Junior Backend Systems Engineer (Python/C++) (W2 Only)

Performix Business Services, LLC; Maricopa (AZ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

First Roles seeks a detail-oriented Junior Systems Software Engineer to design, implement, and optimize low-level system components and networking protocols. The role requires proficiency in C++ and Python, with hands-on Linux/Git, GDB, and Wireshark experience.

You will contribute to scalable, responsive software within a core engineering team. The ideal candidate has a BS in CS/CE (GPA 3.5+ preferred) and a strong foundation in computer science fundamentals, including algorithms and concurrent

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline (GPA 3.5+ preferred).
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python.
• Solid understanding of TCP/UDP networking, socket programming, caching mechanisms, OS and architecture.
• Hands-on experience with Linux/Bash, Git/GitHub, GDB, and Wireshark.
• Familiarity with SFML, Unity, or VR/AR engines is desirable.
• CS fundamentals: object-oriented design, algorithmic complexity, recursive problem-solving, and concurrent state management.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain custom networking components and client-server models.
• Optimize performance using data structures and algorithms (A*, hashing, priority queues).
• Develop and execute unit, integration, and stress tests for network state synchronization.
• Use low-level debugging tools (GDB, Wireshark) to trace memory leaks and packet flow.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain clean, modular codebases and version control integrity.

Skills

C++ programming

Python programming

Object-oriented design

Algorithms

Concurrency

Education

BS in CS/CE

GPA 3.5+ preferred

Tools

Linux

Git/GitHub

GDB

Wireshark

SFML

Unity

Job description

We are seeking a detail-oriented, highly analytical Junior Systems Software Engineer to join our core engineering team. In this role, you will design, implement, and optimize low-level application architecture, networking protocols, and performance-critical systems. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in computer science fundamentals, hands‑on experience with C++ and Python, and a passion for building responsive, scalable software.

Key Responsibilities:

• Systems & Network Architecture: Design, implement, and maintain custom networking components, client-server models, and protocol resolvers (UDP/TCP, DNS, socket communications).
• Algorithm & Performance Optimization: Apply data structures, memory management, and graph search heuristics (e.g., A*, custom hashing, priority queues) to solve complex performance and indexing challenges.
• Testing & Quality Assurance: Develop and execute comprehensive unit, integration, and stress tests to validate network state synchronization, catch edge cases, and eliminate execution bottlenecks.
• Debugging & Problem Solving: Utilize low-level debugging tools (GDB, Wireshark) to trace memory leaks, analyze packet flow, and debug asynchronous multi-threaded or multi-client execution paths.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional teams to design clean, modular codebases and maintain version control integrity across all release cycles.

Key Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline (GPA 3.5+ preferred).
• Core Languages: Strong proficiency in C++ and Python . Familiarity with C, C#, Java, SQL, or x86 Assembly is a plus.
• Systems & Networking: Solid understanding of TCP/UDP networking principles, socket programming, caching mechanisms, operating systems, and computer architecture.
• Tools & Environment: Hands-on experience with Linux/Bash , Git/GitHub , GDB , and Wireshark . Experience with SFML, Unity, or VR/AR engines is desirable.
• CS Fundamentals: Proven command of object-oriented design, algorithmic complexity, recursive problem-solving, and concurrent state management.

Desired Competencies:

• Self-starter capable of managing end-to-end projects-from requirement mapping to comprehensive testing.
• Passion for interactive media, high-performance computing, or game engine mechanics.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and code reviews.