Senior Full-Stack Software Engineer (Remote Contract) – React Native + Python/FastAPI

Senior Full-Stack Software Engineer (Remote Contract) – React Native + Python/FastAPI About Us We build SaaS products that help business owners manage and operate their businesses more efficiently. We are expanding our engineering capacity to take an existing product to beta and into production, with additional products in the pipeline. You will work directly with the founder, a project manager, and a senior engineering advisor. Decisions move fast because the team is small. Autonomy is real because the structure is flat. The Role We are looking for a senior full-stack engineer to take ownership of an existing React Native SaaS product currently in the stabilization phase before beta launch. The first phase of this engagement is focused on closing out the bug list, cleaning up technical debt, and shipping a stable beta within a defined timeframe. Once the product is in beta and stable, the work shifts to feature development, scaling, and ongoing platform ownership. This role is contract-based with 20–30 hours per week to start, with the potential to scale up as the product grows. Strong performers in this role can expect long-term engagement across multiple products as the company expands. The Project You will be inheriting a working MVP that needs stabilization, not building from scratch. The codebase is owned by us, deployed, and in active use. The previous developer is no longer with the project, and we have a senior engineer available part-time to support onboarding and code review. Expect to spend the first 2–4 weeks getting deep into the codebase, closing out the existing bug queue, and improving code quality before any new feature work begins. Our Stack • Mobile: React Native with Expo (primary product) • Backend: Python with FastAPI • Database: PostgreSQL • Authentication: OAuth-based • Infrastructure: Docker, self-managed VPS deployments • Web (additional products): React, Next.js Responsibilities • Own bug fixes, code cleanup, and shipping a stable beta release • Design and implement new features across mobile and backend once beta stabilizes • Improve and refactor existing systems for reliability and maintainability • Design and evolve database schemas and backend architecture • Manage deployment processes and infrastructure • Set up and improve observability, logging, and alerting • Write and maintain technical documentation • Participate in product discussions and translate business requirements into technical solutions • Maintain high standards for code quality, testing, and reliability What We’re Looking For • 5+ years of professional software engineering experience • Strong production experience with React Native and Expo • Strong experience building APIs and backend services in Python • Solid PostgreSQL and relational database design experience • Comfortable with Docker and Linux-based deployment environments • Demonstrated ability to take over and stabilize existing codebases • Excellent written communication. This role involves working asynchronously with a non-technical founder and a project manager. • Self-directed. You can take a ticket, scope it, deliver it, and communicate status without needing constant check-ins. Bonus • Experience scaling MVP-stage SaaS products to production • Experience with PHP or other backend languages • Experience with mobile app deployment (Apple App Store, Google Play) AI-Assisted Development We actively use modern AI development tools and coding assistants. We are looking for someone who can use these tools effectively while maintaining strong engineering judgment. We value engineers who understand the code they deliver, validate AI-generated solutions, think critically about architecture and security, and prioritize maintainability over speed alone. Using AI to accelerate development is encouraged. Relying on AI without understanding, testing, or reviewing the resulting code is not, and will not be tolerated. We do not allow VIBE coding. No exceptions. What Success Looks Like • Delivering features quickly without sacrificing quality • Taking ownership of problems from idea to production • Building systems that are simple, maintainable, and reliable • Making thoughtful technical decisions that support long-term product growth • Working closely with the founder and project manager to ship reliably Engagement Details • Type: Independent contractor (1099) • Hours: 20–30 hours per week initially, with potential to scale up • Rate: $[35]–$[50] per hour depending on experience • Location: Fully remote, must overlap with US Eastern Time for at least 4 hours daily • Time tracking: Contractors track time via HiveDesk with screenshot monitoring. This is standard for all contractors and non-negotiable. • Trial period: First engagement is a paid trial task (4–8 hours of real work) before any ongoing retainer is offered. Code is reviewed by our senior engineering advisor. How to Apply When applying, please include: 1. A short introduction telling us about the most complex production system you have owned end-to-end 2. Examples of React Native and Python/FastAPI work in production (links to live products preferred, or GitHub if not under NDA) 3. Your approach to AI-assisted development. How do you use AI tools, and where do you draw the line? 4. Your availability and target hourly rate Applications without these specifics will not be reviewed.