Senior Full Stack Developer (Backend/AWS Expert)

Senior Full Stack Developer (Backend/AWS Expert)

The Mission: Why This Role Matters

Sanctuary Innovations is building Havven—the secure, unified social and commerce platform for the kink, alternative, and LGBTQ+ communities. We are disrupting a $50 Billion+ market and require a Senior Engineer ready to commit to our mission immediately.

We will be launching our full product in January 2026, and we need someone that understands and is dedicated to the vision, especially while volunteer.

If you can not volunteer for at least 60 days, please do not apply.

This role is currently volunteer and transitions to a full-time, salaried position immediately upon closing our seed funding (expected Q4 2025-Q1 2026). This is a foundational opportunity to build secure infrastructure for a socially impactful platform.

Core Responsibilities (The Backend Foundation)

• AWS Architecture Ownership: Design, deploy, and manage highly scalable, secure, and cost-efficient cloud infrastructure using AWS services (e.g., Aurora/PostgreSQL, Lambda, API Gateway).
• Performance Engineering: Optimize Node.js backend services and PostgreSQL database performance to ensure stability and rapid scaling under high user load.
• Security & Compliance: Implement advanced security protocols and compliance frameworks essential for operating a sensitive social/commerce environment (including AI age verification infrastructure).
• API & Integration: Architect clean, robust, and well-documented RESTful APIs that power our React Native frontend and interface with third-party services.

Required Technical Qualifications (Mandatory)

• 7+ years of professional experience in software development, with a minimum of 3 years focused on Senior/Lead Backend roles.
• AWS Expertise (MANDATORY): Proven, deep experience configuring, managing, and optimizing core production services on AWS (certification is a strong plus).
• Backend Languages: Expert proficiency in Node.js (TypeScript highly preferred).
• Database Mastery: Expert proficiency with PostgreSQL, including advanced query optimization and database design for high-scale applications.
• Front-End Context: Strong working knowledge of React.js / React Native architecture.

Compensation & Transition

This is a Contract-to-Close position that rewards commitment with foundational equity and a competitive package upon closing of seed funding.

• Current Status: Unpaid / Volunteer. Immediate commitment required.
• Equity Compensation: Negotiated founder-level equity based on experience (Vested upon seed funding closure).
• Transition to Paid Status: Transitions to a full-time, salaried position immediately upon funding closure.

Full-Time Benefits (Active Upon Funding Close)

We offer a highly competitive compensation package and unique perks:

• Generous PTO: 25 vacation days annually to start.
• Meal Stipend: $250 in monthly DoorDash credits for lunches and Costco Membership reimbursement.
• Comprehensive Health: Premium Medical, Dental, and Mental Health Insurance.
• Tech & Wellness: $100 per month toward your home internet expenses and a Gym benefit.
• Entertainment: 1 streaming service paid for by the company.
• 401k with Company Match and quarterly, fully covered team meetups.