Full-Stack Software Engineer

Location: Hybrid - Roselle, IL, United StatesTeam: EngineeringEmployment Type: Full TimeSeniority: Junior-to-Mid LevelAbout CollarsCollars is building advanced technology to transform the hiring process for employers and workers in the trades sector. We move quickly, experiment often, and expect everyone on the team to take ownership of large problem areas. If you thrive in fast cycles, enjoy solving hard technical challenges, and want to shape products used by thousands of people, we would love to meet you.Role OverviewWe are looking for an early-career full-stack software engineer who wants to grow across backend services, web applications, and mobile clients. This role is designed for someone within their first couple of years out of school (or equivalent self-directed experience) who has strong fundamentals and wants to develop real production skills quickly, with direct mentorship from our senior engineering team. You will work across the same stack as the rest of the team from day one, with support scaled to your experience level.You will build real, shipped features under the guidance of senior engineers, and you'll be expected to grow into more independent ownership over your first year.ResponsibilitiesBuild backend APIs and services using Nest.js and TypeScript, with code review and mentorship from senior engineersContribute to web applications using Next.jsContribute to mobile applications using React Native (rn-cli or Expo)Learn and apply solid MySQL data modeling and query practicesUse Claude Code as a primary development tool, learning how to write effective prompts and critically review agentic outputCollaborate with product, design, and engineering leadership on well-scoped featuresWrite tests and participate in CI pipelines for the features you buildParticipate actively in code review, both receiving and eventually giving feedbackGrow toward increasing ownership over your first 6-12 monthsQualificationsRequiredSolid foundation in TypeScript or JavaScript, through coursework, internships, personal projects, or bootcamp trainingExposure to building APIs or backend services in any framework (Node.js/Nest.js experience is a plus, not a requirement)Familiarity with React or React Native through academic, personal, or internship projectsBasic understanding of relational databases and SQLStrong problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to learn new tools and concepts quicklyA portfolio, GitHub history, capstone project, or internship that shows initiative and real code you've writtenComfortable asking questions, receiving direct feedback, and working in a fast-paced, lightly-structured environmentBonusInternship or co-op experience with any part of our stack (TypeScript, Nest.js, Next.js, React Native, MySQL)Hands-on experience with Claude Code or other AI coding assistantsPersonal projects involving LLM-powered featuresExposure to cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, or AzureExposure to CI tools such as GitHub ActionsStrong product intuition or curiosity about the applicant/employer hiring experienceCompensation & GrowthAs an early-stage startup, our starting base compensation for this role is below typical entry-level market rate, with the exact offer depending on your background and experience. In exchange, this role offers a compressed learning curve you won't get at a larger company: direct mentorship from senior engineers, real production ownership within your first year, and meaningful equity. Compensation is reviewed on a defined cadence tied to company milestones and individual growth, with a clear path to increased responsibility and pay as you develop. This role is best suited for someone optimizing for growth and ownership early in their career over maximizing starting salary.What We Look ForStrong fundamentalsCuriosity and a willingness to challenge assumptionsCoachability and openness to direct feedbackDesire to build meaningful products that support hiring teams and workers in the trades