Senior Software Engineer

*This position is fully remote/home based. Applications will be accepted from candidates based in the UK and the following US states: AZ, CA, FL, IL, MA, MD, NY, PA, TX, VA, WA

In the US, this is a union represented position as part of the Pacific Media Workers Guild, Local 39521 of the NewsGuild-Communication Workers of America.

Role Summary

PLOS is a non-profit organization on a mission to drive open science forward with measurable, meaningful change in research publishing, policy, and practice. We believe in a better future where science is open to all, for all.

The Senior Software Engineer draws on a diversity of experience in software engineering, architecture, and lifecycle management to collaboratively design, build, and maintain modern cloud-native solutions to power the ongoing revolution in open science. A high level of motivation, independence and willingness to constantly learn and improve are necessary to be successful.
This role sits within the Digital team and is part of a team of engineers within the software engineering function.

Responsibilities

• As part of a cross-functional product team, contribute designs, code, tests, code reviews, and excellent judgement towards the development and continuous improvement of our digital platforms.
• Participate in agile ceremonies and evolving development practices of the team.
• Contribute to the overall platform architecture
• Ensure new work is delivered in alignment with said architecture
• Establish and support development processes
• Provide stewardship of the long-term sustainability of our platform and actively manage platform health and technical debt

Knowledge and Skills

• Significant professional software engineering experience gained in a full-stack environment, ideally with experience using Google Cloud, Python, React, Kubernetes, BigQuery, or similar modern technologies.
• Hands-on experience developing, shipping, operating, and/or maintaining consumer and/or enterprise web applications.
• Demonstrated passion for delivering testable, instrumented, and reliable code.
• Strong track record of using and improving agile software development and related design practices.
• Deep understanding and experience of at least one server-side language
• Expertise in cloud-native architectures.
• Expertise in data pipelines preferred.
• Expertise in event-driven architectures preferred.
• Expertise in machine learning and machine learning pipelines preferred.
• Solid foundation in secure coding practices.
• Solid understanding of client-side technology (CSS/HTML/JS)
• Experience with continuous delivery methods and technologies.
• Experience with using data to inform development decisions.
• Ability to collaborate with a variety of functions, personalities and cultures.
• Ability to actively listen, ask the right questions and see the underlying meaning in what’s being said and not said.
• Flexible and open minded. Energy and enthusiasm for learning.
• Problem solving in multiple domains. Resilient, proactive and creative.
• Ability to pick up new techniques and technologies quickly.
• Pragmatic while maintaining an attention to detail.
• Self-directed and capable of working under minimal supervision.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Prolonged periods stationary at a desk and working on a computer.
• Some domestic and international travel may be required
• Rare, but occasional after-hours (evening or weekend) work.

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or related academic degrees and/or equivalent experience preferred alongside a strong background in software engineering.

SALARY:

The base salary range we’ve established for these positions is US: $130,000-$170,000 or UK: £65,000 - £90,000. PLOS also offers a comprehensive benefits package summarized below.

 

BENEFITS:

US:

• 401k with employer match
• Employee sponsored health, dental and vision insurance (Dental and Vision 100% employer paid)
• Paid Vacation, 12 public holidays and sick leave
• Parental leave
• Birthday and three winter holidays days off
• Short term and long term disability insurance
• 2 days paid time off for volunteering per year
• Fully remote work environment with stipend on joining for home office 

UK:

• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Income protection 
• Personal acc