Backend Engineer

As a Backend Engineer at Launch Potato, you'll be responsible for deploying machine learning pipelines, improving backend services, and troubleshooting production issues. Your role focuses on collaborating with the Data Science team to enhance system performance while maintaining reliability. You'll also contribute to CI/CD pipelines and participate in code reviews, promoting best practices and continuous improvement throughout the development process.

To be considered for the Backend Engineer role at Launch Potato, you should have over 4 years of professional development experience in Python, particularly with frameworks like Django or FastAPI. Familiarity with containerized services, AWS, and SQL databases is essential. The ideal candidate will also possess strong debugging skills and a collaborative mindset, ready to contribute to a dynamic team environment.

Launch Potato is committed to nurturing a growth mindset among its employees. Backend Engineers are encouraged to seek new challenges and propose improvements regularly. We foster a culture of mentorship and knowledge sharing, enabling you to engage with other tech professionals and enhance your skills in a supportive environment. Your career growth is tied to performance, allowing you to advance based on achievements rather than tenure.

Candidates applying for the Backend Engineer position at Launch Potato should have experience with Python, particularly in frameworks like Django or FastAPI. Additionally, proficiency in Terraform for infrastructure management and familiarity with CI/CD tools like CircleCI will be beneficial. Understanding containerization and deployment on AWS will also enhance your chances of success in this role.

At Launch Potato, the company culture is all about collaboration, inclusion, and innovation. We value diverse perspectives, encourage open communication, and support a proactive approach to problem-solving. In this vibrant environment, Backend Engineers play a crucial role in driving technical excellence and are empowered to influence projects that align with the company's goals.

In your response, highlight specific projects where you've utilized Django or FastAPI. Discuss the architecture of the applications, how you handled routing, and any integration with databases or external APIs. Also, mention any performance optimizations you implemented.

Effective troubleshooting requires a systematic approach. Start by gathering relevant data while replicating the issue in a safe environment. Log your findings, analyze system metrics, and collaborate with team members if necessary. Emphasize your ability to remain calm under pressure and how you prioritize issues based on user impact.

Share a specific example of a CI/CD process that you streamlined. Discuss the tools you used, the metrics you monitored, and the impact of your changes on deployment frequency and build stability. Highlight any collaboration with team members in achieving this improvement.

Explain your approach to writing maintainable and testable code. Mention best practices such as adhering to coding standards, conducting peer code reviews, and writing unit tests. If you use specific tools or frameworks (like Pytest), be sure to include that in your answer.

Do your homework on Launch Potato and articulate what resonates with you regarding its mission as The Discovery and Conversion Company. Mention specific brands or technologies under Launch Potato's umbrella and how you feel you can contribute to its goals through your role as a Backend Engineer.

Express your openness to feedback and discuss how you have used it to improve your coding practices. Share an example where constructive criticism led to a notable change in your approach, showcasing its positive impact on your work or team.

Share the resources you utilize, such as newsletters, podcasts, conferences, or online courses. Highlight your passion for learning and how it contributes to your effectiveness as a Backend Engineer. Mention any communities or forums you engage with to exchange knowledge.

Describe your multitasking and prioritization strategies, including using tools like Kanban boards or project management software. Give an example of a situation where you successfully navigated competing deadlines and how you communicated with your team during that process.

Highlight your understanding of how backend systems support Data Science initiatives. Discuss instances where you've worked closely with Data Scientists, incorporating their needs into your backend solutions. Emphasize the importance of clear communication and alignment on objectives.

Discuss your experience with deploying applications on AWS, including specific services like ECS or Lambda. Explain your proficiency with containerization technologies and how you have utilized them to improve deployment processes or application scalability.