Software Engineer volunteer opportunity at iLevelUP: unpaid work with App Development Team. This is a fully remote role.
Software Engineer: remote volunteer opportunity
Build reliable software that supports iLevelUP’s learning experience. Contribute across development, testing, integration, documentation, and maintenance with the engineering team.
Fully remote | Unpaid volunteer | United States
About iLevelUP
iLevelUP is a free, AI-powered, game-based learning experience being developed by Believe in Me to help young people explore education and career possibilities and build self-confidence. The product is in limited beta. The learner is the main character, and iLevelUP is the guide.
Software Engineer role overview
As an iLevelUP Software Engineer, you will contribute practical expertise to a nonprofit education product in limited beta. Build reliable software that supports iLevelUP’s learning experience. Contribute across development, testing, integration, documentation, and maintenance with the engineering team.
You will work with the relevant team to agree on priorities, review progress, and document decisions. Because the product is still developing, clear handoffs and useful feedback matter.
What you will own
Your contribution centers on the responsibilities below. First, understand the current work and the needs of your collaborators. Next, agree on a manageable scope with the team lead. Then, share progress and raise blockers early. Finally, document the decisions that your teammates need for the next step.
Software Engineer responsibilities
- Execute the full software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to deployment and maintenance.
- Write clean, testable code, troubleshoot bugs, and upgrade existing systems to improve performance.
- Integrate software components and develop verification and quality assurance procedures.
- Document software functionality and maintain technical documentation.
- Work closely with designers, developers, and product managers to ensure smooth development and alignment with project goals
Early deliverables
- First, review the current software development and technical support work and identify useful next steps with your team lead.
- Next, agree on an initial deliverable, its review criteria, and the people who need to contribute.
- Finally, complete a reviewable piece of work and document what the next contributor needs to know.
Software Engineer required qualifications
- Proficiency in programming languages such as JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, or Java.
- Experience with front-end or back-end development and frameworks like Node.js, React, or MERN.
- Knowledge of RESTful APIs, databases (NoSQL, MongoDB), and cloud providers (AWS, GCP, Azure).
- Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for coding and software improvement.
Software Engineer helpful experience
- Experience working in an Agile development environment.
- Familiarity with automated testing frameworks and tools like Jest or JUnit.
- Understanding of software development best practices and version control systems like Git.
How we work
Work with App Development Team through approved project tools. In practice, share concise updates, ask for the context you need, and keep decisions in the agreed workspace. For example, explain what you completed, what needs review, and what is blocking the next step. In addition, protect learner and project information when preparing examples or discussing your work.
Why volunteer with iLevelUP
- Contribute to a nonprofit education product at a stage when your decisions can shape the learner experience.
- Own a meaningful body of work and collaborate across education, design, engineering, and student support.
- Develop work samples and share approved contributions in your portfolio while respecting project and learner confidentiality.
Time commitment and location
This is a fully remote, unpaid volunteer opportunity. Weekly availability, meeting times, project scope, and the duration of your commitment will be agreed during onboarding. The published eligibility area for this opening is the United States.
How to apply
First, use the Believe in Me volunteer application to share your résumé or professional profile, relevant experience, availability, and a brief statement of interest. Before submitting, remove personal, confidential, and proprietary information from any work samples.
For the Software Engineer opening, explain a relevant project. For example, describe the problem you addressed and your own contribution. If you are still building experience, describe how your current skills connect with the listed responsibilities. Next, the team will review your application and discuss fit and expectations with selected applicants.
We welcome applicants from varied backgrounds and pathways. Before applying, review this role’s required and helpful experience. Also, if you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, use iLevelUP’s contact page.
Role details
- Role: Software Engineer
- Program: iLevelUP, a Believe in Me initiative
- Employment type: Unpaid volunteer
- Workplace: Fully remote
- Applicant eligibility: United States
- Team: App Development Team
- Company address: 107 Spring Street, 2nd Floor, Seattle, WA 98104
- Job ID: 783
This is a fully remote, unpaid volunteer opportunity. Weekly availability, meeting times, project scope, and the duration of your commitment will be agreed during onboarding. The published eligibility area for this opening is the United States.