Fractional Platform Tech Lead

Engagement:  Independent contractor (SOW-based). Fractional availability 10–20 hrs/week to start; may ramp during key phases  
Location: Remote (overlap with Nepal time preferred)
Stage: Early-stage / stealth

Status: Open for hire Q1 2026 

About Ubu English

We’re building an AI-assisted ESL learning platform for intermediate-to-advanced learners. The platform combines structured learning with AI services to support speaking, writing, and progress tracking. 

The Role (Keystone Engagement)

Ubu English is seeking an independent contractor as a technical lead to establish core engineering environments and define architecture boundaries that enable an external agency (and additional contractors) to deliver the web/LMS platform safely and efficiently. This engagement is intended to be in place before the agency discovery/kickoff phase. 

You’ll serve as the technical “control plane” for delivery: setting standards, defining interfaces, and ensuring quality/security while moving fast to produce:

• Target architecture and boundary diagram (agency vs UE-owned services)
• Dev/staging/prod setup plan and access control model
• Data contracts and API standards v1
• Release and acceptance process for agency deliveries

Key Responsibilities

• Stand up and govern secure dev/staging/prod environments, with clear access control and operational hygiene 
• Define architecture boundaries between agency-built components and UE-owned internal services, including integration patterns and API contracts 
• Establish and maintain data contracts (schemas, events/telemetry expectations, integration requirements) and ensure deliveries are built to them 
• Oversee agency technical delivery: code quality, acceptance criteria, release cadence, and integration readiness
• Provide technical leadership and coordination with a Nepal-based engineers, UE product manager, and agency
• Ensure security, access control, and IP protection are maintained throughout the build
   

What Success Looks Like (First Month)

Within the first few weeks, you’ve created enough structure that development can move quickly without chaos: environments are controlled, interfaces are clear, agency work integrates cleanly, and the founder has visibility into architecture and delivery risk.

Must-Have Profile

• Shipped production SaaS platforms end-to-end 
• Strong platform architecture instincts, security mindset, and experience managing vendor/agency delivery
• Able to write clear specs and testable acceptance criteria, and hold external teams to them 
• Pragmatic and delivery-oriented (not tool-obsessed) 
• Excellent communication skills in English
   

Nice-to-Have

• EdTech/LMS experience 
• Senior technical leadership background (CTO/Head of Eng.) 
• Helpful recruiting network 

Contract Terms

This is an independent contractor engagement and will be structured under a written Statement of Work (SOW) with defined deliverables. 

• Time & Materials (hourly) or monthly retainer (SOW-based)
• Equity participation may be available for exceptional fit (discussed under NDA)
• Potential path to an expanded role over time, including full-time, if there’s mutual fit

Next Steps

If you are interested and qualified for this position please complete the form below.  We will contact you if it feels like a good fit. Candidates will undergo a confidential screening and sign an NDA before detailed technical discussions.

Screening steps (after application):

1. Short fit memo (1 page, template provided after you apply)
2. 25 minute call
3. Paid micro-project (2 to 6 hours)
4. Reference check