Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer at Raft, your main responsibilities will include developing a cutting-edge platform for the Department of Defense, which allows operators to train computer vision models efficiently. You'll collaborate with a highly skilled team, working on the user interface designed for AI systems, and building reliable RESTFul APIs and web-sockets. Additionally, you will handle data ingestion and model serving while ensuring low-latency operations using your knowledge of databases like PostgreSQL and MongoDB.

To qualify as a Software Engineer at Raft, you should have at least 3 years of hands-on engineering experience, alongside proficiency in TypeScript and React. A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics is highly preferred. Familiarity with Kubernetes, software design patterns, and APIs is essential, and candidates should be prepared to obtain their Security+ certification shortly after starting.

As a Software Engineer on the Raft team, you will work with modern technologies such as TypeScript, React, and Kubernetes to build innovative applications. Your role will involve integrating various databases such as PostgreSQL and MongoDB and utilizing cloud-native environments to develop high-performance software solutions that meet low-latency requirements. A willingness to explore imagery and video processing will also enhance your contributions.

Yes, the Software Engineer position at Raft may require up to 25% travel. While most of your work can be done remotely from Tampa, Florida, you may occasionally need to visit clients or project sites as part of your responsibilities in developing and implementing engaging digital solutions.

Working at Raft as a Software Engineer comes with numerous benefits including a highly competitive salary ranging from $140,000 to $180,000, comprehensive healthcare including dental and vision, 401(k) matching, generous PTO policies, education and training assistance, and an annual budget for technology needs. You'll also be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and supporting one another.

When addressing software design and architecture for scalable applications, I prioritize a deep understanding of the system requirements and user needs. I leverage design patterns and best practices to ensure flexibility and maintainability while focusing on modularity and separation of concerns. Documenting architecture diagrams and employing tools like Kubernetes for orchestration also helps manage applications at scale effectively.

In my previous projects, I used TypeScript extensively to enhance code quality and reduce runtime errors. Utilizing strong typing allowed for better code maintainability and collaboration with my team. With React, I developed interactive UIs and used state management libraries like Redux to handle complex app states efficiently while adhering to component-based architecture principles.

To maintain low-latency in web applications, I utilize careful indexing strategies, choose the appropriate type of database for the use case—like using MongoDB for quick lookups or PostgreSQL for complex queries—and optimize queries to reduce response time. I also employ techniques such as caching and load balancing to improve data retrieval speeds in high-demand scenarios.

In a recent project, we tackled a challenge where we needed to improve the accuracy of image classification in real-time surveillance systems. By applying transfer learning with pre-trained models and fine-tuning them through our dataset, we not only increased our model's precision but also reduced inference time, enabling us to make real-time decisions based on visual data.

To collaborate effectively within a remote team, I utilize communication tools like Slack for instant messaging and regular check-ins, along with project management software like Jira to keep track of our workflows. We schedule frequent video meetings to foster strong relationships and maintain transparency regarding project updates, challenges, and brainstorming sessions.

I stay updated with technology trends and software development by subscribing to industry blogs, attending webinars and conferences, and engaging with communities on platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow. Additionally, I invest time in online courses and tutorials to refine my skills and gain insights into emerging technologies.

I have actively participated in agile methodologies throughout my career, including Scrum and Kanban. I often take part in daily stand-ups to share progress and blockers, and I’ve found that conducting sprint retrospectives is essential for continuous improvement. This iterative approach allows us to respond rapidly to changes and facilitates team collaboration between developers and stakeholders.

In a recent project, I spearheaded the integration of multiple complex APIs for a financial application. I crafted a clear strategy for API interactions, implemented robust error handling, and ensured secure data transfer. This not only enhanced the application’s functionalities but also improved user experience by delivering data in real-time.

Managing technical debt is crucial for long-term project sustainability. I prioritize addressing technical debt during code reviews, ensuring that new features don’t lead to additional complexity. Regularly scheduled refactoring sprints are also integral, allowing the team to clean up code, remove redundancies, and improve overall system performance without compromising future implementations.

Faced with a tight deadline, I would first assess the project scope and prioritize tasks based on their impact on the project’s core objectives. I would communicate transparently with my team about workload and expectations, focusing on delivering a minimum viable product (MVP) first. If possible, I’d also seek to distribute tasks effectively among team members to ensure smooth and timely delivery.