Senior Software Engineer - Backend Services

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

1d•$150,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As a senior member of the Globus product team, you will design and deliver new capabilities in Globus data management platform, with focus on the data automation services. Delivered as a hosted service (SaaS) and platform (PaaS), Globus’ secure data management platform is used by researchers worldwide. This role is a great opportunity to work on innovative solutions to data management and task automation at scale that directly influence and accelerate research in various domains. We are looking for skilled Python engineers with experience building scalable systems to join the development team to expand the services delivered. In this role, you will architect new features, develop high-quality software and operate services with high-availability. If you enjoy collaborative, innovative, mission-driven environments, Globus could be a great fit for you! As a senior member of our team, the Senior Software Engineer - Backend Services will work in both collaborative and independent capacities on complex issues and projects, in some cases making progress under minimal guidance.

Requirements

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Programming experience developing, implementing, debugging, and maintaining applications with Python.
Strong understanding of generalized architecture patterns and service oriented architecture.
Proficiency with SQL databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, SQLite).
Proficiency with implementing RESTful API services.
Familiarity with Linux system programming (process execution and management).
Development, deployment and operation of SaaS and PaaS systems.
Use of Amazon Web Services (e.g., IAM, boto3, S3, ECS, Cloud Formation, Step Functions, Lambda).
Familiarity with use of OpenAPI schemata (as a producer and consumer).
Experience with automation and/or state machine technologies (e.g., AWS Step Functions, Apache Airflow, Prefect, Dagster, Temporal).
Experience with Python web frameworks (e.g., FastAPI or Flask).
Work with containers (e.g., Docker, ECS).
Experience with unit testing and continuous integration tools (e.g., pytest, GitHub Actions) and shell scripting (e.g., bash).
Familiarity with web security technologies (e.g., OAuth2, SAML, OpenID Connect and PKI).
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
Excellent organizational skills and constant attention to detail.
Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
Receptive to feedback; willing to learn and embrace continuous improvement.
Mastery of fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of software development.
Confidentiality related to sensitive University matters such as strategic initiatives, trade secrets, quiet periods, and scientific discoveries yet to be put in the public domain.

Nice To Haves

10+ years of professional experience in software engineering and delivering large scale systems.
5+ years of relevant programming experience developing, implementing, debugging, and maintaining applications with Python.

Responsibilities

Architecture and Design - leads the definition and documentation of requirements, architecture and design of secure, scalable, asynchronous, data access services, based on deep knowledge of principles of API design, asynchronous processes, service deployment, and delivery of services with high availability.
Software Development - develops, tests, documents, deploys and maintains high-quality software on a cloud-based platform, including REST interfaces, command-line interfaces, socket-based services, and data processing pipelines; works with other service and client development teams to integrate and design cross-service features. Leads code and design reviews, and mentors other junior engineers to ensure high quality service delivery.
Support and Documentation - works in close collaboration with the Globus front line support and professional services teams, and directly with end users, to provide technical support services; sometimes serving as the point of escalation for complex issues; responsible for ensuring standard operating procedures and protocols are maintained and documented.
Team Coordination and Professional Development - maintains a working knowledge of relevant software technologies being developed and/or used in scientific and commercial communities; contributes to team coordination and development activities, including project planning, project reporting, and recruitment.
Designs new systems, features, and tools.
Solves complex problems and identifies opportunities for technical improvement and performance optimization.
Reviews and tests code to ensure appropriate standards are met.
Utilizes technical knowledge of existing and emerging technologies, including public cloud offerings from Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
Performs other related work as needed.