Application Engineer (Contract Position) - AidKit, Inc.

Overview

AidKit is revolutionizing how aid reaches those who need it most. We're on a mission to empower nonprofits and governments to deliver aid and public benefits with unprecedented efficiency. We are seeking an Application Engineer to join our dynamic team.

About AidKit

AidKit’s cutting-edge technology transforms complex cash assistance programs into streamlined, secure, and dignified experiences. By seamlessly connecting applicants to vital resources, we're making aid accessible for diverse populations—including unhoused and unbanked. From simplifying complex benefits modernization projects for state agencies to standing up efficient disaster relief programs, AidKit helps it’s partners deliver aid with dignity. We were our own first customer—AidKit started as a nonprofit initiative born from the need to support systematically excluded workers during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, AidKit provides the technology backbone for some of the nation's most innovative public safety net programs, having distributed hundreds of millions of dollars to people in need. As we continue to grow rapidly, the opportunity for impact is immense. Apply to join our team if you're seeking meaningful work in an environment that trusts your judgment and values your unique contributions.

About the Role

We’re looking for a skilled Application Engineer to join our growing team to lead the technical implementation of our low/no-code platform for large-scale public benefit, cash aid, and emergency disaster relief programs. This role requires balancing technical expertise, strong communication, and highly collaborative mindset to bridge the gap between Program Managers (PMs) and Platform Engineers (PEs).

If you thrive in ambiguity, enjoy debugging puzzles, are an effective communicator and excel at translating needs into technical solutions, we’d love to hear from you!

Experience with SQL and JavaScript is strongly preferred. Experience building survey instruments and quality assurance are high signals for this role.

Please note: This is a contract position tied to the funding duration of specific grants or contracts. The position is expected to continue through December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension contingent upon the renewal or extension of funding. 

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Leadership & Innovation

• Platform Development: Lead the configuration and enhancement of our low/no-code applications, ensuring they meet and exceed customer needs.
• Solution Design: Conduct strategic technical assessments and feasibility studies to identify and implement effective solutions.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive platform innovations by translating customer feedback into actionable enhancements that elevate user experience and program outcomes.

2. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate closely with PMs, PEs, and other cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and execution of platform initiatives.
• Technical Advocacy: Serve as a liaison between technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and understanding of project requirements and technical capabilities.
• Sales Support: Partner with the sales team to comprehend customer needs and contribute to the creation of compelling proposals and presentations.

3. Project Management & Ownership

• Program Oversight: Manage multiple programs simultaneously, navigating various lifecycle stages with efficiency and accountability.
• Risk Management: Balance high-impact features with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the delivery of robust and reliable solutions.
• Strategic Execution: Lead cross-functional efforts aimed at platform accessibility, technical documentation, and overall process enhancements.

4. Quality Assurance & Problem Resolution

• Issue Resolution:
  • Proactively identify and resolve critical technical issues, performing root cause analyses to prevent future occurrences.
  • Approach debugging as a rewarding puzzle, taking pride in uncovering and resolving issues.
• Quality Control: Ensure the highest standards of quality in platform performance through rigorous testing and continuous monitoring.
• User Experience Enhancement: Collaborate with PMs and customers to refine the user experience, ensuring our solutions are intuitive and effective.

About You

We don’t have rigid experience requirements — we’re more interested in what you bring to the table to make an impact at AidKit. You’ll likely thrive in this role if you excel in the following areas:

Collaboration & Communication:

• You are an excellent communicator and team player who thrives in cross-functional environments.
• You can work autonomously and proactively while effectively collaborating with PMs, PEs, and customers.
• You excel at translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences.

Technical Expertise:

• You are comfortable using logic to configure software and build efficient workflows.
• You enjoy problem-solving and have a knack for figuring things out.
• Proficiency in SQL and JavaScript is strongly preferred.

Problem Solving & Adaptability:

• You thrive in ambiguous situations and can independently navigate challenges.
• You have a proactive mindset and are eager to learn, experiment, and innovate.
• You are diligent and careful, especially when handling high-stakes features.

Mission Alignment:

• You care deeply about supporting hard-to-reach communities and advancing AidKit’s mission.
• You are excited by the opportunity to scale technology to drive meaningful social impact.

Additional Skills We Value:

• Experience designing workflows or survey instruments.
• Familiarity with Figma or other process flow design tools.

About the Hiring Manager

Hector is an Application Engineer with a background in nonprofits and public policy. Hector spent the initial 1.5 years of his tenure at AidKit on the Software Engineering team before transitioning to lead the development of the Application Engineering team.

From environmental conservation to social services, Hector's focus has been on helping marginalized communities connect with the resources everyone needs to prosper.

And now, at AidKit, he has the opportunity to take this to scale every single day by empowering Application Engineers to build seamless programs to connect people with the resources they need while pushing the boundaries of what our platform is capable of.

Interview Process

Interview Screen - 30 Minutes

You will speak with Hector and discuss your background, what’s important to you in your next role and any questions you might have about the role.

Practical Exercise Interview - 45 Minutes

We will send you a small exercise to create an imaginary cash transfer program using our platform asynchronously (Compensated Exercise). Afterwards, you will meet with myself and 1 or 2 other Application Engineers to discuss your process.

You’ll also pick a project where you have taught yourself something in the past and walk us through the “story” behind that project and what you learned. What motivated it? What were the major technical decisions and how were they decided? What was the resulting organization/architecture? What would you do the same or differently, knowing what you know now?

Final Interview with Hector and Senior Leadership - 30 Minutes

You’ll meet with Hector and a few members of our Senior Leadership team to discuss fit.

Reference Check

As part of our hiring policies we ask you to provide a reference who we can contact who can speak towards your work. Ideally, this is a past manager who we can speak with to understand how to best set you up for success at AidKit.

Compensation and Location

For this full-time contract position, you can work from anywhere in the United States. The salary range for this role is $110,000-$130,000.

Benefits: We reinforce a culture of dignity, autonomy, and trust by actively taking an interest in and supporting employee’s lives outside of work. We also provide equity, which varies by position and experience, and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Fair Salaries that are transparent and competitive, with a maximum ratio of 3:1 between the highest and lowest paid employees at the company.
• Fully remote work setting with home office setup and maintenance stipends.
• Unlimited paid time off
• Retirement plan with 401K matching
• Health benefits (for you and your family)
• Flexible schedule
• Generous 16-week paid parental leave
• Professional development support

About Our Team

AidKit is a fully-remote workplace with virtual headquarters in Colorado, with a team of almost 40 employees from coast to coast in the continental United States.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your resume and a personalized cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with our needs. Note that AidKit values authenticity and carefully reads cover letters with an eye towards learning something real about you and your interest in joining our team.

Please submit cover letters and resumes in .PDF format. Video and slide deck cover letters are also acceptable. We review applications on a rolling basis and will contact qualified candidates for interviews. Thank you for your interest in joining the AidKit team!

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with the review process beginning on December 13.

AidKit is an equal opportunity employer.

AidKit is committed to inclusive hiring practices and recognizes the economic disparities faced by marginalized communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and individuals with disabilities. We strive to create a workplace that values all individuals, provides fair compensation based on qualifications, eliminates biases in hiring, promotion, and compensation processes, and promotes equal opportunities for growth. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

#LI-Remote