Founding Backend Engineer (GovTech Saas - Equity-Based)

About Company

We are building a
municipal emergency and citizen notification platform
that allows cities, counties, and public safety agencies to send real-time alerts via SMS, email, and other channels. The product is already designed and partially built (front-end + MVP), and we are preparing to launch pilot programs with municipalities.This is an early-stage opportunity to help build a high-impact civic technology platform from the ground up.

Role Overview

We are looking for a
founding backend engineer / technical partner
to lead development of the backend systems powering the platform.

This is a
part-time, equity-based role (8–20 hrs/week)
with the opportunity to grow into a long-term position as the company scales.

What You'll Work On

• Build and manage backend systems (APIs, authentication, database)
• Implement reliable notification delivery (SMS, email, push)
• Design scalable infrastructure for municipal use
• Prepare the platform for real-world pilot deployments
• Collaborate directly with founder on product and architecture decisions

Tech Stack

• Node.js / Python (or similar - the MVP is built with Node.js)
• PostgreSQL or similar database
• Cloud (AWS, GCP, or equivalent)
• REST APIs

Compensation

• Equity: 6–8% (vesting + milestone-based)
• Performance bonuses tied to first customers
• Opportunity to transition into paid role after revenue

Time Commitment

• Part-time (8–20 hrs/week initially)
• Flexible schedule

Ideal Canidate

• Strong backend development experience
• Comfortable building systems from scratch
• Interested in civic tech / public sector
• Self-motivated and reliable in early-stage environments

Bonus Experience

• SMS/email systems (Twilio, SendGrid, etc.)
• SaaS products
• Security/compliance
• Government systems or public safety tech