Software Engineer (Full-Stack / Backend) — Early-Stage LegalTech Startup (Also hiring: Intern)

**About Us** EqualDocs is an early-stage Legal AI / contract intelligence (LegalTech) startup. Our MVP is **live with real users**, and we're in a fast iteration phase. We're currently fundraising and looking for someone who wants to grow with the company from this early point. We're honest about where we are: pre-funding, small budget, moving fast, limited hand-holding. If you want everything specified for you before you start, this isn't the right fit — and that's okay. If you're energized by ownership and real product impact, read on. **The Role** Our CTO sets architecture and direction but does **not** have time to fix detailed bugs. So we need someone who can independently figure out what's wrong and fix bugs. Most current work is **Python backend bugs and React/Next.js UX \& workflow issues**: clicks that don't respond, broken multi-step flows, data not passing through correctly. **Responsibilities** * Independently diagnose and fix UX and workflow bugs from minimal descriptions * Implement backend / API / data logic (Python — Flask/FastAPI) * Make and collaborate on frontend changes (React / Next.js) * Ship features end-to-end on a live product * Test, deploy, and troubleshoot production issues *Interns take on the above in stages with clearer guidance.* **Who We're Looking For** This is the core of the job, more than years of experience: * **Self-directed.** You can run with a vague description, make reasonable assumptions, and ship — without waiting to be told exactly what to do. * **Proactive communicator.** When you're stuck, you say so early instead of going silent. * Comfortable across **Python \+ React/Next.js** (can read both ends and trace a bug yourself) * Comfortable with the ambiguity and fast change of a pre-funding startup * Strong execution, direct communication, open to feedback **Engineers:** \~2–5 years building real products; able to work independently. **Interns:** strong personal/coursework projects showing you can build and debug on your own. **Nice to have:** SaaS / AI / LegalTech / B2B experience; startup, open-source, or shipped-product experience; interest in long-term growth, conversion, or equity. **Québec Employment Integration Program (Important)** We especially welcome candidates eligible for Québec's Employment Integration Program (PRIIME), for example: * New immigrants or visible-minority backgrounds * Limited relevant professional experience in Québec / North America * Currently unemployed, underemployed, or working below your qualifications EqualDocs can work with Services Québec to apply for employment integration support and wage subsidies for eligible candidates. Details: https://www.quebec.ca/en/employment/find-job-internship/employment-assistance-programs/immigrants-visible-minorities/employment-integration **What We Offer** * Early Québec-based technical work / internship experience * Real product, real users, real code — not training exercises * Hands-on growth at the intersection of AI and law * Inclusive, diverse, immigrant-friendly environment * For high performers: pay increase post-funding, conversion to permanent, and equity potential Pay: $48,000\.00-$60,000\.00 per year Work Location: In person