Open Source Software Developer Job Description Template

Create a great Open Source Software Developer job post with our ready-to-use template. Easy to customize for your needs.
Hire Talent
  • Freelance contractors
  • Full-time roles
  • Global teams
job descriptions
Responsibilities & Skills

If you’re hiring a specific type of engineering roles, you can use this template as a foundation and customize  it to highlight the responsibilities, skills, and qualifications relevant to that role.

Open Source Software Developer Job Description Template

Open Source Software Developer Job Description Template

Use this template to craft job descriptions for hiring Open Source Software Developers. Tailor it to reflect your organization’s specific objectives and technical needs.

Job Title: Open Source Software Developer
Location: [Specify Location or Remote]
Job Type: [Full-time/Part-time/Contract]

About the Role

We are looking for a proactive and skilled Open Source Software Developer to contribute to and expand open source projects that drive innovation and community collaboration in our organization. You will play a pivotal role in designing, improving, and maintaining software that adheres to open-source principles while working closely with internal teams and external collaborators.

If you’re passionate about open-source technologies, enjoy working in a collaborative environment, and have a knack for problem-solving, we’d love to have you on board to make a meaningful impact on the software development community.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and maintain open source software projects across various domains.
  • Review and contribute to open-source codebases by submitting patches, features, and bug fixes.
  • Collaborate with open-source communities to align projects with best practices and user needs.
  • Ensure software meets high-quality standards through thorough code reviews and testing.
  • Write documentation to guide contributors, users, and developers within the community.
  • Monitor project performance, resolve issues, and implement updates as needed.
  • Engage with the broader development community via forums, Git repositories, or conferences.
  • Ensure compliance with open source licensing and governance requirements.
  • Advocate for open-source practices within the company and with external stakeholders.
  • Stay updated on emerging trends, tools, and technologies in the open-source ecosystem.

Required Skills & Experience

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, C++, Java, or Go.
  • Hands-on experience contributing to or managing open source projects on platforms like GitHub or GitLab.
  • Strong understanding of version control systems, particularly Git.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and deploy scalable applications or software libraries.
  • Solid debugging, problem-solving, and performance optimization skills.
  • Knowledge of common open-source licenses, such as MIT, GPL, and Apache.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.
  • Ability to write clear technical documentation and guides.

Nice-to-Have Skills

  • Experience with containerization tools like Docker and orchestration tools like Kubernetes.
  • Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automation tools.
  • Background in cloud computing platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
  • Knowledge of database systems and NoSQL/SQL technologies.
  • Contributions to widely used open-source frameworks or libraries.
  • History of conference speaking or other forms of knowledge sharing within the open source community.
  • Familiarity with security practices in open-source development.

Why Join Us?

  • Innovative Projects: Work on impactful open-source initiatives that empower users and developers alike.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a team that values community contribution and cross-functional partnerships.
  • Professional Growth: Access opportunities to learn, share, and lead in the open-source community.
  • Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, including remote or hybrid options.
  • Inclusive Culture: Thrive in an organization committed to diversity and inclusion, where contributions from all backgrounds are valued.

Apply Now

Are you ready to create and contribute to cutting-edge open-source software that makes a difference? Join [Your Company Name] as an Open Source Software Developer and help shape the future of technology. Apply today!

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this Open Source Software Developer Job Description Template?

This template provides a standardized format for creating professional job descriptions that effectively communicate role requirements, responsibilities, and company information to potential candidates. It helps ensure consistency across your organization’s hiring materials while saving time in the recruitment process.

Replace all placeholder text with information specific to your open position. Pay special attention to sections like requirements, responsibilities, and qualifications to ensure they accurately reflect the needs of the role.

This job description template helps in recruitment by clearly defining the role and expectations, attracting qualified candidates, and streamlining the selection process. It serves as a reference during interviews and evaluations.

  • Include relevant keywords and industry-standard job titles
  • Use common terminology for skills and qualifications
  • Structure your content with clear headings
  • Avoid excessive formatting that might not translate across platforms
  • Ensure mobile-friendly content (concise paragraphs, scannable bullets)

Essential sections include:

  • Job title
  • Company overview
  • Position summary
  • Key responsibilities
  • Required qualifications/skills
  • Preferred qualifications
  • Compensation and benefits information
  • Equal opportunity statement

Strong Introduction:

  • Highlight technical challenges and impact
  • Mention key technologies and team culture

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Use concrete examples instead of vague statements
  • Clarify collaboration expectations and decision authority

Clear Requirements:

  • Separate must-have from nice-to-have skills
  • Include both technical and professional qualifications

Showcase Culture:

  • Describe engineering practices (code reviews, pair programming)
  • Highlight growth opportunities and unique developer benefits
Explore More