Junior Software Engineer

This is a 1099 contract position with the opportunity to transition to full-time W2 employment. Please provide resume when applying.

The Strawhecker Group

The Strawhecker Group (TSG) is a fast-growing analytics and consulting firm focused on the electronic payments industry. The company serves the entire payments ecosystem, from fintech startups to Fortune 500 companies. The firm provides its clients with advisory services, research, and analytics to help them plan and execute their strategic initiatives. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, a recognized payments industry hub, TSG is an established leader in this high-growth, ever-evolving space.

Job description: Junior Software Engineer

The Strawhecker Group (TSG) is in search of a Junior Software Engineer that specializes in server-side components. In this role, you'll primarily work in Python and SQL and systems leveraging Google Cloud Platform and Kubernetes. As a Junior Software Engineer, on any given day you might be building new features under the guidance of senior engineers, writing tests to improve code quality, and learning what it takes to ship changes to a live environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Write, test, and maintain clean, well-documented code under the guidance of senior engineers.

• Contribute to the development of APIs, services, and internal tools that support TSG's payment technology platforms.

• Help improve our code quality through writing unit tests, automation, and participating in code reviews.

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of Back-End Software Engineers, Front-End Software Engineers, Product Managers, Data Scientists, and System Administrators.

• Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute ideas to our technology, algorithms, and products.

• Work with the product and design teams to understand end-user requirements and translate them into a pragmatic, effective technical solution.

• Debug and resolve defects identified during development, QA, or production support.

• Work with senior engineers to break down difficult problems, make steady progress, and deliver assigned work on schedule.

Job Qualifications

• 0-2 years of hands-on coding and software design experience. Internships and academic projects count.

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• A track record of completing projects on time, with strong follow-through and a bias toward steady execution.

• You find satisfaction in a job well done and want to solve head-scratching challenges.

• Working knowledge of at least one modern programming language, Python preferred.

• Basic understanding of REST APIs, relational databases, and version control (Git).

• Experience with all phases of the software development life cycle, best practices, and Agile Software Development is a plus.

• Exposure to Linux/Unix, Google Cloud Platform, and Kubernetes is a plus. TSG standardizes on GCP.

• Strong problem-solving skills, eagerness to learn, and ability to work well in a collaborative team environment.

Position Type and Location

This role begins as a 1099 independent contractor engagement, with the opportunity to transition to full-time W2 employment based on performance and business need. Specific terms of the contract engagement, including scope, duration, and payment terms, will be defined in a separate Independent Contractor Agreement.

During the 1099 contract phase, this position can be performed remotely from anywhere in the United States. Upon transition to W2 employment, this position will be based onsite in Omaha, NE or remote from Colorado, Mississippi, Nevada, or Florida, consistent with TSG's standard employment locations.

Compensation and Benefits

1099 Contract Phase: Compensation is structured as a contract rate, as agreed upon in the Independent Contractor Agreement. TSG provides the equipment needed to perform the work. As an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own tax withholding and insurance. This phase does not include TSG's employee benefits package.

W2 Employment Phase: Upon transition to full-time W2 employment, TSG offers competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package, including:

• Free Fridays (1 Friday a month to be taken as PTO)

• Unlimited PTO

• Casual work environment

• Health Insurance and Dental Insurance

• Simple IRA Match

• Life Insurance premiums 100% paid for by TSG

Background Checks, Access, and Security Controls

All contract to hire employees, whether in the 1099 contract phase or the W2 employment phase, are held to the same background check, access control, and security control requirements. This includes background checks required for employment and compliance with TSG's PCI DSS and data security policies. There is no difference in vetting or security standards between the two phases.

Working Conditions:

During the 1099 contract phase, work location and schedule are agreed upon between the contractor and TSG in the Independent Contractor Agreement. Upon transition to W2 employment, the role follows a standard office environment, Monday through Friday, with some flexibility in scheduling, business casual attire, and off-street free parking in Omaha or an approved remote setup in Colorado. The above is intended to describe the essential job functions and the essential job requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all supplemental duties, responsibilities, or non-essential requirements.