Remote Principal Python Engineer (Video Systems)

Description:

• Focuz is an early-stage startup focused on redefining video intelligence by transforming raw video streams into structured insights.
• The Principal Python Engineer will be a foundational engineering hire, addressing challenges in real-time video streaming, camera communication, and distributed backend systems.
• Responsibilities include designing and building software to ingest, transport, and control video feeds from thousands of cameras in various environments.
• The role involves working on a lightweight agent with a local database and a cloud-based control plane.
• Key tasks include designing a core Python-based service for camera communication, managing video streams, and storing metadata locally using SQLite.
• The engineer will develop backend services for the cloud control plane using Python, FastAPI, and asynchronous programming.
• Responsibilities also include implementing an IoT communication layer with MQTT, integrating various video protocols, and designing schemas for PostgreSQL and SQLite.
• The engineer is expected to write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code while contributing to a culture of quality.

Requirements:

• Candidates must have 8+ years of professional experience in backend development using Python.
• Strong proficiency with modern Python frameworks like FastAPI or Flask and a deep understanding of asynchronous programming is required.
• Solid experience with relational databases and SQL is necessary, including comfort with PostgreSQL and SQLite.
• Hands-on experience with Docker and building containerized applications from scratch is essential.
• Candidates should be comfortable working in a Linux environment and using command-line tools.
• A pragmatic and product-oriented mindset is required, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and take ownership of problems.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative spirit are essential for this role.
• Nice to have: Experience with video streaming technologies (WebRTC, RTSP, HLS), familiarity with media servers or video processing libraries, practical experience with MQTT, and experience with data processing pipelines.

Benefits:

• The position offers a fully remote and flexible work environment.
• It provides a foundational role with a significant impact on the product and company culture.
• Performance bonuses are available.
• There are opportunities for career growth within the company.