Founding Engineer / Onsite Chicago / VC-backed Start Up

Chicago, IllinoisOnsiteFull Time$180k - $250kA venture-backed technology startup in Chicago is seeking a full-time Founding Engineer to help scale an AI-powered platform serving the lower middle market finance sector. This hybrid opportunity is based in River North and combines modern technologies including Python, TypeScript, React, FastAPI, Postgres, cloud infrastructure, and cutting-edge Generative AI solutions. This is a rare opportunity to join an experienced founder at an early stage and become the technical leader responsible for building both the platform and future engineering organization. The ideal candidate has experience taking products from concept to production, enjoys solving ambiguous problems, and wants the opportunity to shape architecture, engineering culture, and hiring strategy from day one. Candidates seeking ownership, influence, and long-term leadership growth will find exceptional upside in this role. Required Skills & Experience Experience founding a startup, serving as a Founding Engineer, CTO, VP Engineering, or leading engineering within an early-stage companyProven track record taking products from prototype through production deploymentStrong software engineering background with modern web technologiesExperience managing engineers and technical delivery processesHands-on development experience with Python and/or TypeScriptExperience designing scalable software architectureStrong communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholdersAbility to thrive in startup environments with limited structure Desired Skills & Experience Experience with Generative AI, LLMs, RAG systems, or AI agentsFintech, accounting technology, or financial services software experienceData pipeline and ETL architecture experienceExperience hiring and scaling engineering teamsCloud infrastructure and DevOps expertiseStartup fundraising or scaling experience What You Will Be Doing Tech Breakdown 35% Backend Engineering (Python / FastAPI)25% Frontend Development (React / TypeScript)20% AI & Data Systems20% Cloud Infrastructure & Architecture Daily Responsibilities 65% Hands On Development15% Management Duties20% Team Collaboration The Offer You will receive the following benefits: Equity participationBonus eligibleYou will receive the following benefits:Medical, Dental, and Vision InsurancePaid Vacation TimeEquity / Stock OptionsLeadership Growth OpportunitiesHigh Visibility Within the Organization Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis now and in the future.

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