Senior/Staff Software Engineer (CDC)

As a Senior/Staff Software Engineer at Skylight, your primary responsibilities will include designing and building software systems that improve government services, collaborating with experts from the CDC, and utilizing lean-agile engineering principles. You will also analyze and improve existing systems while advocating for best practices in coding and security.

To qualify for the Senior/Staff Software Engineer position at Skylight, candidates should have the ability to write clean, reusable code, knowledge in building secure software, and experience with automated testing. Familiarity with public health data and cloud infrastructure is a plus but not mandatory.

Candidates for the Senior/Staff Software Engineer role at Skylight should be proficient in multiple programming languages and understand various frameworks. While we prefer open-source solutions, the right tool or technology choice depends on the project requirements, emphasizing performance, reliability, and availability.

The work environment at Skylight is fully remote and designed to empower you to be at your best. We prioritize a collaborative and inclusive culture while ensuring that our team members can unleash their potential and contribute positively to public service outcomes.

At Skylight, we take professional development seriously. Senior/Staff Software Engineers receive an annual allowance for training and tech-related purchases. Additionally, we have a structured career pathways framework to help you advance in your career.

I focus on writing clean, modular code using design patterns and principles such as SOLID. Using automated testing ensures scalability by allowing easy adjustments to the codebase without compromising existing functionality.

I once encountered a particularly elusive bug affecting system performance. I systematically narrowed down the search to fault isolation tests and utilized logging to trace issues, ultimately resolving it by refactoring that section of the code.

I believe in using clear, jargon-free communication and ensuring regular updates. I find it’s helpful to visualize technical concepts and approaches so everyone is on the same page and feels engaged in the development process.

I prioritize tasks by assessing urgency and impact on the project goals. I use agile methodologies to keep track of priorities while ensuring feedback from the team helps re-adjust when necessary.

I have experience working with public health data, specifically in understanding data standards like FHIR. This knowledge allows me to create software that is not only functional but also meets specific health compliance requirements, enhancing overall service delivery.

I regularly read industry blogs, participate in webinars, and engage in professional communities. Attending conferences and joining online forums are also key strategies for keeping my skills and knowledge sharp.

In a recent project, I led my team in adopting agile methodologies. A significant challenge was getting everyone aligned initially, but after some training and seamless communication, the process improved our adaptability to change.

I adhere to secure coding practices, regularly conduct code reviews, and stay informed on vulnerabilities. Using automated tools to run security tests throughout the development cycle further enhances our software's security.

I assess technical debt by regularly reviewing the codebase for areas needing refactoring. Addressing it involves planning for incremental improvements in upcoming sprints to align with long-term project goals.

User feedback is essential. I integrate user testing cycles to gather insights and prioritize enhancements based on their experiences. It ensures the final product meets user needs and delivers value.