Software Engineer III (Backend)
Description
We’re Ookla, the company behind Speedtest, Downdetector, Ekahau, RootMetrics, and an ever-expanding suite of connectivity solutions. Our team is a group of people brought together through passion and inspired by possibility. We are looking for team members who enjoy solving complex problems, are motivated to challenge themselves, and are delighted with turning clever ideas into unique products.
Millions of consumer-initiated tests are performed through our products and billions of data points are collected globally every day. With all this measurement comes countless ways to dissect and analyze our data, and plenty of exciting opportunities to optimize our broader strategy. When you work for us, you are using Ookla data and insights to further our mission to improve connectivity for all. Join us in making the internet better for everyone!
We are seeking a highly-skilled Senior Software Engineer to join a team of passionate engineers that are tasked with the unique opportunity to build next-generation platforms that will pave the path for many other teams at Ookla to follow. This team’s recently-launched flagship product, which provides a whole new way to combine data from different sources to visualize, analyze, and inspire real-world action to improve connectivity, is a centerpiece in Ookla’s strategy to bring connectivity insights to a wide array of industries and geographies. The modern era has made telecommunications essential to daily life. While our target markets are government entities that are striving to invest and improve broadband access and performance in their jurisdictions along with network operators that are seeking to maximize their revenue opportunities through thoughtful investments in their network, there are many potential customers that could benefit from our products and services.
To be successful in this mission, we use mapping technologies and high performance database systems to produce highly interactive and performant means of understanding large quantities of data at a glance. As a cross-functional team, we aim to move quickly. The team has expertise in Backend and Frontend Engineering, and even Data Engineering. We use each of these skill sets to problem-solve across the software stack.
We are committed to providing you a flexible work environment where individuality, fun, and talent are all valued equally. If you consider yourself innovative, adept at collaboration, and you care deeply about the work you do, we want to talk!
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define software requirements and specifications.
- Design and develop high-quality, efficient, and maintainable web applications using Go, NodeJS, and other relevant technologies.
- Utilize your expertise in database technologies, including MySQL, Postgres, Redshift, Athena and S3, to architect and optimize data storage and retrieval processes.
- Dig under-the-hood with databases like SingleStore, Clickhouse, etc. to boost query performance.
- Lead and mentor junior engineers, providing guidance on best practices and coding standards.
- Problem-solve with teammates to turn desired functionality into implementation plans and then ultimately into working software. Take situations with ambiguity and drive clarity.
- Collaborate with frontend engineers to ensure that functional and performance requirements are met.
- Conduct code reviews to ensure code quality, performance, and adherence to coding standards.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex software issues, identifying and implementing solutions in a timely manner.
- Stay current with industry trends and advancements in web development, and actively contribute to the adoption of new technologies and best practices within the team.
Requirements:
We are looking for the right person, not the exact list of requirements. If you believe your life experience has prepared you for similar challenges, we’d like to hear from you.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in software development.
- Strong proficiency in Go (preferred), Python, Rust, NodeJS/Javascript, and other modern languages and frameworks.
- Well-versed in designing cohesive APIs.
- Extensive experience with database technologies, including MySQL, Postgres, Redshift, and Athena.
- Proven track record of delivering high-quality, scalable software solutions.
- Excellent problem-solving, algorithmic, and analytical skills.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Benefits
We care deeply about each other and the work we do, and our perks are just one way we demonstrate this. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including (but not limited to):
- Competitive annual leave
- ESPP options
- Comprehensive benefits plans
- Pension plan contribution
- Paid maternity and parental leave
- Wellness benefits (Calm app, gym reimbursement, ERG groups, etc)
You will have the best hardware, software, and tools available for you to do your work, and we provide excellent flexibility for working remotely as time and responsibilities allow. To promote your success and growth we offer educational opportunities, and anti-racism and LGBTQIA+ resource libraries, team activities, and many more.
If you’re passionate about joining the work we’re doing, we welcome your application and encourage applicants with both traditional and non-traditional experience that makes them an excellent candidate for the role. We strongly believe diversity of all kinds makes us better. We are an equal opportunity employer actively working to build an inclusive workforce at all levels of the company. [Read our latest diversity report from our parent company here.] Ookla is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We want to ensure candidates have everything they need throughout our application and hiring process. If you have any individual needs related to disability or accessibility, we encourage you to contact and let us know how we can best accommodate you.