Simplify Logo

Full-Time

Founding Engineer

Updated on 10/23/2024

Primer

Primer

51-200 employees

Personalized K-8 education through Microschools

Education

Compensation Overview

$130k - $160kAnnually

+ Equity

Mid, Senior

San Francisco, CA, USA

Requires in-office presence 5 days a week.

Category
Full-Stack Engineering
Software Engineering
Required Skills
React.js
Node.js
Postgres
GraphQL
TypeScript
Next.js
Requirements
  • Passion for Education: You have an unbridled passion for fixing the US education system.
  • Thrives in the Unknown: The unknowns of the early-stage fuel you.
  • Engineering Fundamentals: You have a strong grasp of engineering fundamentals and know how to apply them in real-world situations.
  • Pride in Craftsmanship: You take immense pride in your craft.
  • Building from zero: You have experience and love owning a feature or product from idea to live in production with active users.
Responsibilities
  • Work with TypeScript, NodeJS, GraphQL, Prisma, Postgres, NextJS, React, and Relay.
  • You’ll work daily with team members from engineering, product, design, and our academic program.
  • Take full ownership of projects and expand your skills.
  • You’ll have the opportunity to lead initiatives that shape the entire product, with room to learn and grow along the way.
  • Play a key role in setting the foundation for our engineering culture as we grow the team.
  • While you’ll have ownership, collaboration through code reviews is key.

Primer provides personalized educational experiences through its Microschools, which are small, community-based institutions for K-8 students. These Microschools allow children to learn at their own pace and explore their interests, focusing on individual growth and creativity rather than a standardized curriculum. Unlike traditional schools, Primer emphasizes a flexible and tailored approach to education, ensuring that each child's unique needs are met. The company actively involves parents in the educational process, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances transparency and engagement. Primer's business model is based on tuition fees, but it also offers personalized payment plans and financial aid to make its services accessible to a wider range of families. The goal of Primer is to create a new education system that prioritizes personalized learning and supports families seeking alternatives to conventional schooling.

Company Stage

Series A

Total Funding

$19.3M

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Founded

2005

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

-4%

1 year growth

1%

2 year growth

76%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Primer's innovative approach to education could attract families dissatisfied with traditional schooling, driving strong enrollment growth.
  • The launch of programs like Primer Fellows and features like High Fives demonstrates the company's commitment to continuous innovation and student engagement.
  • Primer's focus on personalized learning can lead to higher student satisfaction and better educational outcomes, enhancing its reputation and appeal.

What critics are saying

  • The niche market of Microschools may limit Primer's scalability compared to traditional educational institutions.
  • Dependence on tuition fees could make Primer vulnerable to economic downturns, affecting families' ability to afford alternative education.

What makes Primer unique

  • Primer's Microschools offer a personalized and flexible curriculum, unlike traditional one-size-fits-all educational models.
  • The company's strong emphasis on parental involvement and community-based learning sets it apart from conventional schools.
  • Primer's commitment to accessibility through personalized tuition plans and financial aid options makes it more inclusive than many private educational institutions.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?