Position: Lead Software Engineer (Backend), with the Technologists for Global Transformation Program
Organization: Schmidt Futures Projects
About Us: Join us in our mission to drive impactful change in urban sustainability and plastic waste reduction! We are seeking a talented and passionate Senior Backend Engineer to lead the development of an innovative web application supporting Perpetual, a groundbreaking nonprofit dedicated to revolutionizing food container practices through city-scaled reusable foodware systems. In collaboration with our partners at the University of Chicago and Perpetual’s internal teams, you will be at the forefront of a zero-to-one project that aims to transform sustainable practices in U.S. cities.
Role Description: As a Senior Backend Engineer, you will spearhead the development of a full-featured web application designed to facilitate and scale Perpetual’s foodware design system. This is a unique opportunity to shape a cutting-edge solution that addresses critical environmental challenges. You will work closely with nontechnical stakeholders and lead the technical efforts to enhance existing proof-of-concepts, delivering a user-friendly and scalable application that aligns with Perpetual’s mission of reducing plastic waste.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead end-to-end development of a user-friendly fully-functional web application end-to-end, from initial concept through deployment.
- Implement functionalities for manipulating bin placements, optimizing routes, and simulating changes in variables such as bin or vehicle capacities.
- Collaborate with data scientists and engineers to integrate pipeline results and enhance application capabilities.
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality, efficient code that meets project requirements and scalability needs.
- Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
- Navigate ambiguity with confidence and adaptability, providing solutions that meet evolving project requirements.
- Participate in code reviews, contribute to technical documentation, and support deployment processes.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering.
- Deep expertise in Python and backend JavaScript frameworks (e.g., Node.js)
- 5-7 years of experience in software development with a proven track record of delivering full stack scalable web applications or software solutions, ideally in a zero-to-one project environment.
- Strong communication skills with experience working effectively with both technical and non-technical teams.
- Experience serving as a lead engineer on projects, demonstrating leadership and project ownership.
- Commitment to agile development practices and iterative improvement
Technical Requirements:
- Deep experience in Python or backend JavaScript, with a strong willingness to use and adapt to both technologies as needed.
- Proficiency in Git and GitHub for version control and collaborative development.
- Experience with common DevOps tools and practices, such as GitHub Actions, automated deployment pipelines, code linting.
- Significant experience with web development frameworks such as Django (or similar)
- Experience with cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, or Azure.
Nice to have:
- Frontend experience with Javascript/Typescript/React (or willingness to learn)
- Experience working with smaller, agile teams and rapidly prototyping solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders and manage project ambiguity.
- An entrepreneurial mindset with a bias toward action
- Passion for climate impact solutions, urban sustainability, plastic waste reduction and leveraging tech for social impact with a focus on transitioning to the impact sector long-term
- Previous experience in the nonprofit sector is a plus.
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and any relevant portfolio or GitHub repository links showcasing previous work. If you’re excited about the intersection of technology and sustainability and ready to drive meaningful change, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today and be part of the movement towards a greener, more sustainable world!
This posting has been revised.
