Senior Full-Stack Developer - AI-Enabled SaaS MVP (Next.js / TypeScript / Supabase / Vercel)

We have a working SaaS prototype with a mapped product workflow and I'm ready to move it into a structured, production-ready MVP. I'm looking for a senior full-stack developer who can come in, review what's been built, help define the right scope for Phase 1, and build it out with clean, maintainable code. This is not a task-based coding contract. I need someone with strong technical judgment who can also think at the product level, weigh tradeoffs, and communicate clearly with a non-technical founder. If you like to understand the why behind what you're building and can take ownership of both the planning and execution, this is a good fit. What the Work Involves - Review the existing prototype and understand the core workflow - Recommend the right MVP architecture and define what belongs in Phase 1 versus later - Build the MVP frontend, backend, database structure, authentication, and core user flows - Write clean, reusable code with a structure that can scale - Prepare the codebase for future AI and API integrations - Communicate technical decisions in plain language throughout Preferred Stack - Frontend: Next.js, React, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS - Backend: Node.js / full-stack TypeScript - Database: Supabase / PostgreSQL or similar - Auth: Supabase Auth, Clerk, or NextAuth - Deployment: Vercel - Version control: GitHub If you have a strong reason to recommend a different stack, I'm open to hearing it. Skills I'm Looking For - Experience taking a SaaS product from prototype or early concept to a working MVP - Strong with Next.js, React, TypeScript, Tailwind, and full-stack JavaScript - Solid database design skills for dashboard and multi-step workflow products - Familiar with auth, user account flows, and deployment on Vercel - Comfortable integrating APIs and building with AI readiness in mind - Good communicator who can explain technical decisions without jargon - Practical judgment around scope, speed, and what actually needs to be built now Nice to Have - Experience with SaaS dashboards, workflow tools, or productivity platforms - Background in EdTech, HR, coaching, or professional development products - Familiarity with Figma handoff and design-to-build implementation - Experience with multi-step onboarding, assessments, or admin dashboards How This Engagement Is Structured I want to start with a paid Phase 1 before committing to the full build. This keeps the risk low for both sides and makes sure we're aligned before any significant work begins. Phase 1: Prototype Review and MVP Planning This first phase covers a full review of the existing prototype and workflow, a clear recommendation on MVP scope and technical architecture, identification of risks and missing pieces, a Phase 1 feature list with a development roadmap and timeline estimate, and database, auth, deployment, and AI readiness recommendations. A small proof-of-concept may also be included if it helps validate a key decision. After Phase 1, we decide together whether to move into the full build. Phase 2: MVP Development Full build covering frontend, backend, database, authentication, deployment, and core workflow logic based on the plan from Phase 1. Availability Requirements - At least 4 hours of daily overlap with Eastern Time - Available for a weekly check-in - Comfortable with written updates and GitHub-based collaboration Please Include in Your Proposal 1. Two or three relevant SaaS or MVP projects you have built 2. A brief description of how you have taken a product from prototype to MVP 3. Your recommended stack for this project and why 4. How you would approach the Phase 1 prototype review and planning step 5. What you would deliver at the end of Phase 1 6. Your pricing for Phase 1 and for the full MVP build 7. Your estimated timeline for both phases 8. Your availability and Eastern Time overlap More detail about the product, prototype access, and workflow will be shared with candidates who move forward. I'm looking for a technical partner for this build, not just someone to write code to a spec.