VP of Engineering at KaiPod Learning

VP of Engineering

ABOUT US

KaiPod Learning is the nation’s fastest growing network of microschools.

We believe in a new education model that is personalized, flexible, and built around students, not systems. The traditional one-size-fits-all model is broken, and we are here to replace it with something radically better.

We power a fast-growing network of in-person microschools, giving families across the country access to high-quality, small-group learning environments. Behind the scenes, our tech platform is the engine that drives everything: academics, communication, student progress, school operations — and soon, much more.

We’re not here to make incremental change. We are building the infrastructure for a new category of education. That takes vision, speed, and a team unafraid to challenge the status quo.

We are backed by YCombinator, Reach Capital, and several other top venture firms.

ABOUT THE ROLE

KaiPod Learning is on a mission to reimagine education for the modern world and we are looking for a visionary VP of Engineering to help us build it.

You will lead the development of Newton, the microschool management platform that will connect millions of students, families, and educators through a seamless, intuitive experience. This is more than just a product — it’s the operating system for a new category of learning.

As our most senior technical leader, you’ll own the technical vision, lead the team, and roll up your sleeves to build alongside your team. You’ll be foundational in shaping the platform — and the future of education.

What You’ll Do:

• Partner with the CEO and Product team to turn our roadmap into fast, high-quality development
• Own the technical vision and execution for Newton, from architecture to deployment, including where and how we leverage AI
• Write code and ship features — this is a hands-on leadership role
• Lead and mentor a growing team of engineers, fostering a high-performance, mission-driven culture
• Own hiring and team growth, bringing in top talent as we scale

ABOUT YOU

This is a highly strategic role with visibility at the highest levels — including our Board and investors. We’re looking for a technical leader who thrives in early-stage environments, embraces complex challenges, and is passionate about building products that create meaningful impact.

You might be a great fit if you are:

• A senior technical leader (5+ years as a Founding Engineer, CTO, or equivalent) with a track record of success at high-growth startups
• Skilled in building and scaling consumer-grade applications across web and mobile
• Experienced in integrating AI technologies into the user journey and product experience
• Deeply knowledgeable in system architecture and performance optimization
• Comfortable shipping in fast-moving, iterative product environments
• A collaborative builder who works seamlessly with product, design, and operations teams
• An inspiring leader and mentor who invests in team growth and culture

You also bring experience with — or are excited to work with — our current tech stack:

• Backend: Ruby on Rails, PostgreSQL, Redis
• Infrastructure: Ubuntu Linux on Heroku
• Web Frontend: Hotwire Turbo & Stimulus, Tailwind CSS
• Mobile:
  • iOS: Swift + Hotwire Native iOS
  • Android: Kotlin + Hotwire Native Android

Our team (along with our network of learning locations) is spread across the country. You can choose to live anywhere in the US.