Software Architect

Chennai, India

FreeElective™ LLC is a Chicago-based start-up that aims to improve how people connect online. We are excited to introduce Jodi365.com, a social matchmaking site that helps people find a match for all seasons of life™. We especially cater to educated, quality singles who are serious about finding a match.

We are a well-funded, privately-held company, backed by a seasoned group of entrepreneurs and advisors. We are growing and have a number of internships and job openings at our Indian subsidiary, FreeElective Network Pvt. Ltd., based in Chennai.

About this job:

We are looking for an experienced web/information architect to play an instrumental role in the continued architecture and design of the Jodi365 family of sites. The ideal candidate will work closely with our chief technology officer (CTO) and not only manage a small, growing web development team, but also be a technical lead who enjoys and continues to do hands-on programming. If you think your particular skills and experience would add to our team, we would love to hear from you. The work would be at FreeElective Network's office in the heart of Chennai, a few miles from the IIT-Madras campus. The position represents a terrific opportunity to work in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment and to innovate without being bogged down by bureaucracy. If you think your particular skills and experience would add to our team, we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities:

Work on web development at all levels (within a Linux environment), including designing databases, implementing back-end systems, and integrating front-end interfaces
Design and configure database schema and the corresponding data-layer logic based on best practices; develop, test, and optimize data backup and database performance monitoring procedures
Design and develop server-side components that power jodi365's web application, including those that address load-balancing, security, performance, and application-specific business logic (e.g., our proprietary matching algorithm)
Incorporate feedback from customer research in agile development process
Ensure that team uses best practices in design and implementation of the system
Resolve application issues/bugs that may arise
Assist management team in ensuring efficient progress of workflow and transforming business visions into reality

Qualifications:

Requirements:

7+ years of programming and web development experience, including 3+ years of server-side Java development experience
Expertise in PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, Linux, xHTML/CSS, and content management systems (primarily Drupal)
Experience in high-transaction, high-volume, web/e-commerce and/or high-availability SQL server environments
Deep knowledge of relational database concepts and patterns and SQL query design and optimzation

Preferences:

Experience in an Agile development life cycle
Fluency in Flash, Flex, Ajax, mobile web design, Facebook's developer platform and/or Open Social
Solid understanding of object-oriented design, coding, and testing patterns
Strong command of web standards, cross-browser compatibility, and search engine optimization (SEO)
Bachelor's or higher degree in computer science or related major

Desired soft skills:

Team player with strong analytical and project management skills
Organized and detail-oriented individual who works well with deadlines
Willingness to learn, switch roles as necessary, and to roll up one's sleeves to get a job done
Self-starter with the ability to work independently in a fast-changing environment
Energized by the opportunities and challenges of working at a small and growing company

How to apply:

Want to work with us? To apply for this position:

Submit your application online
E-mail a detailed CV/resume to careers@FreeElective.com, with the subject “Software Architect”. Include URLs of sites you have worked on and describe your role on those projects.
Instead of a cover letter to accompany your resume, include your crisp, thoughtful answers (less than 250 words each) to the following questions:

What are your key skills? What are you really good at professionally?
What do you think of the online matchmaking industry?
Why do you want to work with us?
What are your salary requirements and career growth expectations?
Why should we hire you?

(You will be directed to an external site, where you may securely submit your application.)

Some advice, as you prepare your application:

Be true to yourself. (Ask yourself about this job, “Is this what I really want to do professionally?”)
Say it in your own words. (Your responses will be more compelling if they came from the heart.)

FreeElective is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide opportunities to all employees and applicants for 
employment without regard to religion, ethnicity, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or 
disability. FreeElective complies with applicable laws governing non-discrimination in every location in which 
the company has facilities. For more, please visit www.FreeElective.com.

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