Job Specifications
About Drumbeat Labs
This summer, Drumbeat launched a two-sided marketplace connecting creators of all kinds with paid opportunities to share stories that matter. Our mission is to build and scale a new, mission-driven economy for creativity — one that rewards people for spreading facts, empathy, and positive values online. We're helping non-profit organizations and other cause-driven groups connect with aligned creators to amplify their ideas and drive measurable conversations around the causes they genuinely care about. We're not selling products, we're spreading ideas.
We’re now entering the next phase in our growth: building a durable, scalable platform to power a thriving, values-driven creator storytelling ecosystem.
The Role
We’re seeking a Founding Engineer to architect and build the production-grade version of Drumbeat. You’ll take our validated MVP and build the next-generation platform — a secure, scalable, and AI-driven product ready for widespread adoption. This is a full-time, hybrid role based in the greater Arlington, VA or Sacramento, CA areas, though we will also consider exceptional remote candidates based elsewhere within the continental U.S.
This is a hands-on, high-impact role for a versatile builder who thrives in fast-moving, early-stage environments. You’ll define our technical roadmap, lead implementation, and lay the foundation for future engineering growth.
Compensation
The annual base salary range for this role is $120,000 to $180,000.
The actual salary offered will be determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications as they align with the specific requirements of the position. This range does not include potential equity, which is also part of the total compensation package for this role.
What You’ll Do
Build on the success of our MVP to architect and build the next-generation of our platform from the ground up
Define our technical roadmap and make foundational architecture decisions
Integrate AI-driven features to enhance creator matching, workflows, and insights
Establish engineering best practices and guide early technical hires
Collaborate directly with the founding team on product and growth strategy
Leverage LLMs and modern development tools to drive faster, smarter innovation
What We’re Looking For
4+ years of experience as a full-stack engineer or architect
Experience launching and scaling new software products
Proficiency in modern web frameworks (e.g. React, Next.js, etc.) and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or similar)
Strong understanding of APIs, databases, and scalable infrastructure
Deep engagement with the evolving AI landscape — actively experimenting with LLMs and eager to weave AI into how we build and innovate
Familiarity with Agile methodology — able to plan, execute, and iterate quickly in short, focused cycles
A product-first mindset and comfort with startup speed and ambiguity
A genuine passion for empowering creators, building technology that drives impact, and making the internet work better for our society
Bonus points if you’ve:
Led technical teams or mentored engineers
Built or scaled a two-sided marketplace
Worked on platforms involving creators, content production, or social impact
Why Join
Early stage, founding-level autonomy and ownership
Real traction: validated MVP and paying clients
Mission-driven work at the intersection of tech, creativity, and social impact
Salary + equity
How to Apply
If this sounds like you, we’d love to connect. Email us at hello@drumbeatlabs.com with the subject line “Founding Engineer”, and include:
A short intro (why Drumbeat + why now)
Your resume
Your LinkedIn, GitHub, and/or a project or portfolio link
Let’s build something that empowers creators and organizations to make the internet — and the world — a better place!