Research Software Engineering Resident

As a Research Software Engineering Resident at Extropic, you'll engage in exciting responsibilities that include collaborating with senior researchers and engineers to develop and enhance our software stack. You'll implement new algorithms aimed at simulating our innovative thermodynamic hardware, conduct comprehensive tests, and evaluate the effectiveness of our models. Moreover, maintaining thorough documentation of the software and providing support to internal researchers will also be part of your role, ensuring a smooth operational flow.

To excel as a Research Software Engineering Resident at Extropic, candidates must possess strong experience with JAX and have a solid understanding of Python package deployment, debugging, and maintenance. Familiarity with scientific Python, version control tools like git, and CI/CD systems such as GitHub Actions is necessary. Additionally, knowledge of probability, linear algebra, and machine learning infrastructure like Slurm or Weights & Biases will greatly benefit you in navigating this role effectively.

Extropic is committed to fostering a supportive environment for Research Software Engineering Residents. You will work closely with experienced professionals and have ample opportunities to collaborate on groundbreaking projects. The emphasis on documentation and internal support will not only enhance your skills but also encourage a culture of knowledge sharing. This sets the stage for continuous learning and growth in both software development and R&D.

The salary for a Research Software Engineering Resident at Extropic varies between $75,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on your experience and qualifications. We believe in recognizing talent and contributions, so if you bring valuable skills to the table, you can expect a competitive compensation package.

At Extropic, Research Software Engineering Residents can anticipate working on pioneering projects that involve developing algorithms for advanced thermodynamic models and enhancing our software suite. You will partake in experiments to evaluate model effectiveness while leveraging our state-of-the-art hardware. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to developments at the intersection of software engineering and scientific research.

When interviewing for the Research Software Engineering Resident at Extropic, emphasize your hands-on experience with JAX, detailing specific projects where you leveraged it. Discuss how you implemented algorithms using JAX for numerical computations or machine learning tasks, and share any challenges faced and how you overcame them.

For your interview, discuss your systematic approach to debugging Python packages. Highlight tools you use, such as debugging libraries or IDE features, and emphasize how maintaining comprehensive documentation assists your debugging process. Providing a real-life example can strengthen your response.

In response to this question, convey your familiarity with scientific Python libraries like NumPy, SciPy, or Matplotlib. Share specific instances of how you've utilized these tools in projects, particularly those involving data analysis or algorithm development, as these experiences align well with the needs of Extropic.

Be prepared to discuss a complex algorithm you've implemented, detailing its purpose and how you executed it. Emphasize not only the technical aspects but also the significance of this algorithm in improving or solving a specific problem, which can illustrate your practical understanding of software engineering.

During the interview, emphasize your commitment to detailed documentation practices. Discuss tools and methodologies you prefer, like Sphinx or ReadTheDocs, to create user-friendly documentation. Mention how proper documentation aids in collaboration and facilitates maintenance, which are crucial for the Residency at Extropic.

Explain the critical importance of version control in your development process during the interview. Talk about tools you’ve used, like Git, and how you manage branches for new features or bug fixes. Illustrate with examples of how version control has helped you avoid issues and improve team collaboration.

In your response, discuss your approach to testing and validation of algorithms. You might mention unit testing, integration testing, or peer reviews, highlighting how these practices contribute to the quality of your software. Relating this to your experience with Extropic's focus on rigorous testing can make your answer more relevant.

In preparation for this question, familiarize yourself with challenges such as computational efficiency, handling approximation errors, or managing large datasets. Articulate your understanding of these challenges and how you've addressed them, showcasing your awareness of the complexities involved in thermodynamic simulations.

Highlight your experience with machine learning infrastructures such as Slurm or Weights & Biases, discussing specific use cases where you leveraged these tools to facilitate experimentation or hyperparameter tuning. Demonstrating your familiarity here aligns well with the expectations for the Research Software Engineering Resident role.

During the interview, address how you stay current with trends in both fields. You might mention following industry leaders, participating in forums, attending conferences, or engaging in open-source contributions. This showcases your passion for continuous learning, a trait that aligns well with the innovative spirit at Extropic.