Senior Software Engineer (Contract)

The Wikimedia Foundation is seeking a Senior Software Engineer (Contract) to join their Future Audiences effort. This role involves developing experimental solutions across various platforms to investigate opportunities for spreading and sustaining free knowledge in a rapidly changing Internet landscape. The position requires collaboration with product managers, data analysts, and machine learning engineers to deploy software experiments on platforms such as AI assistants, social video apps, and browser plugins.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as a thought-partner on a small cross-functional team
• Developing experimental solutions across various platforms
• Working independently with minimal engineering support
• Integrating 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

The ideal candidate should have:

• 5-8+ years of experience in functional programming or OOP
• 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 with various third-party API services
• Full-stack development skills, including frontend (Vue.js or React) and backend (Python or equivalent)

Additional desired qualities include:

• Strong belief in Wikimedia's principles of using technology ethically
• Willingness to iterate quickly and pivot strategically
• Clear communication skills in both synchronous and asynchronous channels
• Experience with generative AI APIs (preferred)
• Fluency in regional languages of Africa, Asia, or Latin America (preferred)
• Experience with data science, machine learning, and/or AI (preferred)
• Cloud environment experience (preferred)
• Open source contribution history (preferred)

This is a remote position with a competitive salary range of US$50/hour to US$78/hour for U.S.-based applicants, adjusted for other locations. The Wikimedia Foundation values diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from a wide range of backgrounds.

Please note that this is a contract position and is not eligible for benefits outside of required local statutory benefits. The foundation can currently hire in select countries, and international candidates must have work authorization allowing them to work as an independent contractor or through their own business entity.