub

Why Join PrairieLearn?

• Bootstrapped & Profitable: We’re growing quickly and sustainably

• Open Source: Collaborate with a global community of developers and educators

• Stock Options: As an early hire, you’ll receive stock options with your offer

• Remote Culture: Work from anywhere in the US with a flexible schedule

• Unlimited PTO & Flexible Hours: Take time when you need it and work when you perform best

• Career Growth: Early-stage team members have outsized opportunities for impact and learning

• Exceptional Team: Work alongside professors from UIUC and experts in educational technology and scalable web development

Details

Location: Remote (US only)
Salary: $100k+ depending on experience
Benefits: Stock options, unlimited PTO, flexible hours
Type: Full-time
Visa sponsorship: Not available

How to Apply

If you’re interested, please email your resume or GitHub/portfolio to [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

PrairieLearn is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Thank you for applying to PrairieLearn!