Senior Full-Stack Engineer (React Native / Node.js

Project Scope You’ll play a key role in developing the MVP — with a strong focus on reviewing the existing codebase, providing a technical assessment, and building a plan for the chat UI layer to integrate seamlessly with what’s already built. You’ll also lead the development of a recipe ingredient normalization system, turning free-form recipe text into structured, shoppable data. This is a high-impact, short-term engagement (three months) working directly with the founder. Key Responsibilities • Review the current codebase and provide a clear technical diagnosis. • Build a structured implementation plan for the chat UI layer on top of the existing app. • Develop and maintain the React Native mobile app with TypeScript. • Build and integrate AI chat functionality (OpenAI / Gemini) with backend tools (pantry, meal planner, cart). • Create a chat UI with streaming responses and interactive cards linked to core app views. • Implement backend logic with Node.js/TypeScript or Python on Google Cloud Run. • Design and implement a recipe normalization pipeline:   o Parse human-written ingredients and map them to canonical terms.   o Handle synonyms, regional names, prep/unit conversions.   o Map ingredients to real grocery SKUs with confidence scoring. • Sync data between chat actions and app state (pantry, cart, planner). • Set up and optimize CI/CD pipelines, staging, and production environments. • Implement analytics and crash reporting tools. Tech Stack • Frontend: React Native (TypeScript), React Navigation • Backend: Node.js / TypeScript or Python on Google Cloud Run • Database: PostgreSQL on Google Cloud SQL • Auth: Firebase Authentication • AI: OpenAI API / Google Gemini • Infra: Google Cloud Platform (GCS, Cloud Run, Cloud SQL) Ideal Profile • 5+ years of professional software development experience. • Strong React Native + TypeScript skills. • Solid Node.js or Python backend experience. • Experience integrating AI APIs (OpenAI, Gemini, or similar). • Proven experience with data parsing, normalization, or NLP pipelines. • Comfortable working in fast-paced startup environments. • Excellent communication and ownership mindset. • Bonus: CI/CD, GCP, analytics, or crash reporting experience.