Senior Software Engineer

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicantsAbout MagpieAt Magpie, we envision a world where every child, no matter their background, becomes a confident reader. Our nonprofit team combines research-backed instruction, joyful game design, and innovative technology to tackle America's reading crisis head‐on — with the goal of eradicating illiteracy through a digital‐first, student‐centered approach.Role SummaryWe're seeking an experienced Full Stack - Senior Software Engineer to join our small, mission-driven Platform team. You'll wear many hats, work across boundaries, and help us build a platform that scales impact—not just traffic.In this role, you'll design and build the core systems that power Magpie's learning experiences, from scalable backend services to intuitive front‐end interfaces and reliable data pipelines. You'll help create experiences that meet every child where they are in their learning journey, while unlocking actionable insights for educators and families.You're drawn to missions that matter. You think deeply about the systems behind learning, not just the code. You balance pragmatism with curiosity and build for the long term. The ideal candidate pairs strong technical execution with deep empathy for users, thrives in a collaborative startup environment, and is motivated by the opportunity to make reading joyful and accessible for all.What You'll DoDesign and build platform capabilities that deliver reliable, high‐value features with safety, precision, and user focusCollaborate closely with product managers, designers, and fellow engineers to create new features and improve existing onesApproach the platform as a product: maintain a clear understanding of customer needs, identify friction points, and take ownership of outcomes with metrics‐driven decision making (KPIs, OKRs, and North Star metrics)Use data to inform decisions, measure impact, and drive improvements through empirical evidenceTake ownership across all phases of development, from design to production, and monitor system performance in live environmentsContinuously improve the flow of work from idea to production, using data to identify and remove frictionWrite clean, efficient, and well‐documented code following best practicesBuild and maintain APIs, and integrate with third‐party servicesEnsure application performance, quality, and responsiveness across platformsParticipate in code reviews, testing, and debugging to maintain high‐quality deliverablesMentor other engineers and contribute to their growthContribute to architectural decisions and help define technical standards and best practicesStay up to date with emerging technologies and suggest improvements to enhance development processesRequirementsA strong candidate will possess6‐8+ years of full‐stack engineering experience, with a track record of building systems, driving engineering standards, and setting technical directionExperience building for both internal stakeholders and external users, including complex systems such as authentication, onboarding, or enablement featuresHands‐on experience with event‐driven architecture, system integrations, and content management platformsLed the design or delivery of meaningful systems that improved outcomes for users or teamsStartup or early‐stage company experience, ideally as a founding engineer, with a strong sense of ownership over what you buildA pragmatic approach to tools and technologies, with the ability to explore alternatives and make recommendations to improve systems and processesTech StackInfrastructure / Backend: Terraform, IaC, AWS, SQL/NoSQL (Postgres, Mongo, Timestream), LambdaSoftware / Frontend: TypeScript, JavaScript, CSS, ReactWithin your first 30 days, you willPair with teammates across disciplines to learn how we build, ship, and support new featuresStart contributing to production code and exploring our workflows, tools, and deployment practicesGet comfortable in the codebase, understanding our architecture and systemsEmbrace Magpie's spirit of curiosity and exploration—ask questions, challenge assumptions, and dig into our models and missionConnect with cross‐functional teams to see how engineering supports product and learning goalsBy day 60, you'reA fully integrated member of the team, collaborating across product, engineering, and operationsOwning smaller features or components end‐to‐end and delivering user‐focused solutionsContributing to technical discussions, code reviews, and team decision‐makingIdentifying opportunities to improve systems, processes, or developer experienceBuilding deeper connections with teammates and understanding how your work drives Magpie's mission forwardBy day 90, you willHelp shape how we build—mentoring teammates, influencing architecture, and evolving the platform for scaleTake an active role in design discussions and long‐term technical planningEstablish and refine patterns, processes, and documentation that strengthen our engineering cultureLead by example in code quality, testing, and collaborationBe recognized for your curiosity, craftsmanship, and ability to lift others upWhat Success Looks LikeYou consistently drive progress—enhancing our systems, sharing knowledge, and delivering meaningful resultsYou take initiative, spot and solve problems early, and bring creative solutions to the tableYou elevate those around you through mentorship, collaboration, and communicationYou directly contribute to Magpie's mission: making reading joyful, accessible, and transformative for every childBenefitsWhat You'll ReceiveSalary range of $145,000 - $160,000 per annumCompetitive medical, dental, vision benefitsOpportunity to work remotely for a mission‐driven company full of change‐makersEnjoy the freedom of flexible time off to balance work and personal life, ensuring you stay refreshed and productive401k with 4% guaranteed matchWork environment that values balance and harmony with a deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusionOpportunity to travel and meet your team members in‐person 2x per yearJoin UsAt Magpie, your work will directly unlock the great reader in every child. If you're ready to lead with purpose, build with urgency, and partner with a mission‐driven team to solve one of America's biggest educational challenges — we want to hear from you.#J-18808-Ljbffr