Tech Lead (Python)

TL;DR

Tech Lead (Python/Fullstack): Leading the development of 'Explore', a 0→1 platform for prospective and transfer students' academic planning with an accent on multi-tenant architecture and scalable system design. Focus on building foundational API patterns, managing data isolation across institutions, and driving engineering excellence in an ambiguous product space.

Location: Hybrid/in-office preferred in San Mateo, California, with remote flexibility considered case by case

Salary: $210k – $235k

Company

A fast-growing startup transforming higher education by providing students with tools to plan their academic journeys and track their progress.

What you will do

• Own the technical direction and evolution of the Explore product from end to end.
• Establish foundational patterns for the company's first multi-tenant system, defining data sharing and isolation.
• Make pragmatic architectural decisions to balance speed of iteration with long-term scalability.
• Design and maintain clean, ergonomic APIs and reliable abstractions for complex business logic.
• Drive engineering excellence by mentoring the team on design patterns and code quality.

Requirements

• 5+ years of backend or fullstack engineering experience operating at scale.
• Proven track record of leading complex implementations as a technical lead.
• Experience building and scaling 0→1 and 1→10 product surfaces.
• Strong proficiency in SQL and database optimization (PostgreSQL preferred).
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous domains and make defensible architectural calls.
• Must be based in the US (as indicated by hybrid California location and US-specific benefits).

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive salary and meaningful equity.
• Comprehensive health insurance with 99% of premiums covered by the company.
• 401(k) and commuter benefits.
• Annual international retreats in incredible locations.
• Flexible, outcome-driven culture built on trust and autonomy.