Lead Software Engineer

Summary

Join the Wikimedia Foundation as a Lead Software Engineer for a 8-10 week project-based contract! This remote role focuses on building interactive web-based games using Wikipedia content. You will collaborate with a cross-functional team, developing experimental solutions for mobile web and integrating third-party APIs. The ideal candidate possesses 5-8+ years of software development experience, mobile web development skills (Vue.js or React), and experience with cross-functional teams. The position offers competitive hourly pay, dependent on location and experience. The Wikimedia Foundation is a remote-first organization with staff in 40+ countries.

Requirements

• Have 5-8+ years of professional software development experience
• Have experience with cross-functional teams and new product development
• Be able to work in a self-driven, lean environment
• Have quick adaptability to new codebases and technologies
• Have experience integrating third-party API services
• Possess mobile web development skills, including frontend frameworks (Vue.js or React), as well as API development and integration

Responsibilities

• Act as a thought-partner on a small cross-functional team
• Develop highly interactive experimental solutions for mobile web
• Work independently with minimal engineering support
• Use third-party and Wikimedia APIs
• Stay informed about new technologies and platforms
• Instrument components for monitoring and analysis
• Recommend improvements to R&D infrastructure
• Collaborate with design and engineering teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Have a strong belief in Wikimedia's principles of using technology ethically
• Be willing to iterate quickly and pivot strategically
• Have a background in mobile game development
• Have clear communication skills in both synchronous and asynchronous channels
• Have cloud environment experience
• Have an open source contribution history

Benefits

• Remote work
• Competitive hourly pay (US$52/hour to US$75/hour for US-based applicants, adjusted for other countries)