Full-stack software engineer role at PrairieLearn, an early-stage, bootstrapped, profitable open-source assessment platform used by universities. The work covers features end-to-end, working directly with educators and TAs, plus AI tooling such as LLM agents for content creation and vision-language models for grading. Stack: Node.js/TypeScript backend, Postgres, Redis, AWS, Docker, React, tRPC, and TanStack.

Full-Stack Software Engineer

Are you passionate about building innovative web applications and using AI to address real-world learning challenges? Do you want to help shape the future of education?

PrairieLearn is an early-stage EdTech startup. We are hiring talented Full-Stack Software Engineers.

Location: Fully remote (anywhere in the US)
Position Type: Full-time
Visa Sponsorship: Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor visas at this time.

About Us

PrairieLearn is an open-source assessment platform, originally developed at the University of Illinois and now used at top universities across the US, including Berkeley, Princeton, Michigan, and UIUC. We empower mastery-based learning and large-scale assessment with an emphasis on reliability and innovation. We are like a "power-user" version of Gradescope/Canvas/Moodle. We’re also developing AI tooling in the product, including LLM agents to help instructors create content, and vision-language models to help grade student work. This is practical, user-facing AI work with real-world impact — not a research sandbox.

About the Role

We are a small, profitable, open-source, bootstrapped company growing quickly. Our users love us and we have very high retention and rapid spread through word of mouth. As an early-stage hire, you’ll work across the stack and enjoy meaningful ownership from day one. You’ll help deliver practical, user-facing features with clear guardrails and authentic educational impact.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain systems across the stack: Node.js/TypeScript backend, Postgres, and React. We use tRPC, TanStack, and AWS.
Design features end-to-end, from conception to rollout, working in a small team to architect and iterate on these features
Collaborate directly with educators and TAs to translate academic needs into high-quality features

You Might Be a Fit If You…

Have experience with full-stack web development
Enjoy engaging directly with users—especially instructors and TAs
Love owning projects from initial idea through to production
Love using the cutting edge of AI development tools (Claude, Codex)
Even if you don’t meet every requirement: If you’re a quick learner and passionate about education and engineering, we encourage you to apply!

Our Tech Stack

Node.js / TypeScript backend
Postgres, Redis, AWS, Docker
React / tRPC / TanStack
Open source: PrairieLearn on GitHub

Why Join PrairieLearn?

Bootstrapped & Profitable: We’re growing quickly and sustainably
Open Source: Collaborate with a global community of developers and educators
Stock Options: As an early hire, you’ll receive stock options with your offer
Remote Culture: Work from anywhere in the US with a flexible schedule
Unlimited PTO & Flexible Hours: Take time when you need it and work when you perform best
Career Growth: Early-stage team members have outsized opportunities for impact and learning

Details

Location: Remote (US only)
Salary: $100k-$180k depending on experience
Benefits: Stock options (0.5% - 1.5%), unlimited PTO, flexible hours
Type: Full-time
Visa sponsorship: Not available

PrairieLearn is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Thank you for applying to PrairieLearn!

Compensation: $100K - $180K