via LinkedIn
$80K - 150K a year
Lead backend architecture and deliver fintech MVP with ownership over system design and team building.
2-7 years backend experience, strong Node.js/TypeScript skills, fintech product launch experience, and ability to manage contractors.
We are looking for a hands-on, product-driven Founding Engineer to join as the first full-time technical hire at an early-stage fintech startup. This role is ideal for a backend-leaning engineer who thrives in zero-to-one environments and wants significant ownership over architecture, product direction, and team build-out. You will work directly with the founder and external contractors to deliver the MVP, while shaping long-term technical strategy and infrastructure decisions. The position requires strong systems thinking and experience building high-throughput, auditable financial systems. Over time, you will transition from individual contributor to technical leader, helping recruit and mentor the internal engineering team. This is a high-impact role for someone excited to build modern payment rails integrating stablecoins and working capital solutions. Details Location: NYC (preferred) or Remote (US / LATAM) Work Model: Remote / Hybrid (NYC-based candidates preferred) Employment Type: Full-time Seniority Level: Founding / Early Technical Leader Start Date: ASAP Industry: Fintech / Payments / Stablecoin Infrastructure Key Responsibilities Partner closely with the founder and external contractors to deliver the MVP (first 3–6 months) Own backend architecture and inform both high-level and low-level system design Review and deliver production-grade code with strong quality standards Manage external engineering contractors and ensure milestone-based delivery Design and implement fintech/payment systems including ledgers, reconciliation, stablecoin payouts, and coverage checks Build distributed data models with strong auditability and separation of concerns Maintain high standards for performance, compliance, and system integrity Help recruit, onboard, and mentor future engineering hires Collaborate cross-functionally with product, compliance, risk, and go-to-market stakeholders Ship fast, iterate based on partner feedback, and improve continuously Requirements 2–7 years of engineering experience with a backend focus Strong experience with Node.js and TypeScript Experience with Next.js (React knowledge is a plus) Experience launching and scaling v1 fintech or payment products Experience building high-throughput, auditable financial systems Strong understanding of distributed systems and backend architecture Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous early-stage environments Experience managing external vendors or contractors is a plus Strong communication and stakeholder management skills Nice to Have Experience with Rust or TigerBeetle Background working with modern fintech/payment infrastructure providers Experience building payment ledgers, reconciliation systems, or stablecoin payout infrastructure Prior founding or early-stage startup experience Interview Process Intro Meeting (30 minutes – qualitative fit) Product Fit Interview (1 hour) Engineering Fit Interview (1 hour) In-person Fit Meeting (1+ hour)
This job posting was last updated on 3/10/2026