Backend Software Engineer

OpenTug is a venture-backed software company that optimizes the movement of the world’s most valuable commodities via rivers and coastlines. We use AI, GPS devices, and satellite data to track barges, estimate shipping costs, predict arrival times, and identify anomalies to help the barge supply chain deliver just in time. Our mission is to lower the cost and uncertainty of shipping on river systems through better visibility & predictability. We’re a startup seeking a backend engineer to help us digitize and revolutionize maritime shipping, making it more affordable, greener, and easier to use. More information at https://opentug.com/about-us.

Role Overview

• Collaborate with fellow engineers and the executive team to design, develop, and own features
• Design and build API endpoints and data representations using Django and Django Rest Framework (possibly FastAPI too) with a relational database
• Develop novel algorithms for tug and barge ETA prediction, event classification, and more
• Optimize the performance of existing endpoints, improve query performance, and ensure scalable solutions

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to deliver robust and efficient solutions
• Build and maintain scalable API endpoints using Django/Django Rest Framework
• Develop algorithms for features like tug and barge ETA prediction and event classification
• Optimize query performance and ensure backend scalability
• Implement best practices for backend development and participate in code reviews

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience building software
• 2+ years of Python web development experience, preferably with Django
• Strong understanding of relational databases such as PostgreSQL
• Strong communication skills
• Able to help define our engineering culture, choose our shared tools, and help us build a world-class team
• Hard-working, self-driven, and excited to work on impactful projects in a fast-moving environment

Work Hours and Location

This role is based in our (downtown) Seattle headquarters. The work is hybrid with employees expected to be in the office at least 3 days per week.

Benefits

• Hybrid work with easy access to the office by transit (1 block from Westlake station)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401k with Employer Matching
• Equity in a Seed-stage startup