Backend Engineering Team Lead (.NET Azure)

The Backend Engineering Team Lead at M-KOPA is responsible for guiding a team of engineers, focusing on high-quality output through practices like infrastructure as code and automated testing. You'll oversee the entire software lifecycle, promote a DevOps culture, and drive the architectural evolution of our projects using C#, .NET, and Azure technologies. Your leadership will influence both legacy systems and new projects.

Candidates applying for the Backend Engineering Team Lead position at M-KOPA should possess a robust knowledge of C# and .NET, along with experience in microservices and event-driven systems. Leadership experience and familiarity with DevOps practices are crucial. We are seeking innovative thinkers who are passionate about technology and have a strong commitment to delivering results.

At M-KOPA, we are dedicated to personal and professional development. As a Backend Engineering Team Lead, you will benefit from various development programs, coaching partnerships, and hands-on training opportunities. We embrace flexibility and provide support to ensure our team members can effectively grow their careers while making an impact.

A successful day for the Backend Engineering Team Lead at M-KOPA involves mentoring engineers, collaborating on code reviews, ensuring best practices are followed in deploying microservices, and facilitating team meetings. You’ll also engage in problem-solving sessions, contribute to architectural discussions, and focus on quality assurance to ensure our output meets the highest standards. You’ll always have the chance to innovate and improve existing systems.

The team culture at M-KOPA is dynamic, collaborative, and supportive. As a Backend Engineering Team Lead, you’ll find an environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement. We focus on shared goals and high-quality outcomes, fostering a sense of ownership among team members. Communication and teamwork are essential, and we welcome diverse perspectives to enhance our projects.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects where you utilized C# and .NET. Highlight your understanding of the framework, any challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Mention any tools, libraries, or best practices you implemented to improve performance or maintainability.

Discuss strategies you've used to instill a quality-first mindset, such as implementing code reviews, automated testing, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD). Share examples of how you encouraged team members to prioritize quality in all stages of software development.

Describe your method for addressing legacy code issues—whether through refactoring, rewriting, or transitioning parts of it into more manageable microservices. Highlight how you balance maintaining old code while keeping new development flowing and ensuring team engagement.

Emphasize the tools and practices you use to facilitate communication among a remote team, such as regular video meetings, project management software, and collaborative documentation. Share how you create an inclusive environment where all voices are heard, no matter their location.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe a project that posed challenges. Talk about the strategies you employed to guide your team, manage expectations, and ensure successful delivery. Highlight the lessons learned and how you applied them in future projects.

Define DevOps in your own words and explain its significance in modern software development. Share specific practices you’ve implemented, such as automation, monitoring, and collaboration between teams, emphasizing the positive impacts you’ve seen on project delivery and team morale.

Discuss how you stay updated with the latest technologies, such as attending conferences, participating in webinars, or following industry leaders. Mention any specific trends or advancements in .NET, Azure, or microservices that you are particularly excited about.

Highlight your understanding of the importance of work-life balance, especially in a remote setting. Describe practices like regular check-ins, encouraging breaks, and promoting a supportive work environment where team members feel comfortable discussing mental health.

Share your approach to identifying issues early, conducting one-on-one discussions, and providing constructive feedback to help the team member improve. Emphasize the importance of understanding their challenges and offering support rather than applying punitive measures.

Be prepared to discuss projects where you leveraged Azure services. Talk about specific solutions you implemented, any challenges faced, and how the use of Azure improved scalability, performance, or cost efficiency. Highlight any Azure certifications or training you may have completed.