Software Developer Position
✦ SOFTWARE DEVELOPER POSITION
Company: ZITNALTA™ Studio
Location: Historic Monadnock Building, Suite 256, 53 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60603
Program: Metropolitan Family Services Workforce Program - Illinois Youth Investment Program
Duration: 13 weeks
Compensation: $17/hour, 10-20 hours per week
Age Requirement: 16-24 years old
ABOUT ZITNALTA™ STUDIO
ZITNALTA™ Studio is a Black-owned technology company that has achieved over $200,000 in business funding and grants since 2020. Operating from Chicago's historic Monadnock Building, we specialize in AI-powered software development, mobile applications, and innovative Adobe Express add-ons. Our company received a prestigious Adobe Fund for Design grant to develop cutting-edge direct mail automation technology.
We are more than just a design and development company—we are a community wealth building enterprise dedicated to creating opportunities and economic empowerment within Chicago's underserved communities. When you succeed here, you're contributing to a movement that creates pathways to prosperity in our community.
POSITION OVERVIEW
This is an exciting opportunity for a young developer to learn cutting-edge AI-assisted software development while working on real business projects. You'll be trained in three primary technology areas that represent the future of software development, with AI tools as your primary coding assistants.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. WordPress Website Development
- Build professional WordPress websites using Breakdance page builder
- Create landing pages, business websites, and ecommerce platforms
- Deploy and manage websites on Google Cloud Platform using LiteSpeed CyberPanel virtual machines
- Work with existing clients and new client projects
- Learn professional web hosting and server management
2. Mobile and Web Application Development
- Develop cross-platform applications for iOS, Android, and web using DreamFlow
- Learn FlutterFlow platform fundamentals (the company behind DreamFlow)
- Use AI-powered development tools to create professional mobile applications
- Build apps that can be published to Google Play Store, iOS App Store, and web platforms
- Work with modern no-code/low-code development methodologies enhanced by AI
3. Adobe Express Add-On Development
- Contribute to the ZITNALTA™ Studio Adobe Express Add-On project (funded by Adobe Fund for Design)
- Work on a standalone direct mail editor using Flutter framework
- Develop features for iOS, Android, and web-based applications
- Build personalized direct mail capabilities (postcards, catalogs, fundraising letters)
- Learn integration with Adobe InDesign Server and professional print workflows
- Work on studio.zitnalta.ai domain deployment
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Technical Skills
- AI-Assisted Development: Master Claude AI and Google AI Studio as coding partners
- WordPress Development: Professional website creation and deployment
- Mobile App Development: Cross-platform app creation using modern tools
- Cloud Platform Management: Google Cloud Platform and server administration
- Adobe Integration: Working with Adobe Express SDK and professional design workflows
- Version Control: Git and professional development workflows
Professional Skills
- Working with real client projects and deadlines
- Professional communication and project management
- Understanding of business technology needs
- Experience with funded software development projects
- Mentorship in entrepreneurial technology development
REQUIREMENTS
Essential Qualifications
- Age: Must be between 16-24 years old
- Enthusiasm for AI: Excited about using artificial intelligence as a coding assistant
- Learning Mindset: Willing to be "moldable" and take direction
- Basic Technical Interest: Some exposure to programming, web development, or technology
- Communication Skills: Able to ask questions and explain technical concepts
- Reliability: Commitment to complete the full 13-week program
Preferred Background
- High school diploma (required) or some college coursework
- Any programming experience (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, etc.)
- Interest in mobile app development or web design
- Familiarity with any AI tools (but we'll train you on our specific platforms)
- Self-motivated with problem-solving abilities
Important Notes
- No extensive programming experience required - we will train you
- Must be excited about AI tools - this is central to our development approach
- Willingness to learn our specific platforms (Claude AI, Google AI Studio, DreamFlow, FlutterFlow)
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Foundation & AI Tools
- Introduction to ZITNALTA™ Studio methodologies
- Master Claude AI and Google AI Studio for development assistance
- Basic WordPress and web development concepts
- Understanding of our client project workflows
WordPress Development
- Advanced Breakdance page builder techniques
- Google Cloud Platform and LiteSpeed CyberPanel management
- Client project work on landing pages and business websites
- Professional deployment and maintenance procedures
Mobile App Development
- DreamFlow AI-powered app development
- FlutterFlow platform fundamentals
- Cross-platform development for iOS, Android, and web
- Publishing applications to app stores
Adobe Express Add-On Project
- Contribute to funded Adobe project development
- Flutter framework for professional applications
- Integration with Adobe InDesign Server
- Direct mail automation and personalization features
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Professional Setting
- Location: Historic Monadnock Building - one of Chicago's most iconic business addresses
- Equipment: Apple MacOS Professional development workstations and software licenses
- Mentorship: Direct training from founder with 45+ years of industry experience
- Real Projects: Work on actual client projects with revenue impact
Schedule Flexibility
- Hours: 10-20 hours per week (minimum 10 hours required)
- Schedule: Flexible hours to accommodate education or other commitments
- Duration: 13 weeks with potential for permanent hiring upon successful completion
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
During the Program
- Hands-on experience with funded software projects
- Real-world client interaction and project management
- Portfolio development with professional applications
- Mentorship in AI-assisted development methodologies
Post-Program Potential
- Permanent Employment: Opportunity for full-time hiring after successful completion
- Skill Certification: Experience with cutting-edge AI development tools
- Industry Connections: Network within Chicago's technology community
- Portfolio Development: Professional projects for future career opportunities
COMPANY ACHIEVEMENTS & CREDIBILITY
ZITNALTA™ Studio's track record demonstrates our commitment to professional development and business success:
- $200,000+ in business funding and grants secured since 2020
- Adobe Fund for Design grant recipient for innovative add-on development
- SBA 7(a) loan recipient ($150,000 from Huntington Bank)
- Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago award winner ($25,000 - selected from 160+ applications)
- Professional Creative office in Chicago's prestigious Monadnock Building
- 45+ years of industry experience in printing, design, and technology
APPLICATION PROCESS
This position is available through ZITNALTA™ Studio via the Metropolitan Family Services Illinois Youth Investment Project (IYIP).
To Apply:
- Contact ZITNALTA™ Studio and if there is a fit we will refer you to our Metropolitan Family Services workforce program coordinator
- Express interest in the ZITNALTA™ Studio software developer position
- Emphasize your enthusiasm for AI-assisted development
- Be prepared to discuss your interest in mobile apps and web development over a 30-45 minute virtual Zoom call
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
- Potential over experience - we can teach technical skills
- Enthusiasm for AI technology - this is essential to our development approach
- Growth mindset - willingness to learn new methodologies
- Professional reliability - commitment to the full 13-week program
CONTACT INFORMATION
Company: ZITNALTA™ Studio
Founder: Edmund Danté Hamilton
Address: Suite 256, Historic Monadnock Building | 53 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60603
Job Site & Timesheets: ZITNALTA™ Studio will submit and sign your timesheets to MFS IYIP each week
Program Coordination & Payroll: Through Metropolitan Family Services IYIP coordinator
ZITNALTA™ Studio is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and community wealth building. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experience levels who are excited about AI-assisted software development and committed to professional growth.
This position is funded through the Metropolitan Family Services Illinois Youth Investment Project and provides paid work experience with potential for permanent employment upon successful completion of the 13-week program.