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- Tasks: Lead the development of the Wikidata query platform and ensure its stability and scalability.
- Company: Wikimedia Foundation is 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 and strong skills in data engineering 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 recruiting@wikimedia.org or +1 (415) 839-6885.
Contact Detail:
Wikimedia Foundation Recruiting Team
recruiting@wikimedia.org
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Tech Lead, Wikidata Platform
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in knowledge representation technologies. This will not only help you understand the current landscape but also allow you to propose innovative solutions during discussions with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the Wikimedia community and contribute to open-source projects related to Wikidata. This will demonstrate your commitment to their mission and give you valuable insights into the platform's needs and challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience in managing ambiguous projects by preparing examples of past challenges you've faced and how you navigated them. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and resilience, which are crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your knowledge of scalable data processing frameworks like Spark or Kafka. Being able to discuss these technologies confidently will set you apart as a candidate who understands the technical requirements of the role.
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, Wikidata Platform role. 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 and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly list your technical skills, especially your proficiency in Java, C++, or similar languages. Mention any experience with scalable data processing frameworks like Spark or Kafka, as well as your knowledge of database and knowledge graph technologies.
Express Commitment to Values: Wikimedia Foundation values commitment to its mission and inclusivity. In your application, express your alignment with these values and how you can contribute to their vision of freely sharing knowledge.
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 and passion for 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 you've led or contributed to, particularly those that involved scaling systems or implementing innovative solutions in data engineering.
✨Collaborative Mindset
As a Tech Lead, collaboration is key. Highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams and managing ambiguous projects. Share examples of how you’ve successfully navigated challenges and communicated effectively with various stakeholders.
✨Stay Current with Technology Trends
Demonstrate your curiosity and commitment to continuous learning by discussing recent advancements in knowledge representation technologies. This shows that you are proactive about staying informed and can bring innovative ideas to the table.
