Backend Engineer (Data Platform)

Tokyo
Remote OK
Full-time
July 21, 2022

Objectives

Our team develops and operates a platform (Data as a Service, Data Platform) for users to register observation requests on the StriX(the series of small SAR satellite constellations) and distribute observation data to users.

Such as artificial satellites and satellite data may sound like it requires industry-specific knowledge and experience. Data Platform also consists of general technologies using React and Next.js for Frontend and Go and RDB for Backend.

Since our team is still a small team, it is important for each member to take responsibility and voluntarily proceed with development in collaboration with related parties. Terminology and internal logic have industry-specific knowledge, so if you have the intellectual curiosity to learn them, you will enjoy your work even more!

In this position, you will develop and operate the Data Platform to improve the user experience, promote the automation of operations, and optimize the delivery time of observation data.

Backend development on Data Platform;

Function repair. Based on feedback from the sales team, we define the requirements for functional refurbishment, design, implement, and test.
New function development. Work with the satellite operations team to define, design, implement, and test new feature requirements and constraints.
Operation automation. Discuss the tasks that can be automated in the operation with the parties concerned, and perform automation and optimization.

Job requirements

Minimum qualifications

Independence to voluntarily communicate with other teams, set requirements and restrictions, and proceed with development
Intellectual curiosity that wants to know knowledge in unknown fields such as artificial satellite operation and satellite data
More than 3 years of software development experience

Web service backend development experience
RDB data schema design experience
Experience in system development of web services on the cloud (Google Cloud, AWS, Azure)

Motivation to communicate in Japanese

Preferred qualifications

Front-end development experience. Especially development experience using React, Next.js.
Experience in building and operating cloud infrastructure. Especially experience in building and operating kubernetes and terraform.
End-to-end test environment construction / operation experience
Programming experience with golang
Communication experience using English at work
Development experience in a project team consisting of 5 or more people
Web service production environment construction and operation experience
Development experience using GIS data

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About Synspective

Synspective is a space start-up that provides business solutions based on data from satellites. Founded in 2018, they develop and operate their own synthetic aperture radar satellites.

While most start-ups in the Earth Observation sector are limited to one area such as data analytics or the development of satellite hardware, Synspective handles everything from developing satellites to data analytics to building solutions for clients based on this infrastructure.

With an emphasis on data, Synspective aims to become a true one-stop-shop player for solutions based on satellite data. With SAR satellites that apply the results of the Japanese Cabinet Office’s “ImPACT” program, Synspective’s goal is to create a platform capable of frequent data collection, and sell or use that data to offer solutions for government and business entities.

Synspective’s culture is defined by their concept of “Human Centered Design for Company”. They’re striving to build a strong organization that relies on the performance of each individual. To that end, they provide a flexible environment where specialists can work autonomously, empowering members to work whenever it enables them to do their best work.

Since the company is entering into a market that’s still developing, optimizing for the performance of each individual is essential for the success of the company’s business. They also want to support members in expressing their own ideas and hypothesis since they know that the satellite business still has many open questions.

Synspective is an organization full of highly-motivated specialists, so each full-time employee is on a 6-month contract. Members’ performance is evaluated every six months, and those who’ve made major contributions are rewarded for their effort. This also helps maintain an environment where everyone can work freely and independently among people focused on improvement and growth.

Synspective's policies during COVID-19 are as follows:

During COVID-19 all of their members are working from home. *They’ve opened up hiring for overseas candidates for a few positions.
Synspective was already working remotely before COVID-19 for most roles.

Japanese Language Policy
Synspective’s Japanese requirement varies based on the position, but they only require Conversational Japanese skills for developers. Being able to speak business level Japanese will come in handy however. Official company events use English, but day-to-day communications can depend on the team.
Paid Leave
Synspective’s PTO policy consists of annual paid leave following Japanese labor law.

The first year an employee joins, they’ll receive ten PTO days, plus Saturdays and Sundays and all Japanese public holidays off.

Each year the number of PTO days they’re granted will increase by one (e.g. 11 days granted in year 2) up to a maximum pursuant with Japan’s labor laws.
Benefits
💹 Employee stock option plan

💻 New tech gear

👩‍🎓 Skill development support

💛 Support for attending conferences

💜 Seminar participation support

👶 Parental Leave

🧡 Social security / insurance benefits included

🏥 Healthcare insurance

💚 Pension insurance
Remote Work
Employees are completely free to work remotely or from the office. In fact, Synspective is planning to support full remote work even after COVID-19.

However, we ask that everyone live close enough to commute to the office if necessary.
Work style
Full flex time with core time from 11:00AM to 3:00PM
Synergy of Spirit

As part of Synspective, we embark on this journey together, bringing with us our combined experiences and life. As a team, we recognize that the team’s goals are my personal goals, and my goals are the team’s goals. We each share a part of the responsibility to succeed. I constantly communicate to align my efforts with our goal. I manage my energy and time to maximize team performance. I give more than I take. I provide value when needed and I take responsibility for my own behavior.

Synthesis of Knowledge

We try to create new value under conditions that have huge uncertainty and volatility. The only way for us to succeed is to progress through trial and error that we learn from and make changes based on our new knowledge. I listen actively and respectfully to others’ opinions, consider it logically and examine my assumptions, and discuss it with my team constructively. I learn by doing and building upon our experiences. I aim to achieve better results with every new attempt. I accelerate the collective learning process by openly sharing experiences and knowledge with my team.

Synched with the Future

We have an obligation to create a sustainable future for the next generations. To do so, we must tackle tough challenges as pioneers, leaving our comfort zones that prevent our growth. I recognize that a smart failure is a step toward success and try to learn from the past to solve new issues in the future. I set aggressive goals and divide them into sprint-victories in order to continue to tangibly advance and make progress. I consider the future, prepare for it, and actively engage in making it happen with quick actions and decisions.