Founding Full-Stack Engineer: Build & Validate

Uplabs

Los Angeles, Northern (CA, KY)

Hybrid

USD 180,000 - 260,000

Full time

14 days+

Application generator

Turn this role into an interview — a resume and cover letter built around what this employer wants.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

UP.Labs is seeking a Staff Engineer (Founding Team) to build across multiple ventures, turning early concepts into validated products in a high-ambition, fast-moving environment. You’ll own full-stack development—from frontend to data layers—shape product direction with venture leads, and use AI to accelerate delivery.

This role is remote-flex with occasional travel to LA, with preference for locals near Santa Monica.

Qualifications

6+ years of software engineering experience in early-stage 0→1 environments.
Proven ability to build and ship full-stack applications end-to-end.
Strong judgment around speed vs scalability tradeoffs in early-stage systems.
Demonstrated use of AI to accelerate development or product capabilities.
Comfort operating in ambiguous environments where both the problem and solution are evolving.
Ability to work with incomplete or messy inputs to arrive at practical solutions.
Strong communication skills and the ability to influence decisions.

Responsibilities

Take concepts from zero to a working product and real-world validation.
Own full-stack development: frontend, backend, APIs, and data layers.
Shape product direction alongside venture leads and PMs, not just execute against specs.
Design and build rapid validation loops to test assumptions and de-risk ideas early.
Architect and implement core systems, models, and integrations from scratch.
Use AI as a force multiplier across development and product capabilities.
Maintain a high bar for technical quality while moving with urgency.