Backend Software Engineer @

In a nutshell

Catalpa is a global development organisation improving the lives of people. We design creative ways to tackle diverse problems, integrating technology and behavioural insights with locally-driven solutions.

Catalpa brings together people from unique backgrounds to work together on meaningful projects — education specialists, engineers, designers, public health researchers, international development practitioners, and operations personnel. Check us out at www.catalpa.io.

About the role

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a creative environment, loves building amazing applications that are simple to use and create impact. In this role you will be engaged in range of projects and in all stages of the software lifecycle from design through development, testing and deployment. You will also be working on projects that solve problems across a variety of areas — health, education, water and sanitation, aid transparency and more.

You’ll play a fundamental role by

• Design, build, and maintain APIs and database models, bringing value to a diverse range of high-impact projects.
• Collaborate with frontend engineers to build intuitive, fast and accessible products.
• Improve our code quality through testing, automation, and code reviews.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute ideas to our technology and products.
• Support the maintenance and deployment of multiple projects.
• Assist the product team to review design mockups.
• Support staff in adopting Catalpa’s agile product processes.
• Iterate based on user feedback and product requirements.
• Teach and learn from other team members.
• Other tasks to adapt to the changing needs of projects.

Requirements

You also have most of the following experience & skills:

• A relevant degree, or an intriguing reason for not having one.
• Feel at ease writing maintainable Python/Django web applications.
• Good knowledge of SQL and databases.
• Deployment environments for the above on Ubuntu Linux servers.
• JavaScript in Node.js and modern browser environments.
• Clear communication across time zones and cultures (we’re diverse!).
• A passion for making great products, and most importantly you’re fun to work with.

Bonus points for the following:

• Experience with geospatial libraries in Python, Django and PostgreSQL.
• Advanced knowledge of PostgreSQL
• Experience using Ansible for deployments.
• A deep understanding of networking concepts.
• Experience with Android application development.

Eligibility

We love working with smart people from diverse backgrounds who are willing to learn new things. There are many skills we think this job will make use of but feel free to apply even if you’re not a ‘perfect fit’.

Work environment

We work in a creative, supportive environment with colleagues who come from diverse walks of life, and we value the perspectives they bring. We pay attention to the details, and we work together to achieve the best we can. Importantly, we work here because we love what we do and the impact we can have.

We know people’s lives include many obligations outside of work, so we aim to create a flexible work environment that includes remote work options, generous family leave, and return-to-work policies to support new parents. We know we do our best work when we take care of ourselves and communities. We take two weeks off at the end of each year to recharge and refresh.

Fit

Catalpa staff believe in the potential of technology to transform lives for the better. Our team members are flexible and can handle working across a broad range of responsibilities. They don’t mind rolling up their sleeves to solve thorny challenges that take time, patience, and creativity. We are friendly and care about the people with whom we work, always seeking to build and nurture relationships for the long-term.

Catalpa seeks to provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all people, regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or marital status. We especially welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds.

How to Apply

If this sounds interesting and you see yourself doing great work with us, we'd love to hear from you. Please send a cover letter along with your portfolio with examples of past work, and tell us why you think you’d be a good fit for this role. Applications are to be submitted through our jobs page catalpa.io/work-with-us

For further inquiries or questions regarding this position, send an email to jobs@catalpa.io with ‘role’ in the subject line of the email, please do not email CV's as we require them to go through our website, thanks.

We look forward to hearing from you