Founding Mobile App Developer / Technical Lead

Early-Stage Consumer Mobile App Startup | iOS + Android | Long-Term Opportunity We are looking for a *highly motivated mobile app developer* to join an early-stage startup and take a substantially developed consumer mobile application through final development, launch, and long-term growth. *This is not a project where you will be starting from scratch.* An existing application and source code have already been developed, and we are looking for the right developer to take over the technical side, finish what remains, launch the product, and potentially become the long-term technical lead as the company grows. Because the product is not yet publicly announced, *the app, company product name, and proprietary details will be disclosed only to selected candidates after appropriate confidentiality documentation has been signed.* The Opportunity This is an unusual opportunity for someone who wants to do more than simply complete a freelance coding assignment. We are looking for someone who wants to *build something they can grow with*. The initial role will involve taking an existing mobile application, understanding the current codebase, completing the remaining development, resolving technical issues, preparing it for production, and helping launch it on both major mobile platforms. If the relationship is a good fit, the goal is for this person to remain involved long-term as the application's technical lead. There is also the potential for the relationship to grow beyond the initial product into additional applications and businesses as the company develops. Current Technology The existing application is built around a modern cross-platform mobile development environment, including: * React Native / Expo * JavaScript / TypeScript * iOS and Android * Location-based functionality * Google Places / location services * RevenueCat and in-app subscriptions * Backend/API integrations * Git/GitHub development workflow You do *not* need to have experience with every item listed above, but strong React Native/Expo experience and the ability to independently learn and troubleshoot unfamiliar systems are important. What You'll Be DoingStage 1 — Complete the Application Your first objective will be to take over the existing project and bring it to a *fully functional, production-ready, launchable state*. This includes: * Getting the existing codebase running independently. * Understanding the existing architecture and code. * Identifying and fixing existing bugs. * Testing functionality on both iOS and Android. * Resolving location and Google Places functionality. * Verifying core application functionality. * Completing the real RevenueCat subscription/paywall implementation. * Reviewing backend/API configuration and addressing necessary issues. * Conducting a reasonable security review. * Addressing significant security or data-access concerns. * Establishing a reliable development/build process. * Testing on real devices. * Resolving critical or launch-blocking problems. * Preparing the application for App Store and Google Play submission. *Stage 1 is complete when the application is genuinely ready to be submitted to the stores—not simply when a predetermined amount of development time has been spent.* Stage 2 — Launch & Stabilization Once the application is launch-ready, you'll help take it through the actual release process. Responsibilities include:` * Preparing production builds. * Apple App Store submission. * Google Play submission. * Addressing reasonable store-review issues. * Getting the application publicly available. * Monitoring the initial release. * Quickly addressing critical bugs, crashes, payment/subscription issues, location problems, or other issues that could cause new users to immediately abandon the application. * Stabilizing the application during the initial launch period. The goal is not simply to say *"the app launched."* The goal is to make sure the first users have a good enough experience that they have a reason to *keep using it.* Stage 3 — Long-Term Technical Leadership If the initial launch is successful and we work well together, we would like this to become a *long-term relationship*. Long-term responsibilities may include: * Ongoing bug fixes. * iOS and Android compatibility. * React Native/Expo updates. * API and third-party service changes. * RevenueCat/subscription maintenance. * Backend/API maintenance. * Security updates. * Performance improvements. * New features. * Technical planning. * Scaling the application as the user base grows. * Helping determine future technical direction. * Participating in development of future products. The workload will naturally vary. This is not necessarily a traditional 40-hour-per-week position. The expectation is that you remain actively involved and become the person we can rely on for the application's technical health and continued development. CompensationNo Upfront Development Fee Because this is an early-stage startup, we are *not currently offering traditional upfront development compensation for the initial build/launch work.* Instead, compensation is structured around *contractual profit participation that is earned through successful milestones and continued involvement.* Earn Up to 10% of Future Profits The opportunity is structured as follows: *Stage 1 — 3%* Earn *3% contractual profit participation* upon successfully completing the existing application and bringing it to a fully functional, production-ready state that is ready for submission to Apple and Google. *Stage 2 — Additional 3%* Earn an additional *3%* upon successful public launch of the application and completion of the initial post-launch stabilization period. This brings total earned participation to *6%*. *Stage 3 — Additional 1% per year* After launch, the developer can earn an additional *1% for each year of continued active involvement*, for up to four additional years. That creates a maximum potential of: * 3% — completion * +3% — successful launch * +1% — year one * +1% — year two * +1% — year three * +1% — year four Maximum: 10% These percentages are *earned as milestones are successfully completed.