Principal Back-end Engineer, Contract - Engineering - US | DEPT®

WHY DEPT®? We are pioneers at heart. What this means, is that we are always leaning forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and we are a new model of agency, with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. That’s why we hire curious, self-driven, talented people who never stop innovating. Our culture is big enough to cope and small enough to care. Meaning, that with people across 20+ countries, we’re big enough to provide you with the best tools, global opportunities, and benefits that help you thrive. While acting small by investing in you, your growth, your team, and giving you the autonomy to solve our clients' problems, no matter where you are in the world. We have a project for 20 hours weekly to guide discovery for a data platform for our financial client. It ill last approximately 6 weeks. RESPONSIBILITIES: Lead and mentor engineering teams, fostering a culture of technical excellence. • • Lead and architect software solutions for a new, API-driven data platform, from initial discovery through prototyping and roadmapping. • Develop the initial functional prototype (MVP) to validate core service architecture, test technical approaches, and demonstrate feasibility. • Author the long-term engineering roadmap to define the full-scale buildout, focusing on service-oriented design and API contracts. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define technical strategies and roadmaps. • Design and build scalable and robust infrastructure solutions and services. • Conduct code reviews and ensure adherence to best practices and standards. • Drive innovation and continuous improvement in software development processes. • Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry trends. Technical Skills: • Expertise in backend architecture and design, particularly with Node and Typescript, microservices, and API-driven systems. • Expertise in SQL and broad, hands-on experience with a variety of database types (e.g., relational, NoSQL, and data warehousing solutions). • Strong experience with data processing pipelines and workflow orchestration principles. • Proficient in building scalable backend APIs using modern frameworks. • Experience with data quality and validation principles and frameworks. • Solid experience with modern front-end technologies (React) to ensure backend APIs are designed effectively for UI consumption. • Experience working with component libraries to ensure effective reuse of code and UI patterns. Soft Skills: • Exceptional leadership and strategic thinking abilities. • Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, with an ability to break down highly complex, ambiguous problems into manageable components. • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical strategies to both engineers and non-technical stakeholders. • Ability to lead and inspire engineering teams. • Proven track record of delivering complex software projects. WHAT DO WE OFFER? The anticipated hourly range for this position is $60 - $80 per hour. This is based on a 209-hour workweek and leveling. Keep in mind, we're flexible. Client preference is for EST time zone. WE SUPPORT YOU BEING YOU: DEPT® is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We believe our work is its best when our people feel safe and free to be themselves. We’re committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process and workplace, regardless of anyone’s identity, background, beliefs, lifestyle or disabilities. So tell us about any accommodations you need. It’s totally confidential and only used to make sure you feel fully supported at every step. DEPT® participates in E-Verify, meaning your Form I-9 information will be sent to the federal government to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S. We are a B Corp-certified company passionate about purpose-driven work. Our hope is that you can feel good about the contributions DEPT® is making to the world and we always have an open door for your ideas in making the world a better place. DEPT® is a pioneering technology and marketing services company that creates integrated end-to-end digital experiences for brands such as Google, KFC, Philips, Audi, Twitch, Patagonia, eBay and more. Its team of 2,500+ digital specialists across 30+ locations on 5 continents delivers pioneering work on a global scale with a boutique culture. Learn more about DEPT® DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine. We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us. Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here.