Software Engineer III, Editing

Software Development

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WFA Digital Insight

As the demand for skilled software engineers in the open-source sector continues to grow, Wikimedia's commitment to fostering a collaborative and consensus-driven environment stands out. With over half a billion pages accessed daily, Wikipedia's influence is undeniable. The role of a Software Engineer III in the Editing Team is crucial, as it directly impacts the user experience and the integrity of the information presented. Given the current remote job market, where flexibility and work-life balance are increasingly valued, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency in JavaScript, PHP, and CSS, as well as their ability to communicate effectively in a distributed team.

Job Description

About the Role

The Software Engineer III position in the Editing Team at Wikimedia is a pivotal role that focuses on developing and maintaining the software that supports the user experience of Wikipedia and its associated projects. As a member of this team, you will be working closely with fellow engineers, product managers, designers, and community members to ensure that the tools and features provided meet the needs of both new and experienced volunteers. The team's main area of focus is the VisualEditor, a rich-text editing platform that has been extended to serve new use cases, such as DiscussionTools, and to unlock new capabilities like Edit Check, which helps improve the quality and integrity of Wikipedia's content.

The success of Wikipedia is built on the collaborative efforts of its contributors, and the Editing Team plays a crucial role in providing them with the tools they need to excel. With Wikipedia being accessed by millions worldwide, the impact of this role is significant, contributing to the mission of making knowledge freely available to everyone.

What You Will Do

Improve the Wikipedia product experience by fixing bugs and implementing new functionality.
Collaborate with fellow engineers, product managers, designers, and community members to iterate on new features.
Write multilingual, accessible, and performant code using JavaScript, PHP, and CSS.
Build on top of the MediaWiki API ecosystem to leverage its capabilities.
Instrument components to monitor feature behavior and quality characteristics.
Participate in technical discussions, proposing solutions to technical challenges and participating in code reviews.
Contribute to the development and maintenance of VisualEditor and other editing tools.
Ensure that the software developed is compatible with a wide range of devices and browsers.
Stay updated with the latest developments in software engineering and apply this knowledge to improve Wikipedia's editing experience.

What We Are Looking For

2-5 years of professional or open-source software engineering experience.
Experience with object-oriented development using a scripting language, with a focus on JavaScript, PHP, and CSS.
Strong background in software engineering principles, including writing unit tests and structuring work with version control.
Excellent written communication skills, as collaboration largely happens online.
A desire to contribute to knowledge equity, free culture, and open access.
Strong aptitude in algorithms and data structures.
Willingness to participate in technical discussions and code reviews.
Eagerness to solve technical problems and support the work of others.

Nice to Have

Experience building a rich-text editor or working with similar technologies.
History of editing on Wikimedia projects or contributing to open-source software.
Familiarity with large, legacy codebases and the challenges they present.
Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.
Experience with agile development methodologies and version control systems like Git.

Benefits and Perks

Opportunity to work on a project with global impact and visibility.
Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experienced professionals.
Flexible, remote work arrangement that prioritizes work-life balance.
Access to the latest technologies and tools to support your work.
Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.
A culture that values openness, transparency, and community engagement.
Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plan.
Generous paid time off policy to ensure you have time to relax and recharge.

How to Stand Out

When applying, highlight your experience with JavaScript, PHP, and CSS, and be prepared to discuss your approach to software engineering and collaborative development.
Showcase your understanding of algorithms and data structures, and how you apply them in your work.
Demonstrate your ability to communicate complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner, as this is crucial for success in a distributed team.
Be ready to discuss your experience with version control systems like Git and your approach to testing and code review.
Emphasize your passion for open-source software, free culture, and the mission of Wikimedia, as this role is not just about coding, but about contributing to a global community.
Prepare examples of your previous work, especially if you have experience with rich-text editors or similar technologies, to demonstrate your capabilities during the interview process.

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