* They are not automatically granted simply because someone joins the project. If a developer leaves before completing a milestone, the unearned portion is not received. The specific definitions, requirements, accounting methodology, termination provisions, and other terms will be established in a written agreement before development access is provided. This Is Not Equity The profit participation described above is *contractual compensation for services*. It does not represent ownership or equity in the company or the application. The company and its owners retain ownership and control of the business, application, intellectual property, accounts, and other company assets. Potential Long-Term Opportunity The 10% maximum described above applies to the initial product and initial agreement. For the right person, we see the potential for something much bigger. If we work well together and the company grows, there may be opportunities for the developer to: * Take on a larger technical leadership role. * Participate in development of future applications. * Earn additional profit participation in future products. * Help shape the company's technical direction. * Become a key member of the company's long-term team. * Potentially become a formal business partner in the future if the relationship and circumstances make that appropriate. *Those opportunities are not guaranteed and would be separately discussed and agreed upon if the relationship develops in that direction.* We are looking for someone who is interested in that possibility—not someone looking for a short-term coding gig. Who We're Looking For The ideal candidate is someone who: * Has real experience developing mobile applications. * Is comfortable with React Native and/or Expo. * Understands JavaScript/TypeScript. * Can work with both iOS and Android. * Has experience debugging an existing codebase. * Can work independently rather than needing every task explained. * Is comfortable learning technologies they haven't previously used. * Understands APIs and backend integrations. * Has experience with Git/GitHub. * Has an understanding of mobile security and protecting user data. * Ideally has experience with App Store and Google Play deployment. * Ideally has experience with subscriptions or RevenueCat. * Takes ownership when something isn't working. * Communicates clearly. * Is interested in entrepreneurship and building products. * Wants the opportunity to grow with a startup rather than simply complete an assignment. Experience We Especially Value Experience with any of the following is a major plus: * React Native * Expo * TypeScript * Google Places API * Google Maps/location services * RevenueCat * Firebase or similar backend services * REST APIs * Authentication * Databases * Mobile application security * Apple App Store Connect * Google Play Console * App Store/Play Store release processes * Git/GitHub * Production app monitoring and debugging *A demonstrated ability to actually ship an application is more important to us than having a long résumé.* A college student, recent graduate, junior developer, or self-taught developer could be a great fit if they have the technical ability, initiative, and commitment we're looking for. Who This Probably Isn't For This probably isn't the right opportunity for someone who: * Only wants a traditional hourly wage. * Has never worked with mobile applications. * Needs extensive supervision for every task. * Is looking for a quick one-off freelance project. * Isn't interested in maintaining an application after launch. * Isn't comfortable taking ownership of technical problems. * Isn't interested in potentially growing with an early-stage company. Confidentiality The application is currently confidential and has not yet been publicly announced. Candidates will initially receive only general information about the product. *Additional information, including the application's identity, detailed functionality, source code, screenshots, repositories, technical architecture, and other proprietary information will only be provided to candidates who progress through the selection process and sign the appropriate confidentiality documentation.* No passwords, API keys, production credentials, or other sensitive account information will be shared as part of the initial recruiting process. How to Apply Please tell us: * *Who you are and your current experience with software/mobile development.* * *What mobile applications you have built or contributed to.* * *Your experience with React Native and/or Expo.* * *Whether you have personally taken an application through the Apple App Store and/or Google Play.* * *Any experience you have with RevenueCat, subscriptions, Google Places, APIs, or backend systems.* * *A link to your GitHub, portfolio, published applications, or other work you can publicly show.* * *Why this type of long-term startup opportunity interests you.* * *Email cmiappsllc@gmail.com* Please be honest about your level of experience. We are more interested in finding someone who is *capable, motivated, dependable, and willing to learn* than someone who simply has the longest résumé. What we're really looking for Someone who sees an existing product and thinks: *"I can take this, finish it, launch it, and help build what comes next."* If that's you, we'd like to hear from you. Work Location: Hybrid remote in Salem, OR 97305