Senior Full-Stack Software Engineer / Technical Lead

Peralta Associates and Defense; Whittier (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Peralta Associates and Defense seeks a Senior Full-Stack Software Engineer / Technical Lead to own architecture, modernization, and growth of an enterprise platform. You’ll drive scalable web apps and partner with executives to turn business goals into robust software solutions.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of experience, strong JS/TS with React/Vue/Angular, PHP/Laravel or Node.js, and cloud/Linux expertise. On-site in Southern California with high-impact leadership responsibilities.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• Strong frontend and backend development expertise.
• Proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript with modern frameworks.
• Experience with PHP/Laravel, Node.js, or Python.
• Relational databases (MySQL/PostgreSQL) and REST APIs.
• Cloud/Linus infrastructure, security, and CI/CD practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee architecture, development, performance, and security of a web platform.
• Lead full-stack development and architectural standards.
• Collaborate with executives to translate business goals into solutions.
• Mentor engineers and drive innovation across the tech stack.
• Ensure scalable, reliable, and maintainable systems.

Skills

Frontend & Backend development

JavaScript/TypeScript

RESTful APIs

Cloud & Linux fundamentals

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/SE

Tools

PHP/Laravel

Node.js

Python

MySQL/PostgreSQL

Git/CI-CD

Job description

Senior Full-Stack Software Engineer / Technical Lead

Full-Time | Southern California | On-Site Preferred
Compensation: $130,000–$160,000 annually, based on experience

About the Opportunity

We are a rapidly growing technology company seeking an exceptional Senior Full-Stack Software Engineer / Technical Lead to lead the development, modernization, and expansion of a sophisticated, enterprise-level software platform.

This is an opportunity for a highly accomplished software engineer who thrives on solving complex technical challenges, building scalable systems, and transforming ambitious ideas into powerful technology solutions.

We are not looking for a traditional website developer. We are looking for a high-caliber software engineer and technical architect capable of taking ownership of a multifaceted digital platform, making critical technical decisions, and driving innovation across the entire technology ecosystem.

The ideal candidate possesses the technical depth of a senior engineer, the strategic thinking of a software architect, and the entrepreneurial mindset of a technology leader.

The Role

You will be responsible for overseeing the architecture, development, performance, security, and continuous evolution of a comprehensive web-based software platform.

Our technology combines enterprise data management, professional credential verification, learning management, subscription services, secure document processing, automated workflows, and advanced reporting capabilities.

You will work directly with executive leadership to translate business objectives into scalable, secure, and commercially effective software solutions.

This position offers substantial autonomy, meaningful technical responsibility, and the opportunity to shape the long-term direction of a growing technology company.

Key Responsibilities

Software Architecture & Full-Stack Development

• Lead the design, development, maintenance, and optimization of complex web applications.
• Develop scalable frontend and backend systems using modern programming languages and frameworks.
• Design sophisticated databases capable of supporting extensive user records, transactional activity, and enterprise-level data processing.
• Evaluate existing application architecture and implement improvements that enhance performance, reliability, and maintainability.
• Establish sound architectural standards, clean code practices, and sustainable development processes.

Enterprise Platform Development

• Build and enhance secure user authentication, account management, and permission-based access systems.
• Develop professional credential management and digital verification capabilities.
• Integrate learning management, document processing, subscription billing, and administrative dashboards.
• Design advanced reporting systems, automated notifications, and configurable business workflows.
• Develop secure integrations with external databases, APIs, payment processors, and third-party services.
• Ensure seamless integration between multiple interconnected applications and platform components.

Cloud Infrastructure, Security & Performance

• Manage and optimize cloud infrastructure, application hosting, and production environments.
• Implement comprehensive cybersecurity protections, encryption, authentication, and secure data management practices.
• Establish reliable deployment pipelines, version control, automated testing, and system monitoring.
• Optimize database queries, application response times, and overall platform performance.
• Maintain robust backup, disaster recovery, and operational continuity procedures.

Technical Leadership & Innovation

• Take ownership of technical decision-making and long-term software architecture.
• Translate complex business requirements into actionable development strategies.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and intelligent workflow automation.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce technical complexity, and accelerate development.
• Establish technical documentation, development standards, and quality assurance procedures.
• Collaborate directly with executive leadership and help guide future engineering expansion.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional software engineering experience, with a demonstrated history of developing complex, production-level applications.
• Advanced proficiency in frontend and backend software development.
• Strong expertise in JavaScript/TypeScript and modern frameworks such as React, Vue.js, or Angular.
• Extensive experience with backend technologies such as PHP/Laravel, Node.js, Python, or comparable enterprise application frameworks.
• Advanced knowledge of relational database architecture, including MySQL or PostgreSQL.
• Demonstrated experience designing RESTful APIs and integrating third-party services.
• Strong understanding of cloud infrastructure, Linux server environments, and deployment architecture.
• Experience implementing secure authentication, role-based access controls, encryption, and data protection.
• Proficiency with Git, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and modern software development practices.
• Demonstrated ability to independently diagnose and resolve complex technical challenges.
• Experience designing scalable systems with long-term reliability and maintainability in mind.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain sophisticated technical concepts to executive stakeholders.

A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline is preferred. Equivalent professional experience demonstrating exceptional technical proficiency will also be considered.

Highly Desirable Experience

Candidates with experience in the following areas will receive particular consideration:

• SaaS and enterprise software architecture.
• High-volume database and transactional systems.
• Multi-tenant applications and sophisticated user permissions.
• Professional licensing, credential verification, or compliance management platforms.
• Learning management systems and digital certification technologies.
• Subscription billing and payment processing integrations.
• Enterprise API development and external database synchronization.
• Cloud infrastructure architecture and DevOps.
• Cybersecurity, application auditing, and sensitive data protection.
• Artificial intelligence integration and intelligent process automation.
• Technical leadership, architecture ownership, or founding engineering roles.

Who We're Looking For

An exceptional problem solver. You approach complex technical challenges with analytical precision, creativity, and confidence.

A true technical leader. You understand software architecture at a fundamental level and can make informed decisions that balance innovation, security, scalability, and business objectives.

Highly independent. You are comfortable taking responsibility for complex projects, establishing priorities, and executing solutions without constant supervision.

Entrepreneurial and ambitious. You are motivated by building something meaningful and want to contribute to the growth of a technology company with substantial long-term potential.

Detail-oriented and disciplined. You recognize that engineering excellence requires thoughtful design, secure coding practices, rigorous testing, and operational reliability.

Commercially minded. You understand that exceptional software must not only function technically but also create measurable value for its users and the organization.

Why Join Us?

• Significant technical ownership: Play a leading role in shaping the architecture and future of a growing software platform.
• Complex, meaningful engineering challenges: Work on sophisticated systems involving large-scale data processing, integrations, automation, and enterprise software.
• Direct executive collaboration: Influence product strategy and technology decisions at the highest organizational level.
• Autonomy and innovation: Help determine how systems are designed, developed, and continuously improved.
• Career advancement: Opportunity to grow into an expanded engineering leadership position as the organization scales.
• Long-term impact: Build technology designed for significant commercial expansion and industry-wide adoption.

Compensation

$130,000–$160,000 annually

Compensation will be determined by demonstrated technical expertise, professional experience, architectural capabilities, education, and leadership qualifications.

Full-time employment with a hybrid work arrangement and opportunities for long-term professional growth.