Software Engineer (Applied AI)

As a Software Engineer (Applied AI) at Metabase, you'll be responsible for designing and developing innovative features powered by LLMs and generative AI. This means building systems that facilitate natural language interactions with data, ensuring users receive contextual and accurate responses. Collaborating with product management and design teams, you’ll contribute to an agile development process, focusing on creating a seamless user experience. Additionally, you'll be tasked with maintaining code quality through comprehensive testing, adapting existing systems, and integrating new functionalities into our code base.

Candidates for the Software Engineer (Applied AI) role at Metabase should have a strong foundation in computer science, demonstrated either through a degree or practical software development experience. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Clojure, and TypeScript (React) is essential, particularly in shipping production code. Experience with large and complex projects is a plus, along with a passion for user-centered design and responsible AI development. Familiarity with LLMs and generative AI technologies will set you apart in this role.

At Metabase, the work culture for a Software Engineer (Applied AI) is centered around flexibility, collaboration, and user focus. Our global team operates asynchronously and values uninterrupted work time, enabling everyone to contribute their best. You’ll find an environment that promotes learning and growth, encouraging engineers to experiment and iterate on their ideas. We believe in building long-term value without engaging in short-term fixes, ensuring a path that is both enriching and fulfilling for all team members.

Metabase is committed to fostering professional growth for its Software Engineers, including those in the Applied AI team. By offering flexibility in work hours and locations, we create a space for you to thrive. We also emphasize continuous learning and development, providing resources and support for engineers to enhance their skills in AI, machine learning, and software development practices. Our iterative work environment allows for experimentation and the opportunity to take ownership of projects, helping you build a strong portfolio while advancing your career.

As a Software Engineer (Applied AI) at Metabase, you'll primarily engage with technologies such as Python, Clojure, and TypeScript (React). You'll leverage these languages to develop features powered by LLMs and generative AI, integrating them into our existing codebase. Additionally, familiarity with machine learning techniques and data science practices will benefit your projects as you enhance users’ data interaction capabilities. Staying updated on emerging technologies in AI will also help you excel in this role.

In answering this question, focus on specific projects where you've implemented LLMs or generative AI technologies. Describe the challenges you faced, the methods you employed, and the impact of these technologies on user experience. Highlight your understanding of AI principles and ethical considerations in its application while emphasizing the importance of accuracy and fairness.

To ensure code quality, I prioritize writing thorough unit and integration tests for each feature I develop. I also engage in code reviews, where team members provide feedback on best practices and optimization. Additionally, I adhere to a modular approach, keeping my code maintainable and adaptable, which is crucial in a complex code base like Metabase.

Handling feedback constructively is crucial in software development. I approach feedback with an open mind, viewing it as a chance to improve. I actively seek feedback at various stages of a project, as it fosters collaboration and innovation. I also ensure to communicate openly if I disagree, providing my reasoning and being willing to adjust based on team discussions.

When addressing this question, choose a specific example where you encountered a complex technical problem. Describe the analysis you conducted to understand the issue, the collaborative approach you took to brainstorm solutions, and the eventual resolution. Emphasize your problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to learn from setbacks.

Prioritizing user experience starts with empathy. I ensure to understand user needs by conducting usability tests or gathering feedback. When developing features, I focus on creating intuitive interfaces, ensuring the functionality meets user expectations. Iteration based on user feedback is vital in my process, allowing for refinement and enhanced satisfaction.

In discussing ethical implications, I highlight the need to prioritize responsible AI use. I emphasize the importance of fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI systems. I'm committed to building AI that enhances user experiences without perpetuating biases, ensuring that our technology benefits all users equitably.

To stay updated, I regularly follow AI and tech publications, participate in webinars, and engage in community discussions on platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow. Additionally, I contribute to open-source projects, which provides hands-on experience with the latest technologies. Networking with industry professionals also allows for shared learning and collaboration.

My experience in a global remote team has taught me the significance of clear communication and adaptability. I've learned to utilize tools like Slack and Zoom for effective collaboration, and I actively engage in asynchronous communication to accommodate different time zones. Emphasizing transparency and regular updates ensures all team members remain aligned and informed.

When testing LLM-powered features, I focus on comprehensive unit tests that cover various edge cases and scenarios. Conducting user acceptance testing also ensures that the features meet user needs. I emphasize gathering feedback during testing phases to understand any inaccuracies or user experience issues and iterate accordingly.

To contribute to Metabase's mission, I aim to leverage my skills in developing user-friendly AI features that enhance data accessibility. My focus will be on ensuring ethical practices in AI implementation while consistently delivering high-quality code. I believe in collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to align my contributions with user-centric design principles, ultimately making data insights easier and more intuitive for our users.