Tech Lead, Wikidata Platform

Wikimedia Foundation; London; Remote; USD 129,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a collaborative Technical Lead to shape the future of data querying and access at scale. This remote position offers the chance to guide the development of one of the world's largest open linked databases, influencing content across billions of users. You will lead the design and deployment of innovative query platform architecture while collaborating with cross-functional teams. This role is perfect for someone passionate about data access and knowledge sharing, eager to make a significant impact in a nonprofit organization dedicated to free knowledge for all.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in building and scaling API-driven data platforms.
• Deep understanding of database and knowledge graph technologies.

Responsibilities

• Ensure stability and scalability of the Wikidata Query Service architecture.
• Develop new query methods and APIs to enhance graph search capabilities.

Skills

API-driven data platform products

Data engineering

Database technologies

Java

C++

Data processing frameworks (Spark, Kafka, Flink)

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

CI/CD

Job description

Join to apply for the Tech Lead, Wikidata Platform role at Wikimedia Foundation

Summary

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.

Role Overview

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

1. Ensure the stability, performance, and scalability of the Wikidata Query Service architecture and data pipelines.
2. Articulate a vision for the query infrastructure supporting growth and sustainability.
3. Develop new query methods, APIs, algorithms, and indexing strategies to enhance graph search capabilities.
4. Collaborate with product and engineering teams to design system requirements and implement improvements.
5. Stay informed about advancements in knowledge representation technologies to propose innovative solutions.
6. Persevere through setbacks, communicate effectively about pivots, and understand our movement's impact.
7. Develop best practices for interacting with query services and perform data analysis to identify insights.

Required Skills and Experience

1. 8+ years of experience building and scaling API-driven data platform products.
2. 4+ years of experience in data engineering at scale.
3. Deep understanding of database and knowledge graph technologies.
4. Proficiency in Java, C++, or similar languages; expertise in a particular language is less critical than the ability to set up and scale systems.
5. Experience with privacy-sensitive data and security best practices.
6. Proven success in managing ambiguous projects and collaborating across teams.
7. Knowledge of scalable data processing frameworks (e.g., Spark, Kafka, Flink).

Desired Qualities

• 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.

Preferred Additional Skills

• 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.

About the Wikimedia Foundation

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 [e-mail] or [phone].