Lead Software Engineer - Adaptive Traffic Signal Control

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.

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.

Responsibilities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.