Backend Systems Engineer (Python/C++)

Socket.dev; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev in Chicago, IL seeks a meticulous Junior Systems Software Engineer to join our core engineering team. You will design, implement, and optimize low-level architecture and networking components to build scalable software.

The ideal candidate has a CS foundation, hands-on experience with C++ and Python, and a passion for high-performance systems. You will work cross-functionally to deliver robust, responsive networking solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python.
• Experience with Linux, Git, GDB, and networking fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain custom networking components, client-server models, and protocol resolvers.
• Apply data structures, memory management, and graph search heuristics to optimize performance.
• Develop and execute unit, integration, and stress tests for network state synchronization.
• Use low-level debugging tools to trace memory leaks and analyze packet flow.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain modular code and release integrity.

Skills

C++

Python

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Tools

Linux/Bash

Git/GitHub

GDB

Wireshark

Job description

We are seeking adetail-oriented, highly analytical Junior Systems Software Engineer to join ourcore engineering team. In this role, you will design, implement, and optimizelow-level application architecture, networking protocols, and performance-criticalsystems. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in computer sciencefundamentals, hands-on experience with C++ and Python, and a passion forbuilding responsive, scalable software.

Key Responsibilities:

• Systems & Network Architecture:Design,implement, and maintain custom networking components, client-server models, andprotocol resolvers (UDP/TCP, DNS, socket communications).
• Algorithm & Performance Optimization:Apply datastructures, memory management, and graph search heuristics (e.g., A*, customhashing, priority queues) to solve complex performance and indexing challenges.
• Testing & Quality Assurance:Develop andexecute comprehensive unit, integration, and stress tests to validate networkstate synchronization, catch edge cases, and eliminate execution bottlenecks.
• Debugging & Problem Solving:Utilizelow-level debugging tools (GDB, Wireshark) to trace memory leaks, analyzepacket flow, and debug asynchronous multi-threaded or multi-client executionpaths.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:Partner withcross-functional teams to design clean, modular codebases and maintain versioncontrol integrity across all release cycles.

Key Requirements:

• Education:Bachelor of Science in ComputerScience, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline (GPA 3.5+preferred).
• Core Languages:Strong proficiency inC++andPython.Familiarity with C, C#, Java, SQL, or x86 Assembly is a plus.
• Systems & Networking:Solidunderstanding of TCP/UDP networking principles, socket programming, cachingmechanisms, operating systems, and computer architecture.
• Tools & Environment:Hands-onexperience withLinux/Bash,Git/GitHub,GDB,andWireshark. Experience with SFML, Unity, or VR/AR engines isdesirable.
• CS Fundamentals:Proven command of object-orienteddesign, algorithmic complexity, recursive problem-solving, and concurrent statemanagement.

Desired Competencies:

• Self-startercapable of managing end-to-end projects—from requirement mapping tocomprehensive testing.
• Passionfor interactive media, high-performance computing, or game engine mechanics.
• Strongwritten and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and codereviews.