Software Engineer II (Comms Platform)

The Software Engineer II at Affirm is responsible for breaking down larger projects into manageable tasks, supporting product development, and ensuring the operations of critical communication services. This includes collaborating with product management, design, and analytics, creating monitoring metrics, engaging in the on-call rotation, and participating in team growth activities such as interviews.

To qualify for the Software Engineer II role at Affirm, candidates should have a minimum of 1.5 years of software engineering experience, proficiency in Python or Kotlin, and a solid understanding of distributed systems. An equivalent practical experience or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required, alongside strong communication and collaboration skills.

The Software Engineer II role at Affirm requires proficiency in either Python or Kotlin for designing, developing, and launching APIs and backend systems. Familiarity with technologies used in distributed systems, such as AWS and Kubernetes, is also beneficial.

Yes, the Software Engineer II at Affirm can work remotely from Spain. Affirm is committed to a remote-first approach, allowing flexibility while offering competitive benefits and support for a healthy work-life balance.

Affirm offers a comprehensive benefits package to its Software Engineer II employees, including health care coverage, flexible spending wallets for technology and lifestyle expenses, competitive time off policies, and an employee stock purchase plan. Additional benefits include learning and development programs and wellness days to recharge.

In a distributed system, I prioritize using messaging queues and event-driven architectures to handle asynchronous communication effectively. I make sure to implement best practices for reliability and ensure that systems can gracefully handle failures.

I have developed multiple backend services using Python/Kotlin, focusing on creating RESTful APIs, handling database interactions, and ensuring scalability. I emphasize writing clean, maintainable code and using design patterns to simplify complex problems.

I monitor key metrics such as response times, error rates, and system uptime to evaluate reliability. Implementing monitoring tools and setting up alerts help in identifying and resolving potential issues proactively.

I prioritize tasks based on their impact on project deadlines, team dependencies, and customer needs. Using tools like kanban boards helps visualize progress and facilitates discussions with the team to make informed decisions.

When debugging large codebases, I start by reproducing the issue and then use logging to gain insights into the problem. I systematically narrow down the relevant code sections and often rely on collaboration with peers to gain different perspectives.

I follow coding standards, write descriptive comments, and use meaningful variable names. I also engage in code reviews, utilizing peer feedback to ensure quality and maintainability across the codebase.

In a recent project, we faced a tight deadline with a complex design. I broke it down into manageable segments, prioritized features, and collaborated closely with the team to address challenges swiftly, which allowed us to meet the timeline successfully.

I regularly read tech blogs, attend webinars, and participate in online courses. Engaging with communities and collaborating on open-source projects also helps me stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies.

I have participated in on-call rotations, where I handled alert responses and troubleshooting effectively. I prepared by understanding the system architecture and having documented processes in place for common issues.

I believe in open communication, respect for diverse opinions, and mutual support. Fostering a collaborative environment enhances productivity and promotes innovation among team members.