Employment at Northern Light

Northern Light Technology Incorporated, a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company, is the developer of the world's first research engine.  We are proud to announce that Hewlett Packard and Reuters Group are leading a $35 million equity investment that will further enable us to strengthen our position as the premier Internet research service and commerce platform. 

VMS Senior Engineer
Senior Software Engineer needed to develop and refine the mission critical system that updates the Northern Light Database. Other responsibilities include developing programs in C/C++ that run on VMS, coordinating the execution of multiple processes and making the most of high performance, multiple-CPU Alpha machines. We are looking for 5+ years of programming experience with at least 3 years on VMS. Familiarity with VMS system administration issues is an advantage.

Principal/Senior Software Engineer (Search Engine Development)
Design and implement algorithms related to Northern Light's search engine, including building and updating the database, processing queries and calculating relevancy values. Candidates need strong C/C++ and 2+ years experience working with data structures and related algorithms, such as database internals, memory management, file system management or disk I/O optimization.

Principal/Senior/Software Engineer (Database)
Design and implement new e-commerce capabilities. Candidates need very strong C/C++ skills and 5+ years of experience implementing systems using relational DBs such as Oracle, Sybase or Informix on the UNIX platform. Knowledge of UNIX internals and file systems, e-commerce and credit-card processing is also desirable. Ideal candidates will have current experience in e-commerce or other internet related fields.

Principal/Senior/Software Engineer (Classification)
Design and implement new classification technologies. Candidates need very strong C/C++ or Perl and 5+ years working with classification technology, neural networks, AI, natural language or text parsing.

Software Engineer (Data Conversion)
Design and implement new content processing software. Candidates need 2+ years of relevant experience, strong PERL and text/ processing skills on UNIX or Windows NT. Good HTML skills are also required. Experience with publishing or layout formats such as SGML or QuarkExpress very helpful.

Software Engineer (Applications)
Design and implement core product functionality. Candidates need a minimum of 12 months experience in implementing CGI software on UNIX platform. Strong PERL and HTML (or very strong C++ or Java) are required. Knowledge of TCP/IP, Apache, mod_perl and object-oriented design are desirable.

Verification Engineering

VMS Engineer
For this position we need 5+ years of VMS/OPEN VMS experience, including scripting, job control, disk and hardware configuration. Experience with TCP/IP and Internet technologies are also desired.

Senior/Principal Verification Engineer
Design and execute testing strategies and procedures to assure the quality and proper function of Northern Light Search. Qualified candidates will have 5+ years of QA experience, with primary work on web-based services. Knowledge of web-based applications in a UNIX environment essential. Experience with Perl, Apache and information retrieval systems a plus. Must be detail-oriented and organized. Ideal candidates will have a programming background.

Principal Verification Engineer
Oversee development and execution of testing strategies, system configurations for test servers, and coordinate change control and bug lists with engineering groups. Qualified candidates will have 5+ years of technical/development management experience, with most recent work on web-based services. Knowledge of HTML, web applications, source control and issue tracking concepts essential. Ideal candidates will be experienced programmers with knowledge of Perl and Apache webserver configurations on UNIX.

Operations/Engineering

UNIX Software Toolsmith
The UNIX Software Toolsmith will work in the Software Tools and Automation group at Northern Light. We are looking for a motivated individual contributor who can work as part of a small team to develop applications that automate manual tasks and solve real problems. Two or more years of software development experience in a UNIX environment is required. The job involves the specification, design, development, implementation, testing and documentation of all tools. Good writing and communication skills are essential.

In-depth knowledge and experience with PERL5 and shell scripting (bash or ksh) is required. Experience developing, maintaining, or debugging C or C++ applications is desirable. Experience automating interactive programs with Expect or other tools a plus. Implementation of GUIs using PERL/Tk, Tcl/Tk or Java, a double plus. Experience working in a distributed development environment using tools such as RCS and CVS is very desirable.

System Operator
Third shift and weekend positions are available. Perform functions on Compaq's Open VMS, Alpha and Sun Solaris platforms. Functions include system monitoring, back-ups, problem reporting, and problem resolution. 2+ years experience with Alpha and Sun Solaris machines required. College degree preferred.


Content Processing


Content Integration Specialists
We are looking for experienced applicants to convert data from magazines, books, newswires and other reference sources to Northern Light's specification, with an emphasis on ensuring the overall quality of our research database. In addition you will be responsible for introducing and ensuring the quality of new content products for Northern Light's Research Engine. Background in software quality assurance or online publishing, including exposure to electronic data publishing formats (HTML, SGML, etc.), is preferred.

Content Build Specialists
We are looking for experienced applicants to convert data from magazines, books, newswires and other reference sources to Northern Light's specification, with an emphasis on ensuring the overall quality of our research database. In addition, you will be responsible for running and monitoring software which integrates publisher content and web data into Northern Light's research database. Background in operations or engineering preferred. Knowledge of VMS and DCL helpful.


Customer Support


Customer Support Specialist
The Customer Support Specialist is the first point of contact for all incoming Northern Light customer inquiries, and is responsible for the first positive impression of Northern Light by providing a thorough response to queries. The Specialist proactively services existing and potential Northern Light customers, anticipating needs and questions, and acting as advocate for Northern Light customers to the rest of Northern Light. While exhibiting sound judgement and the ability to work independently, the Specialist supports the entire Northern Light team effort.

Excellent communication, grammar and problem solving skills are required as well as the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision. Knowledge of Microsoft Windows environment and experience in a customer service environment required. Candidates should work well with others and be a team player.

 
All positions are located in our Cambridge, MA office, and provide highly competitive benefits and compensation. We invite you to apply in any of the following ways:

Attach your cover letter and resume (in Word 6.0 or 7.0 format) to an e-mail and forward to:    hr@NorthernLight.com