Technical Lead, Full Stack Engineer

Summary

Join Friends From The City as a Technical Lead, Full-Stack Engineer to lead a team in developing innovative civic tech projects. You will guide the architecture and development of web applications and infrastructure, champion accessibility and security, and mentor a team. This role requires full-stack expertise, including frontend (React, JavaScript), backend APIs and databases (SQL, NoSQL), and cloud infrastructure (AWS). You will ensure code quality, write well-tested and documented code, and oversee DevOps practices. The ideal candidate has proven experience leading engineering teams, expertise in modern JavaScript frameworks, and a deep understanding of web accessibility standards. A minimum of 8 years of full-stack development experience is required.

Requirements

• Proven experience leading and scaling engineering teams with empathy and purpose
• Expertise in modern JavaScript frameworks (especially React)
• Strong backend development skills with experience in API design and database management
• Hands-on experience with AWS cloud services and DevOps practices
• Deep understanding of web accessibility standards and best practices
• Demonstrated history of delivering full-stack applications through all stages of development
• Experience applying human-centered design principles to technical problem-solving
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in full-stack software development with a solid grasp of both frontend (JavaScript, React, Angular) and backend technologies (Node.js, Python, .NET)
• Extensive experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) including deployment and management of cloud resources
• Proficient understanding of database technologies, including SQL (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL (MongoDB)
• Strong knowledge of CI/CD practices, containerization (Docker), and orchestration (Kubernetes)
• Demonstrated leadership experience guiding technical teams and projects while fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with a proven ability to evaluate challenges and propose efficient, appropriate solutions
• Excellent communication skills, with an ability to articulate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; Master’s preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical strategy and implementation of complex web applications
• Manage, mentor, and advocate for a collaborative engineering team
• Architect, design, and code across the full stack — from frontend (React, JavaScript, HTML, CSS) to backend APIs and databases (SQL, NoSQL)
• Ensure code quality through modern JavaScript linting and best practices
• Write well-tested, well-documented code and design reliable infrastructure to ensure high system uptime
• Oversee cloud infrastructure and DevOps practices (AWS, pipelines, CI/CD)
• Ensure compliance with WCAG web accessibility standards
• Guide full lifecycle software development — from inception to production support
• Solve complex challenges with curiosity, human-centered design, agile iterative development, and data-driven decision-making
• Evaluate and implement security protocols, identity management, and authentication solutions (e.g., AWS Cognito, Auth0, OIDC, SAML)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GenAI technologies, multitenant applications, and modern government authentication systems
• Experience working in civic tech, govtech, or mission-driven technology spaces is a plus

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision
• 401(k) + company match
• $1000 Professional Development Stipend
• 18 Days of PTO, 11 Federal holidays, and six wellness days
• A culture that promotes growth and up-skilling
• The ability to make a noticeable impact and improve lives
• Fully-remote