Lead Software Engineer

​We are an innovative, early-stage health tech startup developing a specialized database and system integration platform designed to bridge health data workflows. We are looking for a practical, down-to-earth Lead Software Engineer to partner with us as a technical contractor as we finalize our core prototype architecture and prepare for upcoming federal and state grant funding milestones (including SBIR/STTR applications).​This role is ideal for a skilled developer, freelance software consultant, or data systems specialist who wants to advise and build high-impact integration architecture without needing to commit to full-time corporate hours up front.​Compensation & Funding Structure​Milestone-Based Compensation: This is a contract-based, grant-funded position. Payment for this role is tied directly to project milestones funded through awarded grant capital and development phase achievements.​Phase 1 (Pre-Grant / Immediate): Requires a minimal time commitment (1–2 hours total) to review system architecture, provide technical feedback, and sign a standard Letter of Commitment for upcoming grant applications. This initial pre-grant phase is non-salaried and non-equity.​Phase 2 (Post-Award Execution): Upon grant funding approval, the contractor will be compensated at an agreed-upon hourly or per-milestone rate as specified in the grant project budget.​Key Responsibilities​Architecture Review: Review existing functional database prototypes and advise on system scalability, API connectors, and integration workflows.​Technical Guidance: Provide light advisory oversight on database schemas, data security standards, and backend architecture.​Grant Collaboration: Partner with the project lead to review technical narrative sections and provide a formal Letter of Commitment for grant submission budgets.​Execution (Post-Funding): Assist in building, refining, and testing production-ready database bridge functions and API endpoints following milestone approvals.​Required Experience & Qualifications​Proven experience in software engineering, database development, or systems integration (SQL, Python, REST APIs, or middleware data pipelines).​Practical understanding of database architecture, ETL processes, and secure data handling.​Strong communication skills with an ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non-engineering team members.​Familiarity with healthcare data protocols, compliance standards, or health tech integration is a major plus, but not required.​Intellectual Property & Terms​100% IP Retention: All existing and future code, concepts, system designs, and intellectual property remain the sole property of the company.​Confidentiality: Candidates will be required to sign a standard Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to reviewing internal project documentation or repository details.​Flexible Hours: Complete flexibility over your working hours. Work at your own pace alongside your primary employment or freelance workload.