# Staff Software Engineer
**Company:** [PermitFlow](https://scaleengineer.com/companies/permitflow)
Staff Software Engineer at PermitFlow, a Series B AI-powered construction tech company backed by Accel and Kleiner Perkins. You'll architect and build full-stack solutions using React, Node.js, and PostgreSQL that power AI agents helping America's fastest-growing construction companies navigate permitting, licensing, and project management at scale.
**Role:** Full Stack Engineer
**Seniority:** Staff
**Locations:** New York City, NY
**Salary:** 200000–275000 USD
[Apply](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/permitflow/9c2b3eba-d001-4582-b55d-052dcc139a14)
Canonical: https://scaleengineer.com/jobs/permitflow/staff-software-engineer-9c2b3eba
---
## Responsibilities

- Full Stack Architecture and Implementation: Architect, design, and implement robust, scalable full-stack solutions that serve as the backbone of PermitFlow's construction management platform. Lead the technical design process for complex features, ensuring solutions are maintainable, performant, and aligned with long-term platform vision.
- Frontend Development and User Experience: Develop responsive and intuitive user interfaces using React and TypeScript, ensuring seamless experiences across devices and platforms. Optimize frontend performance and accessibility, implementing best practices in component architecture, state management, and UI patterns.
- Backend Development and Database Optimization: Build and optimize server-side components using Node.js, designing efficient APIs that power both user-facing applications and AI agent workflows. Work with PostgreSQL to design and implement scalable data storage solutions, ensuring data integrity and query performance for large-scale operations.
- System Architecture and Technical Strategy: Contribute to overall platform architecture and technology decisions, evaluating emerging tools and frameworks that enhance system capabilities. Make high-level decisions regarding scalability, system integrations, infrastructure patterns, and technology choices that support PermitFlow's rapid growth.
- Technical Leadership and Code Review: Conduct thorough code reviews, establish and enforce engineering best practices, and contribute to the professional development of the engineering team. Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with product managers, designers, and stakeholders to align technical solutions with business objectives. Participate actively in agile processes including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives, ensuring transparent communication between technical and non-technical teams.
- Customer-Centric Product Development: Engage directly with customers to understand their needs and ensure the platform delivers a polished, valuable product. Identify technically challenging projects that provide customer impact, communicate implementation strategies, and execute with autonomy and ownership.
- Technology Innovation and Learning: Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in full-stack development. Evaluate new tools and approaches that could enhance PermitFlow's platform capabilities and developer experience.

## Requirements

### education

- {"name":"Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or Related Field","description":"Formal education in computer science, software engineering, mathematics, or equivalent discipline providing strong foundational knowledge in algorithms, data structures, and software principles."}

### technical

- {"name":"Full Stack Development Expertise","description":"Extensive professional experience building complete web applications across frontend and backend, with proven ability to make architectural decisions and implement solutions end-to-end."}
- {"name":"React and TypeScript","description":"Deep proficiency with React for building scalable, component-based user interfaces and TypeScript for type-safe, maintainable code at scale."}
- {"name":"Node.js Backend Development","description":"Strong experience building production server-side applications with Node.js, including REST API design, middleware architecture, and event-driven patterns."}
- {"name":"PostgreSQL Database Design","description":"Solid understanding of relational database design, SQL optimization, indexing strategies, and data modeling for complex business domains."}
- {"name":"System Design and Architecture","description":"Ability to design systems for scalability, performance, and maintainability. Experience with microservices, caching strategies, asynchronous processing, and system integration patterns."}
- {"name":"Technical Problem Solving","description":"Strong debugging skills, ability to identify bottlenecks, and experience optimizing application performance, database queries, and infrastructure efficiency."}

### experience

- {"name":"7+ Years of Professional Software Development","description":"Extensive track record as a professional software engineer with proven expertise across full-stack development, with significant time spent in startup environments where you've navigated rapid change and worn multiple hats."}
- {"name":"Startup Environment Experience","description":"Demonstrated success working in high-growth startups where you've prioritized impact, moved quickly, and taken ownership of technically complex and demanding projects from conception to execution."}
- {"name":"Project Ownership and Autonomy","description":"Proven track record of identifying valuable projects, developing and communicating technical strategies, and executing complex cross-functional initiatives with minimal oversight."}
- {"name":"Customer-Oriented Development","description":"Experience deeply understanding customer needs through direct engagement, translating those requirements into product improvements, and maintaining a customer-first mindset throughout the development process."}
- {"name":"Technical Leadership","description":"Experience mentoring engineers, conducting code reviews, enforcing best practices, and contributing to the growth and development of engineering teams through technical guidance and knowledge sharing."}

