Senior Backend Software Engineer, Workplace Experience

As a Senior Backend Software Engineer at Envoy, your primary responsibilities include designing and developing core backend components for our Workplace product, driving ambitious system architecture, and ensuring the successful completion of engineering projects. You'll also mentor fellow engineers and advocate for the end-user's experience, aiming to enhance product quality while achieving our growth goals.

To qualify for the Senior Backend Software Engineer position at Envoy, candidates should have at least 5 years of software engineering experience, preferably with a degree in Computer Science or a related field. A solid understanding of backend technologies, particularly Kotlin and Ruby on Rails, as well as familiarity with database management using Postgres, is essential for this role.

Envoy promotes a strong collaborative culture by encouraging open communication, team brainstorming sessions, and hands-on whiteboarding activities. As part of the team in our San Francisco HQ, Senior Backend Software Engineers can share ideas and feedback, which enhances innovation and helps drive projects forward effectively.

At Envoy, Senior Backend Software Engineers should be comfortable working with a tech stack that includes Kotlin and Ruby on Rails for backend development, as well as Ember, React, and Typescript for the front-end. Proficiency in Postgres for database management and familiarity with AWS infrastructure will also be beneficial for this role.

Envoy is committed to the personal and professional growth of its Senior Backend Software Engineers. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside highly skilled professionals, take on innovative projects, advocate for quality engineering practices, and contribute to a vibrant and supportive workplace culture that values continuous learning.

When answering this question, provide specific instances where you utilized Kotlin in past projects, highlighting what problems you solved and how your contributions impacted the final product. Discuss your familiarity with Kotlin's features and how they apply to modern backend development.

Focus on discussing the importance of code reviews, automated testing, and continuous integration practices. Share examples of how you've implemented these processes to maintain high-quality standards in your projects, including tools and methodologies you've used.

Outline your view on clean abstractions, effective communication, and collaborative teamwork to streamline product development. Provide an example of how you successfully increased Product Velocity in a previous role by implementing specific strategies or practices.

Discuss your methodology for system design, including gathering requirements, evaluating potential technologies, and prioritizing scalability and security. Share a relevant project where you designed architecture, detailing your thought process and decisions.

Highlight your experience mentoring junior engineers by discussing specific examples of how you've guided them through projects, provided feedback, and helped them develop their skills. Emphasize the importance of fostering a collaborative learning environment.

When addressing this question, choose a real challenge you've faced in your work and describe how you approached it, the steps you took to resolve it, and the outcome. This shows not only your technical expertise but also problem-solving skills.

Discuss your commitment to continuous learning through online courses, tech blogs, networking, or attending industry conferences. Share examples of how you've applied new knowledge or technologies in your projects to stay ahead in backend development.

Use this opportunity to express your passion for backend development, focusing on the aspects that excite you, such as problem-solving, enhancing user experience, or contributing to the overall success of an application.

Outline your strategy for time management, including how you assess project priorities, manage deadlines, and communicate with stakeholders. Providing a real-life example of successful multitasking will demonstrate your capability.

Explain your familiarity with version control systems like Git, including how you've utilized them in team environments to track project progress, manage code merges, and resolve conflicts. Your answer should reflect your ability to work effectively within a team.