3-7 years of experience in full-stack application development, focusing on backend systems using Node.js, TypeScript, and Postgres
Proven track record of building scalable, high-quality software
Startup-minded with a passion for building from the ground up in ambiguous environments
Mission-driven, with a commitment to enhancing education through technology
Collaborative self-starter who communicates effectively and approaches work with an ownership mentality
Familiarity with AI technologies, especially LLMs, vector databases, or prompt engineering is advantageous
Responsibilities
Build the core platform by architecting and implementing services for data ingestion and AI workflows
Ship complete features across a React + Node.js + Postgres stack, integrating with LLMs like GPT, Gemini, and Claude
Scale infrastructure on GCP ensuring performance, reliability, and data security
Engage with university data teams to create effective technical solutions to real-world problems
Establish the engineering culture, best practices, and technical roadmap for Straia
Prototype and iterate products quickly to enhance user experience with AI in education
Benefits
Health benefits with platinum insurance coverage
Dental and vision insurance
Full Job Description
The Role
As a Senior Engineer at Straia, you'll work directly with a small team including directly with our CEO (Ryan) and CTO (Nikki) to design, build, and scale the core infrastructure of our platform.
This is a 0 126 1 opportunity to shape not just the product, but the engineering culture, architecture, and trajectory of the company. You'll ship fast, make key technical decisions, and help define how AI can power the next generation of enterprise data intelligence.
We're specifically looking for someone who consistently raises the bar. The kind of engineer whose default speed and judgment increase the velocity of everyone around them. If you thrive when expectations are high and the pace is fast, you'll feel right at home
What You'll Do
Build the core platform - architect and implement services spanning data ingestion, query orchestration, and agentic AI workflows
Ship end-to-end features across our React + Node.js + Postgres stack, integrating directly with LLMs like GPT, Gemini, and Claude
Scale infrastructure on GCP for performance, reliability, and data security
Collaborate with users (university data teams and administrators) to translate real problems into elegant, powerful solutions
Lay the foundation for Straia's engineering culture, best practices, and technical roadmap
Prototype fast, iterate faster - your work will directly shape how education leaders experience AI in their daily decision-making
Who You Are
6-8 years of experience building and shipping full-stack applications, with a strong emphasis on backend systems (Node.js, TypeScript, Postgres)
Deeply technical, with a track record of building scalable, high-quality software
Startup-minded - you thrive in ambiguity, love building from scratch, and see constraints as creative fuel
Mission-driven - excited to improve education through technology that makes institutions smarter, faster, and more equitable
Collaborative and high-agency - you take initiative, value clear communication, and have the instincts of an owner, not an employee
AI-curious or experienced - exposure to LLMs, vector databases, or prompt engineering is a plus
Our Stack
Frontend: React + Vite
Backend: Node.js + Express, orchestrating data and AI agent workflows
Data Layer: Postgres + Caching for fast queries
LLM Integration: GPT, Gemini, Claude via API
Cloud & Infra: Hosted on GCP
What We Offer
Compensation: $200K-$225K + equity
Location: San Francisco (in office 4 days a week)
Benefits: Health (platinum insurance), dental, and vision
