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- Tasks: Lead the development of the Wikidata query platform and ensure its stability and scalability.
- Company: Join Wikimedia Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to free knowledge sharing worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility, a diverse team, and competitive salary packages.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data access while contributing to a mission-driven organisation.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in API-driven data platforms; strong skills in Java or C++ required.
- Other info: Candidates from all locations are encouraged to apply; some travel may be needed.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 140000 £ per year.
The Wikimedia Foundation is seeking a collaborative technical lead to guide the sustainment, development, and evolution of the Wikidata query platform, one of the world's largest open linked databases. Wikidata influences Wikipedia content and contributor activities across billions of users in over 300 languages, and serves as a critical resource for libraries, universities, and technology platforms. Our vision is a world where everyone can freely share in the sum of all human knowledge, including access to data for editing, research, feature development, and responsible AI advancement.
As the Technical Lead for Wikidata Platform, you will shape the future of data querying and access at scale. You will define the technical vision and architecture to ensure stable, reliable, and sustainable data access. This individual contributor role reports to the Director of Product, Abstract Wikipedia and Wikidata Platform, and collaborates with WMDE product management and engineering teams.
This role involves leading the design, development, and deployment of Wikidata's query platform architecture, working closely with cross-functional teams to meet user needs and support growth. You will also serve as a strategic partner to senior leadership and affiliate organizations. This is a remote position; candidates from various locations worldwide are encouraged to apply. Some travel may be required.
Key Responsibilities- Ensure the stability, performance, and scalability of the Wikidata Query Service architecture and data pipelines.
- Articulate a vision for the query infrastructure supporting growth and sustainability.
- Develop new query methods, APIs, algorithms, and indexing strategies to enhance graph search capabilities.
- Collaborate with product and engineering teams to design system requirements and implement improvements.
- Stay informed about advancements in knowledge representation technologies to propose innovative solutions.
- Persevere through setbacks, communicate effectively about pivots, and understand our movement's impact.
- Develop best practices for interacting with query services and perform data analysis to identify insights.
- 8+ years of experience building and scaling API-driven data platform products.
- 4+ years of experience in data engineering at scale.
- Deep understanding of database and knowledge graph technologies.
- Proficiency in Java, C++, or similar languages; expertise in a particular language is less critical than the ability to set up and scale systems.
- Experience with privacy-sensitive data and security best practices.
- Proven success in managing ambiguous projects and collaborating across teams.
- Knowledge of scalable data processing frameworks (e.g., Spark, Kafka, Flink).
- Commitment to Wikimedia's mission and values.
- Strong problem-solving and leadership skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Decision-making ability in complex, uncertain environments.
- Curiosity, continuous learning, and mentorship capabilities.
- Resilience, patience, emotional intelligence, and kindness.
- Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD.
- Involvement with open source or Wikimedia communities.
- Contributions to Wikipedia, Wikidata, or Wikimedia projects.
- Experience delivering scalable data platform capabilities.
The Wikimedia Foundation operates Wikipedia and other free knowledge projects, aiming for a world where everyone can share and access knowledge freely. We are a nonprofit relying on donations, with offices in San Francisco, CA, and a global remote team. We value diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds. Our salary range for US-based applicants is approximately $129,347 to $200,824 annually, adjusted based on location and experience.
For assistance or accommodations during the application process, contact or +1 (415) 839-6885.
Tech Lead, Wikidata Platform employer: Wikimedia Foundation
Contact Detail:
Wikimedia Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Tech Lead, Wikidata Platform
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Wikimedia Foundation's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to free knowledge will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your passion for their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience with API-driven data platforms by preparing specific examples of projects you've led or contributed to. Be ready to discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this role requires strong problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your collaborative experiences with cross-functional teams. Since this role involves working closely with product management and engineering teams, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively and lead diverse groups will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on advancements in knowledge representation technologies. Being able to discuss recent trends or innovations in this field during your interview can set you apart as a candidate who is not only qualified but also genuinely interested in the future of data querying.
We think you need these skills to ace Tech Lead, Wikidata Platform
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Tech Lead position at Wikimedia Foundation. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your 8+ years of experience in building and scaling API-driven data platform products. Be specific about your achievements in data engineering and how they relate to the requirements of the role.
Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly outline your proficiency in relevant programming languages such as Java or C++. Mention any experience with scalable data processing frameworks like Spark or Kafka, as well as your familiarity with containerization tools like Docker or Kubernetes.
Demonstrate Alignment with Values: Wikimedia Foundation values commitment to its mission and inclusivity. In your application, express your passion for open knowledge and how your personal values align with those of the organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wikimedia Foundation
✨Understand the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the Wikimedia Foundation's mission and values. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with their vision of freely sharing knowledge will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Prepare to discuss your experience with API-driven data platforms and database technologies. Be ready to provide specific examples of projects where you've successfully built or scaled systems, particularly in relation to data engineering and query services.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
As this role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've managed ambiguous projects and worked with diverse teams to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Be prepared to discuss challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. The interviewers will be looking for your resilience and problem-solving skills, so think of specific instances where you've had to pivot or adapt your approach.
