Software Engineer, Data Infrastructure & Acquisition - Waterloo, Canada

Speechify; Waterloo; Remote; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading software company in Waterloo, Canada is seeking a Software Engineer for Data Infrastructure & Acquisition. The role involves finding audio data sources, managing cloud infrastructure, and collaborating with AI teams. The ideal candidate has a BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science and 5+ years of experience in software development. This position offers a fast-growing environment and competitive salaries, emphasizing diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Competitive salaries

Autonomy to focus on work

Opportunity to impact the industry

Qualifications

• 5+ years of industry experience in software development.
• Experience with web crawlers and large-scale data processing is a plus.
• Experience with at least one major Cloud Provider (preferably GCP).

Responsibilities

• Find new sources of audio data for ingestion.
• Operate and extend the cloud infrastructure for ingestion pipeline on GCP.
• Collaborate with Scientists to improve data quality and throughput.

Skills

Proficiency with bash/Python scripting

Proficiency in Docker

Strong communication skills

Ability to handle multiple tasks

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Terraform

Job description

Software Engineer, Data Infrastructure & Acquisition - Waterloo, Canada

The mission of Speechify is to make sure that reading is never a barrier to learning.

Speechify helps people convert text to speech across devices and platforms, including iOS, Android, Mac, Chrome, and Web. Speechify has received recognition such as Chrome Extension of the Year and Design Award for Inclusivity.

Today, nearly 200 people work globally in a 100% distributed setting. Our team includes frontend and backend engineers, AI researchers, and others from top tech companies and universities.

Overview

The responsibilities of our Platform team include building and maintaining backend services such as payments, analytics, subscriptions, new products, text to speech, and external APIs. This is a key role for someone who thinks strategically, enjoys fast-paced environments, and has experience delivering great user experiences.

We are a flat organization that values leadership shown through technical skill and reliable results. Strong work ethic and clear communication are essential.

Our interview process involves several technical interviews and is designed to be completed within 1 week.

Overview – Data Engineering Role

We are hiring for the Data side of our AI team. This role covers all aspects of data collection to support model training operations. We build high-quality datasets at petabyte scale and low cost through close infrastructure, engineering, and research collaboration. We are looking for a skilled Software Engineer to join us.

What You’ll Do

• Be scrappy to find new sources of audio data and bring it into our ingestion pipeline
• Operate and extend the cloud infrastructure for our ingestion pipeline, currently running on GCP and managed with Terraform
• Collaborate with Scientists to improve cost, throughput, and quality, delivering richer data at bigger scale and lower cost for next-generation models
• Collaborate with the AI Team and Speechify Leadership to craft the AI Team’s dataset roadmap

An Ideal Candidate Should Have

• BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or a related field
• 5+ years of industry experience in software development
• Proficiency with bash/Python scripting in Linux environments
• Proficiency in Docker and Infrastructure-as-Code concepts and experience with at least one major Cloud Provider (GCP preferred)
• Experience with web crawlers, large-scale data processing workflows is a plus
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

What We Offer

• A fast-growing environment where you can help shape the company and product
• An entrepreneurial-minded team that supports risk, intuition, and hustle
• Autonomy to focus and do your best work
• Opportunity to make a big impact in a transformative industry
• Competitive salaries and a supportive asynchronous work culture
• Opportunity to work on a life-changing product used by millions
• Impactful work for people with learning differences (e.g., dyslexia, ADD, low vision)
• Work at the intersection of AI and audio

Think you’re a good fit for this job?

Tell us about yourself and your interest in the role when you apply. Include links to your portfolio and LinkedIn.

Speechify is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Speechify does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.