Systems Engineer Internship

Decentralized Backend Developer Internship – Arch Angel Agency

Position Title: Decentralized Backend Developer Intern
Department: Dev Ops
Location: Remote
Type: Unpaid Internship
Duration: 3-6 Months
Reports to: Lead Dev Ops Specialist

About Arch Angel Agency

Arch Angel Agency is a trailblazing Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Super Hero Company focused on defending civilian infrastructure and personal freedoms from global threats. We specialize in Cyber Investigations, Digital Search & Rescue, Psi Operations, and Tech Development, operating under a Zero Profit model. As the digital landscape evolves, we are committed to embracing decentralized technologies that empower individuals and protect against centralized abuses of power. We are seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our team as Decentralized Backend Developer Interns. In this role, you will work on creating and maintaining robust decentralized backend systems that leverage cutting-edge technologies like Nostr and IPFS.

Role Overview

As a Decentralized Backend Developer Intern, you will be an essential part of our Dev Ops team, focusing on the design, development, and maintenance of backend systems that operate on decentralized networks. This internship offers a unique opportunity to work with technologies such as Nostr (a decentralized social networking protocol) and IPFS (InterPlanetary File System), contributing to applications that are resilient, censorship-resistant, and aligned with the agency’s mission of protecting global freedoms.

Key Responsibilities

  • Decentralized System Development: Assist in developing and maintaining decentralized backend systems using protocols like Nostr and IPFS. Your work will involve designing architecture that supports distributed, peer-to-peer networks, ensuring data integrity and availability across a decentralized infrastructure.
  • Data Storage and Retrieval: Contribute to the implementation of decentralized data storage solutions using IPFS, ensuring that data is securely stored, easily retrievable, and resistant to censorship and centralization.
  • Integration with Decentralized Protocols: Collaborate with frontend developers, systems engineers, and other team members to integrate decentralized protocols like Nostr into our applications, enhancing their functionality and resilience.
  • Performance Optimization: Participate in optimizing the performance of decentralized backend processes, focusing on scalability, reliability, and security within a distributed environment.
  • Security Implementation: Assist in implementing security measures that protect the integrity and confidentiality of data in a decentralized context, ensuring that systems are resilient against attacks and vulnerabilities.

Qualifications

  • Programming Proficiency: Basic to intermediate knowledge of backend programming languages such as Python, JavaScript (Node.js), or Go, with a focus on building decentralized applications (dApps).
  • Familiarity with Decentralized Technologies: Understanding of decentralized protocols and technologies, including Nostr, IPFS, and blockchain. Experience with tools like libp2p, OrbitDB, or similar is a plus.
  • Database Knowledge: Experience with both traditional and decentralized database systems, including an understanding of how to implement and optimize storage solutions in a decentralized network.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues in a distributed environment.
  • Security Awareness: Knowledge of security best practices, particularly in the context of decentralized systems and networks.
  • Collaboration: A team player who can work effectively with developers, engineers, and other stakeholders to achieve project goals within a decentralized architecture.
  • Adaptability: A willingness to learn new technologies and adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of decentralized development.

Learning Outcomes

  • Real-World Decentralized Experience: Gain practical experience in developing and maintaining decentralized backend systems, working on applications that support global operations in cyber investigations, intelligence, and justice initiatives.
  • Skill Development: Enhance your programming skills and deepen your understanding of decentralized technologies, backend systems, and data storage solutions.
  • Professional Growth: Build a strong foundation for a career in decentralized development, blockchain technology, or distributed systems engineering by working on impactful projects.
  • Networking: Connect with professionals and mentors within the decentralized technology and cybersecurity communities, expanding your professional network.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about decentralized technologies and are ready to contribute to applications that support global justice efforts, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest in decentralized backend development and why you want to be part of Arch Angel Agency.
Submit Applications to: https://archangel.agency/apply

Note: This is an unpaid internship. However, the experience, skills, and connections you will gain are invaluable for your career growth and personal development.

Arch Angel Agency LLC is an Equal Opportunity Organization. We encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, or sexual orientation.


Appendix

How to Succeed in the Decentralized Backend Developer Internship at Arch Angel Agency

1. Embrace the Decentralized Mission

  • Understand the Impact: Recognize that your work on decentralized systems is essential for ensuring data integrity, security, and freedom from censorship. Align your development efforts with the mission of creating resilient, censorship-resistant applications that protect global freedoms.
  • Focus on Resilience: Decentralized systems are designed to resist central control and single points of failure. Keep this principle in mind as you design and implement backend solutions.