## Skills

### required

- {"name":"React","description":"Production-grade experience building component-based applications with hooks, state management, and performance optimization."}
- {"name":"TypeScript","description":"Strong proficiency writing type-safe, maintainable TypeScript code for both frontend and backend applications."}
- {"name":"Node.js","description":"Solid backend development experience with Node.js, including Express or similar frameworks, API design, and server-side architecture."}
- {"name":"PostgreSQL","description":"Hands-on experience with relational database design, query optimization, and managing production PostgreSQL systems."}
- {"name":"System Design","description":"Ability to architect scalable systems, evaluate trade-offs, and make technical decisions considering performance, maintainability, and business needs."}
- {"name":"Software Engineering Best Practices","description":"Commitment to clean code, comprehensive testing strategies, code reviews, documentation, and continuous improvement methodologies."}

### preferred

- {"name":"Construction Technology or Domain Expertise","description":"Familiarity with construction industry challenges, permitting processes, regulatory compliance, or enterprise software serving the built environment."}
- {"name":"AI/ML Integration Experience","description":"Experience integrating AI agents or machine learning models into production applications, understanding how to build systems that leverage AI capabilities effectively."}
- {"name":"Cloud Infrastructure and DevOps","description":"Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), containerization, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure-as-code practices that support scalable deployments."}
- {"name":"Agile Development Methodologies","description":"Demonstrated experience working within agile frameworks, collaborating in cross-functional teams, and adapting to evolving product requirements in fast-paced environments."}
- {"name":"Open Source Contributions","description":"Active participation in open source projects demonstrating initiative, collaboration skills, and commitment to quality software development."}
- {"name":"Performance Optimization","description":"Track record of identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks in applications, databases, and infrastructure systems."}

## Tech stack

### tools

- {"name":"Git","description":"Version control system for collaborative development, code review management, and maintaining code history and branching strategies."}
- {"name":"GitHub","description":"Platform for code repository hosting, pull request reviews, continuous integration workflows, and collaborative development."}
- {"name":"Jest or Vitest","description":"Testing frameworks for writing unit tests, integration tests, and ensuring code quality and reliability across the application."}
- {"name":"VS Code or Modern IDE","description":"Development environment providing debugging capabilities, linting, code completion, and extensions for productive full-stack development."}

### others

- {"name":"REST API Design","description":"Architectural approach for building scalable web services that communicate between frontend and backend systems efficiently."}
- {"name":"Component Architecture","description":"Systematic approach to breaking down user interfaces into reusable, testable components that promote maintainability and scalability."}
- {"name":"State Management","description":"Patterns and tools for managing application state in React applications, ensuring predictable data flow and efficient rendering."}
- {"name":"Database Optimization","description":"Techniques including indexing, query optimization, connection pooling, and schema design for maximizing PostgreSQL performance at scale."}

### databases

- {"name":"PostgreSQL","description":"Primary relational database for data persistence, supporting complex queries, ACID transactions, and advanced features like JSON support and full-text search."}

### languages

- {"name":"TypeScript","description":"Primary language for both frontend and backend development, ensuring type safety and code maintainability across the entire full-stack application."}
- {"name":"JavaScript","description":"Core language for React frontend and Node.js backend development, supporting dynamic, interactive user experiences and scalable server-side logic."}
- {"name":"SQL","description":"Essential for writing optimized queries, managing database schemas, and working with PostgreSQL for data persistence and retrieval."}

### frameworks

- {"name":"React","description":"Modern frontend framework for building responsive, component-based user interfaces with strong ecosystem support for state management and UI development."}
- {"name":"Node.js","description":"Runtime environment for building scalable backend applications, enabling JavaScript use across the full stack for consistent development experience."}
- {"name":"Express.js or Similar","description":"Lightweight web framework commonly used with Node.js for building RESTful APIs, routing, middleware management, and server-side application logic."}

## Benefits

### benefits

- {"name":"Comprehensive Health Coverage","description":"100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees, plus healthcare FSA for tax-advantaged healthcare savings and flexibility."}
- {"name":"Retirement Planning","description":"401(k) savings plan to support long-term financial planning and retirement security."}
- {"name":"Generous Time Off","description":"Unlimited PTO policy combined with paid family leave, supporting work-life balance and life events without bureaucratic constraints."}
- {"name":"Remote Work Support","description":"Home office and equipment stipend to create a productive workspace, supporting hybrid work arrangement (3 in-office days per week in NYC)."}
- {"name":"In-Office Amenities","description":"Daily provided lunch and dinner at NYC headquarters, fostering team collaboration, reducing mealtime logistics, and supporting employee wellness."}
- {"name":"Commuter Benefits","description":"Pre-tax transit and parking benefits for NYC-based employees, reducing commuting costs and supporting sustainable transportation options."}
- {"name":"Meaningful Equity Participation","description":"Significant equity stakes in a high-growth Series B company backed by top-tier investors including Accel and Kleiner Perkins, with substantial upside potential."}
- {"name":"Competitive Compensation","description":"Market-competitive salary reflecting the Staff-level position and demand for full-stack expertise in high-growth technology companies."}

