Full-Stack Software Engineer
TLDR
A bootstrapped open-source EdTech startup delivering practical, user-facing features across the stack with AI tooling and close collaboration with educators.
Full-Stack Software Engineer
Are you passionate about building innovative web applications and using AI to address real-world learning challenges? Do you want to help shape the future of education?
PrairieLearn is an early-stage EdTech startup. We are hiring talented Full-Stack Software Engineers.
Location: Fully remote (anywhere in the US)
Position Type: Full-time
Visa Sponsorship: Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor visas at this time.
About Us
PrairieLearn is an open-source assessment platform, originally developed at the University of Illinois and now used at top universities across the US, including Berkeley, Princeton, Michigan, and UIUC. We empower mastery-based learning and large-scale assessment with an emphasis on reliability and innovation. We are like a "power-user" version of Gradescope/Canvas/Moodle. We’re also developing AI tooling in the product, including LLM agents to help instructors create content, and vision-language models to help grade student work. This is practical, user-facing AI work with real-world impact — not a research sandbox.
About the Role
We are a small, profitable, open-source, bootstrapped company growing quickly. Our users love us and we have very high retention and rapid spread through word of mouth. As an early-stage hire, you’ll work across the stack and enjoy meaningful ownership from day one. You’ll help deliver practical, user-facing features with clear guardrails and authentic educational impact.
Responsibilities
Build and maintain systems across the stack: Node.js/TypeScript backend, Postgres, and React. We use tRPC, TanStack, and AWS.
Design features end-to-end, from conception to rollout, working in a small team to architect and iterate on these features
Collaborate directly with educators and TAs to translate academic needs into high-quality features
You Might Be a Fit If You…
Have experience with full-stack web development
Enjoy engaging directly with users—especially instructors and TAs
Love owning projects from initial idea through to production
Love using the cutting edge of AI development tools (Claude, Codex)
Even if you don’t meet every requirement: If you’re a quick learner and passionate about education and engineering, we encourage you to apply!
Our Tech Stack
Node.js / TypeScript backend
Postgres, Redis, AWS, Docker
React / tRPC / TanStack
Open source: PrairieLearn on GitHub
Why Join PrairieLearn?
Bootstrapped & Profitable: We’re growing quickly and sustainably
Open Source: Collaborate with a global community of developers and educators
Stock Options: As an early hire, you’ll receive stock options with your offer
Remote Culture: Work from anywhere in the US with a flexible schedule
Unlimited PTO & Flexible Hours: Take time when you need it and work when you perform best
Career Growth: Early-stage team members have outsized opportunities for impact and learning
Details
Location: Remote (US only)
Salary: $100k-$180k depending on experience
Benefits: Stock options (0.5% - 1.5%), unlimited PTO, flexible hours
Type: Full-time
Visa sponsorship: Not available
PrairieLearn is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Thank you for applying to PrairieLearn!
Benefits
Flexible Work Hours
Flexible Hours
Learning Budget
Career Growth: Early-stage team members have outsized opportunities for impact and learning
Company growth and sustainability
Bootstrapped & Profitable: We’re growing quickly and sustainably
Paid Time Off
Unlimited PTO
Remote-Friendly
Remote Culture: Work from anywhere in the US with a flexible schedule
Stock Options
Stock Options: As an early hire, you’ll receive stock options with your offer
PrairieLearn builds an open-source assessment platform that transforms how universities conduct large-scale evaluations and support mastery-based learning. Designed for instructors, it allows for the creation of randomized, auto-graded questions and incorporates AI tools to enhance content creation and grading processes. Our platform is already making a tangible impact at top institutions like Berkeley and Princeton.