Java Backend Engineer

About Soda

At Soda, we’re on a mission to bring everyone closer to their data. We believe that all data stakeholders (and we think that’s everyone) should be able to understand it, trust it, and stay on top of it. We’re pioneering the fastest-growing category in the data and analytics space, known as data quality and observability. We allow teams to discover, prioritize, and collaboratively resolve data issues. Our integrated platform brings everyone closer to the data, resulting in data products and analytics everyone can trust.

We are passionate about driving innovation in the data quality and observability space, and we're looking for individuals who share our vision to join us on this journey. We are an international team, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium and dispersed globally. Our remote-first Product & Engineering team is mainly located in Europe, and we’re looking for someone to join our backend team which is mostly situated in Brussels. 

What you’ll do 

Our products are already used by thousands of organisations and data teams around the world.  We’re on a mission to further develop and expand the Product & Engineering team, for which we need you! You will be joining a team of engineers with various skills (Backend, Frontend, Data, DevOps), supported by product owners and designers. 

As a Java Backend Engineer, you'll be a key player in building the APIs and tools that drive Soda's Data Quality Testing Platform. This involves supporting Soda Cloud, Soda Library, and our Soda Agent. You will participate in grooming, planning and executing features and depending on your interests, you will also be in touch with our prospects and customers to research and refine product features.  

We’re there to support you in further developing your skills and interests. With a promising product still in its early stages your days will be diverse and packed with interesting challenges!

Who we’re looking for

You'll be part of a team with experienced backend, frontend, and data engineers ready to help you grow in your role.  We’re looking for someone with at least some previous working experience as a software engineer, but who is mostly very eager and excited to join a growing startup and learn on the job.  As a remote-first company you’ll be given a lot of freedom and flexibility in planning your day, in return we expect you to be predictable and organised.

What we offer you

• Work in an extremely ambitious and thriving segment of the data industry

• A senior engineering team with a lot of experience, eager to assist you in progressing your career and skillset

• A lot of flexibility and freedom in organizing your day-to-day

• Above-market compensation, including a stock-plan  

• A laptop of your choice

• Training budget which you can spend on things like courses, books, and conferences

• At least 2 off-sites per year with your colleagues

  • These off-sites offer you the opportunity to meet and have some quality time with your colleagues in thriving hotspots like Lisbon, Barcelona, Sicily.

  • Hackathons to freely explore new technologies or creating exciting new features 

Requirements

• You have previous experience working on a SaaS product, preferably in a startup or smaller company environment.

• You can write clear, modern Core Java code that others can understand and reason about, and you are ready to follow the current conventions and propose and encourage gradual improvements.

• Experience working in an Agile/Scrum development process.

• You’re familiar with commonly used developer tools like Docker, Jira and Git(hub).

• A passion for developing performant software and solving difficult problems with pragmatic solutions, venturing beyond comfortable approaches when necessary.

• Like working in a rapidly changing environment where every day brings a new challenge, with an inclusive engineering culture where others are heard, respected, and empowered.

• You embody a proactive, growth-oriented mindset, eagerly seeking opportunities for self-improvement and continuous learning.

Nice to have:

• You have good knowledge of SQL and hands-on experience with ORM frameworks.

• Are experienced in implementing unit- and integration tests using JUnit.

• Experience building and maintaining projects written in Python (3+).

• Familiarity with front-end development, especially Angular, can be helpful.

• Have experience working in a fully remote environment.

• Have production experience with AWS (ECS, S3, RDS), Terraform, and Kubernetes.

• Are located in, or within reasonable travel distance, of Brussels, Belgium, such that you can meet-up with your direct team when needed.

Feel free to submit your application even if you lack production experience in the above areas, but demonstrate a strong interest and enthusiasm for learning on the job.