Junior Software Engineer - Boston

Best Bees is seeking a Junior FileMaker Developer to help build and improve the systems that power Best Bees' field and corporate operations. Our team runs on Bzzz, a custom FileMaker enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform developed and refined in-house over the past 16 years.

The ideal candidate will join a small internal systems team and work closely with our Chief Operating Officer, who has led Bzzz's development to date and brings 30 years of FileMaker experience. Through hands-on projects, direct mentorship, and code review, you will learn how our systems work and take increasing ownership of improvements.

This position is ideal for an early-career developer with a programming or scripting foundation who enjoys solving practical problems and wants to build sustained expertise in FileMaker and business systems. Prior FileMaker experience is welcome, but we are willing to train the right person.

Primary Responsibilities

FileMaker Development

• Build and improve layouts, scripts, calculations, and database relationships within Bzz
• Work with the Chief Operating Officer and internal users to understand operational needs
• Translate those needs into practical, maintainable improvements
• Document changes and participate in code review
• Own scoped projects with guidance, review, and increasing independence as your skills develop

Mobile Field Operations

• Improve MobileBzzz, our mobile application for field operations
• Refine interfaces to make everyday tasks easier for field staff
• Help develop and maintain login, authentication, and application update workflows
• Gather user feedback and translate it into improvements that support reliable work in the field

Integrations and Automations

• Help maintain and extend connections between Bzz and services such as QuickBooks Online, Google Sheets, Slack, and payment processors
• Learn our integration patterns using AWS Lambda and Amazon S3
• Investigate integration errors and troubleshoot data flows
• Improve existing automations to reduce manual work and increase reliability

Testing, Documentation, and System Support

• Reproduce, investigate, and resolve reported bugs
• Test changes before release and document expected behavior
• Work with the Chief Operating Officer to review changes before they reach production
• Apply access controls and protect data integrity under guidance
• Create clear documentation that helps the team understand and maintain the system
• Communicate progress, questions, and blockers promptly

Success Measures

Success in this role means delivering useful, reliable improvements while building a strong understanding of our systems. We will look for:

• Thoughtful problem-solving and steady development of FileMaker skills
• Reliable follow-through on agreed project scope and timelines
• Thorough testing and clear documentation
• Effective communication and responsiveness to feedback
• Increasing independence while recognizing when to ask for guidance

Required Qualifications

• A foundation in programming or scripting, demonstrated through work, coursework, personal projects, or equivalent experience
• Ability to think logically, break problems into manageable steps, and troubleshoot methodically
• Interest in building sustained expertise in FileMaker and business systems
• Clear written communication and willingness to document work and collaborate asynchronously
• Curiosity about understanding and improving a mature, highly customized platform
• Attention to detail, reliability, and follow-through
• Willingness to ask questions, receive feedback, and learn

We value demonstrated problem-solving ability and commitment to learning more than formal credentials. You do not need experience with every tool listed in this posting.

Helpful, but Not Required

• Experience developing in Claris FileMaker
• Familiarity with relational databases and data modeling
• Experience with JavaScript, Python, SQL, or similar languages
• Familiarity with REST APIs, JSON, or authentication concepts
• Exposure to AWS Lambda, Amazon S3, or third-party business integrations
• Experience testing software or supporting internal users
• Interest in sustainability, environmental science, or conservation

Growth Opportunity

As your skills develop, you will take on increasingly complex projects across our core platform, mobile application, and integrations. You will have opportunities to deepen your technical expertise, strengthen your understanding of business operations, and help shape the future of Best Bees' internal systems.

Who We Are

The Best Bees Company installs and maintains honeybee hives on commercial, government, and residential properties across the United States. Since 2010, we have worked to improve pollinator health through hands-on beekeeping and scientific research.

Our team brings together scientists, artists, adventurers, and environmentalists. As a Junior FileMaker Developer, you will build tools that support the people caring for honeybee colonies, serving clients, and advancing our research.

Have Materials to Share?

Personal, school, and professional projects are all welcome. If you have a relevant project or code sample you are able to share, you may include it; a polished portfolio is not required. Feel free to send any applicable materials to [email protected]