2. Master Decentralized Technologies

  • Deepen Knowledge of Protocols: Become proficient in key decentralized technologies like Nostr (decentralized social networking protocol) and IPFS (InterPlanetary File System). Understanding how these protocols work under the hood will enable you to build more effective and efficient backend systems.
  • Hands-On Practice: Engage in hands-on practice by building small projects using Nostr, IPFS, or similar technologies. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with decentralized architecture.
  • Learn Supporting Tools: Familiarize yourself with supporting tools and libraries like libp2p for networking and OrbitDB for decentralized databases. Mastery of these tools will be critical to your success in developing robust systems.

3. Develop Problem-Solving Skills

  • Troubleshoot in a Decentralized Context: Learn to troubleshoot and debug issues that arise in decentralized environments. Decentralized systems can present unique challenges, such as dealing with intermittent network connectivity or ensuring data consistency across distributed nodes.
  • Critical Thinking: Approach problems with a critical mindset. Analyze potential solutions from multiple angles and choose the one that best aligns with the principles of decentralization.
  • Innovate Solutions: Be prepared to think creatively when faced with challenges that don’t have conventional solutions. Decentralized systems often require innovative approaches to achieve the desired outcomes.

4. Effective Communication and Documentation

  • Document Your Code: Maintain thorough documentation of your code, APIs, and system architecture. This is especially important in decentralized systems, where clear documentation can help ensure consistency and reliability across distributed components.
  • Collaborate with the Team: Work closely with frontend developers, systems engineers, and other team members to ensure that the backend systems integrate smoothly with other parts of the application. Clear communication is key to successful collaboration.
  • Seek and Provide Feedback: Regularly seek feedback on your work from mentors and peers, and be open to constructive criticism. Providing feedback to others can also help reinforce your own understanding.

5. Adaptability and Continuous Learning

  • Stay Informed on Decentralized Tech: The field of decentralized technology is rapidly evolving. Keep up with the latest developments in protocols, tools, and best practices. Engage in online courses, read research papers, and participate in relevant forums.
  • Learn from Mistakes: Mistakes are an inevitable part of the development process. Learn from any missteps and use them as opportunities to improve your skills and understanding.
  • Iterative Development: Adopt an iterative approach to development. Continuously refine your code and architecture based on testing and feedback, ensuring that the final product is both robust and efficient.

6. Time Management

  • Prioritize Tasks: With multiple features to develop and deadlines to meet, effective time management is essential. Prioritize your tasks based on their impact and urgency to ensure that critical components are completed first.
  • Set Achievable Milestones: Break down your development work into smaller, manageable milestones. This will help you stay on track and provide a clear roadmap for your progress.
  • Balance Learning and Implementation: While learning new skills is important, make sure to balance this with practical application. Implement what you learn in real-world projects to solidify your understanding.

7. Engage with the Decentralized Community

  • Networking: Build relationships with other interns, mentors, and professionals in the decentralized technology space. Networking can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and insights.
  • Contribute to Open Source: If possible, contribute to open-source projects related to Nostr, IPFS, or other decentralized technologies. This not only helps the community but also enhances your skills and portfolio.
  • Feedback Loop: Regularly seek feedback from peers, mentors, and users. Use this feedback to continuously improve your skills and the backend systems you develop.

8. Utilize Available Resources

  • Access Tools and Libraries: Leverage the tools, libraries, and frameworks provided by Arch Angel Agency. Familiarize yourself with these resources early on, as they will help streamline your development process.
  • Training Materials: Take full advantage of the training materials available through Arch Angel Agency. These resources are designed to help you succeed in your role.
  • Participate in Code Reviews: Engage in code reviews, both as a reviewer and a contributor. Code reviews are an excellent way to learn from others, share knowledge, and ensure the quality of the codebase.

9. Commitment to Decentralized Excellence

  • Attention to Detail: Focus on the finer details in your work. Whether it’s ensuring the security of a peer-to-peer connection or optimizing data retrieval from a decentralized storage system, attention to detail can make a significant difference in the quality of the backend system.
  • Strive for Resilience: Aim to create backend systems that are resilient to failures, censorship, and attacks. This commitment to excellence will ensure that your work aligns with the core principles of decentralization.
  • Reflect on Progress: Periodically assess your progress and identify areas for improvement. Set personal development goals and work towards them throughout your internship.

10. Maintain Well-being

  • Stress Management: Development work, especially in decentralized environments, can be challenging. Practice stress management techniques such as taking breaks, exercising, and staying organized to maintain your well-being.
  • Work-Life Balance: Maintain a healthy balance between your internship responsibilities and personal life. This will help you stay energized, focused, and motivated throughout the program.

By focusing on these areas, a successful candidate can thrive in the Decentralized Backend Developer Internship at Arch Angel Agency, making meaningful contributions while gaining invaluable experience in decentralized development and backend systems engineering.

Archangel Agency