Principal Python Engineer

About Focuz

Focuz is a well-funded, early-stage startup on a mission to redefine video intelligence. We are building a next-generation platform that transforms raw video streams from any camera into structured, actionable insights. Moving beyond simple object detection, we are creating a system that understands context, behavior, and patterns, enabling businesses and consumers to make smarter decisions. We are a small, agile team of builders and innovators, and we're looking for foundational members to help us shape the future of video technology.

About the Role

This isn't just another backend role; this is an opportunity to build the core engine of our entire platform. As a Principal Python Engineer focused on Video Systems, you will be one of our foundational engineering hires. You will tackle the unique and complex challenges at the intersection of real-time video streaming, Camera device communication, and distributed backend systems.

You will be responsible for designing and building the software that reliably ingests, transports, and controls video feeds from thousands of cameras in diverse environments. You will work on everything from the lightweight agent running on-site—complete with its own local database—to the cloud-based control plane that orchestrates it all. If you are a pragmatic problem-solver who loves building robust systems from the ground up, this role is for you.

What You'll Do

• Design and build our core Python-based service that runs on-site to communicate with cameras, manage video streams, and store metadata locally using SQLite.
• Develop and maintain the backend services for our cloud control plane using Python, FastAPI, and asynchronous programming.
• Implement and manage our IoT communication layer using MQTT for secure, low-latency command and control of devices.
• Integrate with a variety of video protocols and technologies, including RTSP for camera ingestion and WebRTC (WHIP) for efficient streaming to the cloud.
• Work with our data layer, designing schemas and writing efficient queries for PostgreSQL in the cloud and SQLite on the edge.
• Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code, and contribute to a culture of quality.
• Create and maintain technical documentation as part of the codebase (documentation-as-code).
• Collaborate closely with the founders, product leads, and other engineers to define and deliver on our product roadmap.

Requirements:

• 8+ years of professional experience in backend development using Python.
• Strong proficiency with modern Python frameworks like FastAPI or Flask, with a deep understanding of asynchronous (async/await) programming.
• Solid experience with relational databases and SQL. You should be comfortable working with both large-scale databases like PostgreSQL and embedded databases like SQLite.
• Hands-on experience with Docker and building containerized applications from scratch.
• Comfortable working in a Linux environment and using command-line tools.
• A pragmatic and product-oriented mindset: You can navigate ambiguity, take ownership of problems, and are driven to find the simplest, most effective solutions.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative spirit.

Nice to Have:

• Experience with video streaming technologies (WebRTC, RTSP, HLS) is a significant advantage.
• Familiarity with media servers (like go2rtc) or video processing libraries (FFmpeg).
• Practical experience with
  MQTT or other IoT messaging protocols.
• Experience with data processing pipelines (ETL, data transformation).
• An "AI-positive" attitude and an interest in leveraging AI tools to enhance productivity.

Our Tech Stack

• Backend:

Python, FastAPI, Asyncio
- Video & IoT:

WebRTC, RTSP, go2rtc, MQTT, ONVIF
- Databases:

PostgreSQL (Cloud), SQLite (Edge)
- Infrastructure:

Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, AWS/GCP

What We Offer

• A competitive salary
• A fully remote and flexible work environment.
• A foundational role with a massive impact on the product and company culture.
• The opportunity to work on a challenging and fascinating technical problem with a talented team.
• A modern tech stack and a commitment to using the best tools for the job.