LEAD SOFTWARE ENGINEER ( Fixed Project Contractor) At Wikimedia Foundation
LEAD SOFTWARE ENGINEER ( Fixed Project Contractor) At Wikipedia Foundation
The Wikimedia Foundation is the nonprofit organization that operates Wikipedia and the other Wikimedia free knowledge projects. Our vision is a world in which every single human can freely share in the sum of all knowledge. We believe that everyone has the potential to contribute something to our shared knowledge, and that everyone should be able to access that knowledge freely. We host Wikipedia and the Wikimedia projects, build software experiences for reading, contributing, and sharing Wikimedia content, support the volunteer communities and partners who make Wikimedia possible, and advocate for policies that enable Wikimedia and free knowledge to thrive.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Lead Software Engineer (Fixed Project Contractor)
Location: Nigeria (Remote)
Hours: Maximum of 40 hours/week
Duration: Project-based contract preferred, estimated for a 10 week fixed term contract
Statement of Purpose
The Wikimedia Foundation is looking for an experienced Software Engineer to support a project in the product department on a temporary basis for a period of 8-10 weeks.
This role is an hourly paid position, with payments structured around pre-determined milestones to ensure clear expectations and progress tracking.
Scope of Work
The engineer will support our “New Engagement Experiments“ effort, reporting to product design management.
You will collaborate with product design, communications, and other engineers – building and deploying software experiments that explore ways to invite more interaction and learning with Wikipedia content.
The focus of this work will be a time limited ‘daily play’ web-based game, utilizing Wikipedia content.
Key Responsibilities
Acting as a thought-partner on a small cross-functional team
Developing highly interactive experimental solutions for mobile web
Working independently with minimal engineering support
Using third-party and Wikimedia APIs
Staying informed about new technologies and platforms
Instrumenting components for monitoring and analysis
Recommending improvements to R&D infrastructure
Collaborating with design and engineering teams
Deliverables
Specific deliverables and timelines for these deliverables will be defined by the Project lead at the start of the contract.
Outcome and Performance standards
This work will be overseen by a Design Manager, who will be responsible for reviewing the deliverables and ensuring they meet our standards.
Requirements:
The ideal candidate should have:
5-8+ years of professional software development experience
Experience with cross-functional teams and new product development
Ability to work in a self-driven, lean environment
Quick adaptability to new codebases and technologies
Experience integrating third-party API services
Mobile web development skills, including frontend frameworks (Vue.js or React), as well as API development and integration.
Additional desired qualities include:
Strong belief in Wikimedia’s principles of using technology ethically
Willingness to iterate quickly and pivot strategically
Background in mobile game development
Clear communication skills in both synchronous and asynchronous channels
Cloud environment experience (preferred)
Open source contribution history (preferred)
Remuneration
- The Wikimedia Foundation is a remote-first organization with staff members including contractors based 40+ countries*. Salaries at the Wikimedia Foundation are set in a way that is competitive, equitable, and consistent with our values and culture.
- The anticipated annual pay range of this position for applicants based within the United States is US$52/hour to US$75/hour with multiple individualized factors, including cost of living in the location, being the determinants of the offered pay.
- For applicants located outside of the US, the pay range will be adjusted to the country of hire. We neither ask for nor take into consideration the salary history of applicants.
- The compensation for a successful applicant will be based on their skills, experience and location.
Application Closing Date
Not Specified.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candiates should:
Click here to apply online
Note
- As an equal opportunity employer, the Wikimedia Foundation values having a diverse workforce and continuously strives to maintain an inclusive and equitable workplace. We encourage people with a diverse range of backgrounds to apply.
- We do not discriminate against any person based upon their race, traits historically associated with race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy or related medical conditions, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.
- We periodically review this list to streamline to ensure alignment with our hiring requirements.
- All applicants can reach out to their recruiter to understand more about the specific pay range for their location during the interview process.
- If you are a qualified applicant requiring assistance or an accommodation to complete any step of the application process due to a disability, you may contact us at: recruiting@wikimedia.org or +1 (415) 839-6885.
