Software Engineer – Build The Stacks Content Platform

Astera Institute; California (MO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Astera Institute is seeking a full‑time software engineer to help build and scale The Stacks, a new content platform designed to meaningfully improve how scientific, technical, and intellectual work is shared, discovered, and built upon.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on generalist who has built and maintained complex content platforms or large‑scale web applications, with strong architectural judgment and a user‑centered mindset.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 2–3+ years experience building and maintaining software systems.
• Interest in content-heavy or knowledge-based platforms and related problems.
• Strong engineering fundamentals and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with modern backend and frontend technologies (TypeScript, React, Node.js, Express.js/Hono, SQL databases, Prisma/Drizzle).
• Ability to move quickly in evolving, ambiguous environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain The Stacks backend services, frontend interfaces, data models, and integrations.
• Implement high-quality user-facing interfaces using modern web technologies.
• Build APIs and services for content-management.
• Collaborate with team members to develop features and iterate rapidly.
• Manage cloud infrastructure ensuring high availability, observability and smooth CI/CD workflows.
• Maintain engineering practices including version control, testing, documentation, and CI/CD.
• Provide ongoing post-launch support and performance improvements.
• Contribute to open-source components of The Stacks when appropriate.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners as needed.

Skills

Engineering fundamentals

Problem solving

Adaptability

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BA/BS in CS or related

Tools

TypeScript

React

Node.js

Express.js/Hono

SQL databases

Prisma/Drizzle

Job description

Astera Institute is seeking a full‑time software engineer to help build and scale The Stacks, a new content platform designed to meaningfully improve how scientific, technical, and intellectual work is shared, discovered, and built upon.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on generalist who has built and maintained complex content platforms or large‑scale web applications, with strong architectural judgment and a user‑centered mindset.