Job Description

At Derq, we are building the future of AI-powered traffic safety and smart infrastructure. Our patented technologies collect and analyze data from connected sensors (cameras, radar, traffic signal controllers) in real time to predict and prevent road incidents. We deploy edge-based and cloud-based solutions that transform intersections and highways into safer, smarter environments.


We are a fast-growing deep-tech company backed by leading investors, with operations in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

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Role Overview

We are looking for a Lead Software Engineer to own the design, development, and evolution of our adaptive traffic signal optimization systems. This role sits at the intersection of real-time systems, optimization algorithms, distributed software, and traffic engineering.


You will lead technical direction while remaining hands-on, working on second-by-second optimization logic, edge/cloud systems, and large-scale deployments across urban environments. This is a senior role for someone who understands both software systems and the physics of traffic.

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Responsibilities

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Traffic Signal Optimization & Algorithms

Lead the design and evolution of adaptive traffic signal optimization implementation based on industry standard Purdue research and algorithms in partnership with the Product Owner. Develop real-time decision-making logic using traffic theory, optimization, and AI techniques. Improve system performance for complex environments such as urban grids, corridors, and multimodal intersections. Apply concepts such as queueing theory, control theory, and reinforcement learning where appropriate.
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Software Engineering & Systems

Design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain high-quality, production-grade systems. Build scalable systems that run across edge devices and cloud infrastructure. Work with distributed systems that process high-volume, low-latency data streams. Ensure systems are observable, reliable, and resilient under real-world conditions.
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Architecture & Technical Leadership

Own technical decisions and guide system architecture. Review code and mentor engineers to maintain high engineering standards. Identify refactoring opportunities and introduce new technologies where they add value. Balance speed, correctness, and long-term maintainability.
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Operations & Reliability

Follow a "run what you build" mindset. Participate in on-call rotations for production systems. Improve monitoring, alerting, and performance tuning. Investigate and resolve complex production issues involving real-time systems.
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Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with Product, AI/Research, Network Engineering, and Deployment teams. Translate real-world traffic problems into technical solutions. Support deployments and provide technical guidance when systems are live in the field.

Requirements

Education & Experience

+ Bachelor's degree in

Computer Science, Engineering, Robotics

, or a related field (

advanced degrees a plus

). +

6+ years

of professional software engineering experience.
+ Experience with

real-time

,

high-concurrency

, or

mission-critical systems

.
+ Proven experience

leading complex technical initiatives

or

owning major system components

.

Technical Skills

+ Strong proficiency in

Python

,

Go

,

C/C++

, or

Rust

. + Experience with

distributed systems

and

real-time data processing

.
+ Solid understanding of

networking fundamentals

(

TCP/IP

,

latency

,

reliability

).
+ Experience with

Linux-based systems

and

edge computing environments

.
+ Familiarity with

traffic engineering concepts

,

optimization

, or

control systems

.
+ Experience with

monitoring tools

,

logging

, and

performance tuning

.
+ Exposure to

cloud platforms

,

containers

, and

CI/CD pipelines

.
+ Proficiency in the

DORA Capabilities Maturity Model

.

Soft Skills

+ Strong ownership and decision-making in ambiguity. + Clear communicator; collaborative, low?ego; mentorship mindset.