Engineer

As an Engineer at Tavern Research, you will have the exciting opportunity to develop both internal and external tools designed to support message and creative generation. You'll also be involved in enhancing our media monitoring and survey capabilities, building tools that synthesize knowledge into strategic insights for our clients. Additionally, you will collaborate with fellow engineers to develop unit tests, conduct code reviews, and manage tool stability. A key part of your role will be to independently manage tool and feature development, including gathering client and staff feedback.

To be considered for the Engineer role at Tavern Research, you should have at least 2 years of relevant experience and demonstrate proficiency in essential technologies such as Python, JavaScript, Docker, and Kubernetes. Additionally, experience deploying and utilizing large language models (LLMs) is crucial, as well as a solid understanding of databases, APIs, and infrastructure. We value practical skills over formal education, so a degree is not required as long as you possess the necessary expertise and capabilities.

Tavern Research offers a comprehensive benefits package for our Engineers, including premium health insurance and unlimited paid time off (PTO). We also close our offices on all federal holidays, which is a great perk. To help you secure your financial future, we provide a 401K matching program. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment is at the forefront of our benefits structure, ensuring that all team members feel valued and supported.

In-person work is a significant aspect of the Engineer role at Tavern Research. We believe that collaboration and communication are best fostered through face-to-face interactions. As part of your employment, you will be required to work regularly from our South Loop office in Chicago three days a week. This structure not only facilitates teamwork but also strengthens our tight-knit company culture, helping us stay connected and dedicated to our mission.

As an Engineer at Tavern Research, you will work on innovative projects that straddle the fields of technology and political engagement. Your work will involve developing tools that assist in content generation, media monitoring, and survey research. You'll engage with real-world problems that require creative solutions, presenting you with the opportunity to contribute to impactful political campaigns and help shape the decision-making landscape for our clients.

When answering this question, focus on your proficiency in key programming languages, particularly Python and JavaScript, as these are crucial for the Engineer role at Tavern Research. Share specific projects or experiences where you utilized these languages, highlighting your ability to develop tools and features effectively. Demonstrating a solid understanding of coding principles and your approach to problem-solving can also showcase your capabilities.

To effectively respond to this question, describe specific instances where you have utilized Docker and Kubernetes in your work. Highlight any projects where containerization played a crucial role in deployment or scaling applications. Discuss your familiarity with orchestrating containers and how these technologies have streamlined your development process. This will illustrate your hands-on experience and understanding of modern development practices.

When discussing how you handle feedback, emphasize your openness to learning and adapting. Share examples of past experiences where you've received constructive criticism and how you effectively implemented that feedback to improve your work. This demonstrates your ability to collaborate with others and your commitment to continuous improvement, essential traits for an Engineer at Tavern Research.

Highlight that adaptability is a crucial quality for thriving in a startup environment like Tavern Research. Talk about the fast-paced nature of startups and the necessity of wearing multiple hats. Provide examples of how you've successfully adapted to changes and challenges in previous roles, emphasizing your problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn in uncertain situations, which aligns with Tavern Research's mission-driven culture.

When answering this question, recount a specific project that posed significant challenges, detailing your problem-solving approach. Discuss how you broke down the challenges, collaborated with your team, and sought feedback to find solutions. Sharing a clear outcome demonstrates your resilience and capacity to navigate complex projects successfully, which is especially relevant for the Engineer position at Tavern Research.

Show your passion for political tech by discussing how technology can influence democratic processes and decision-making. You might share personal motivations, such as wanting to contribute to impactful campaigns or helping marginalized voices be heard through data-driven tools. This aligns with Tavern Research's mission and serves to illustrate your commitment and enthusiasm for the work you'll be doing.

To answer this question effectively, describe your method for organizing and prioritizing tasks. This could include using project management tools, breaking larger projects into manageable tasks, and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders. Highlight your ability to remain focused and responsive to changing priorities, which is essential for navigating the diverse responsibilities of the Engineer role at Tavern Research.

Discuss any experience you have with developing or utilizing media monitoring tools, emphasizing how these tools have supported data gathering and analysis in previous projects. You could mention particular tools you've worked with, how you optimized their use, and their impact on projects. This insight is relevant since the Engineer role at Tavern Research involves enhancing media monitoring capabilities, making your experience particularly valuable.

In your response, focus on ongoing education and engagement with the tech community. Discuss resources such as online courses, tech blogs, webinars, and industry meetups that help you stay informed. Demonstrating your commitment to continuous learning is essential, particularly for an Engineer in a fast-evolving field like political tech, aligning with Tavern Research's focus on innovation.

When answering this question, share your insights on how advancements in AI and data analysis can shape the future of political campaigns and decision-making processes. You can discuss the role of data-driven tools in building strategies that resonate with voters or highlight emerging trends like personalized campaigning. This demonstrates your forward-thinking perspective and aligns with the innovative ethos at Tavern Research.