## Compensation

- **max:** 240000
- **min:** 180000
- **currency:** USD
- **stockOptions:** true

## Interview process

### steps

- {"name":"Initial Screening Call","description":"Introductory conversation with a technical recruiter to discuss your background, experience with the core tech stack (React, Node.js, PostgreSQL), and alignment with PermitFlow's mission in construction technology."}
- {"name":"Technical System Design Interview","description":"Whiteboard or collaborative session focused on system architecture and design thinking. Expect questions on designing scalable systems, evaluating trade-offs, and making architectural decisions relevant to construction management platforms."}
- {"name":"Full Stack Coding Assessment","description":"Take-home or live coding exercise testing your ability to implement both frontend (React/TypeScript) and backend (Node.js/PostgreSQL) components. Demonstrates problem-solving approach, code quality, and familiarity with the tech stack."}
- {"name":"Product and Customer-Centric Discussion","description":"Conversation exploring your customer-first mindset, experience translating user needs into product improvements, and interest in the construction permitting domain. May include discussion of past projects where you advocated for customer needs."}
- {"name":"Leadership and Mentorship Conversation","description":"Discussion with engineering leadership about your experience mentoring engineers, conducting code reviews, contributing to technical culture, and your vision for team growth and engineering excellence."}
- {"name":"Founder/Leadership Round","description":"Final conversation with senior leadership or founders to assess cultural fit, your entrepreneurial mindset, alignment with PermitFlow's mission to modernize construction, and long-term vision for the role."}

## Full description
PermitFlow is redefining how America builds. We’re an applied AI company serving the nation’s builders, tackling one of the largest information challenges in the economy: understanding _what can be built, where, and how_. Our AI agent workforce helps the fastest-growing construction companies navigate everything from permitting and licensing to inspections and project closeouts – accelerating housing, clean-energy, and infrastructure development across the country.

Despite being a $1.6T industry, construction still suffers from massive delays, wasted capital, and lost opportunity. PermitFlow has already delivered unprecedented speed, accuracy, and visibility to over $20B in development, helping contractors reduce compliance time, de-risk projects, and scale with confidence.

As the U.S. enters a new capex supercycle across data centers, factories, housing, and renewables, joining PermitFlow means building the AI infrastructure at the core of every construction project driving the next wave of reindustrialization.

We’ve raised over $90M, most recently completing our [Series B,](https://www.permitflow.com/blog/permitflow-series-b) from top-tier investors including Accel, [Kleiner Perkins](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7401703305569275904/), Initialized, Y Combinator, Felicis, and Altos Ventures, with backing from leaders at OpenAI, Google, Procore, ServiceTitan, Zillow, PlanGrid, and Uber.

**Our HQ is in New York City with a hybrid schedule (3 in-office days per week). Preference for NYC-based candidates or those open to relocation.**

# What You’ll Do

* Full Stack Development: Architect, design, and implement robust and scalable full-stack solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, understand user needs, and translate them into technical solutions
* Front End Development: Develop responsive and intuitive user interfaces using React and Typescript. Ensure a seamless and visually appealing user experience across various devices and platforms
* Back End Development: Build and optimize server-side components using Node.js. Work with databases, particularly Postgres, to design and implement efficient data storage and retrieval solutions
* System Architecture: Contribute to the overall architecture and design of the construction management platform. Make high-level decisions regarding technology choices, scalability, and system integrations
* Leadership and Mentorship: Conduct code reviews, enforce best practices, and contribute to the professional growth of the development team
* Collaboration: Collaborate with product managers, designers, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment between technical solutions and business objectives. Participate in agile development processes, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives
* Continuous Learning: Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in full-stack development. Evaluate and recommend new tools and frameworks to enhance the platform's capabilities

# What We're Looking For

* Extensive experience in professional fullstack development, ideally most of which you’ve spent in startups
* Extensive experience working within our tech stack, which is listed above
* You sweat the important details and strive for excellence in your work
* Experience owning technically challenging and demanding cross-functional projects
* A record of identifying valuable projects, communicating the strategy for them, and executing on them autonomously
* A customer-first mindset and an interest in talking with customers to make sure what we’re building is a polished product meets their needs
* Habit of introspection and understanding what’s helped you be successful in the past

# What We Offer

* Competitive salary and meaningful equity in a high-growth company
* 100% company-paid base medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees + healthcare FSA
* 401(k) savings plan
* Unlimited PTO and paid family leave
* Home office & equipment stipend
* Daily in-office lunch and dinner provided
* Commuter benefits (pre-tax transit and parking)

_PermitFlow provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or family status, as protected by applicable law._

  
_We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and abilities. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs._