Backend Engineer - Personalization - job 1 of 2

As a Backend Engineer at Spotify, your main responsibilities include designing and developing scalable backend systems and APIs, collaborating across teams to build new product features, and ensuring that you write clean and maintainable code. You will also participate in improving software development standards and practices while staying updated on emerging technologies.

To qualify for the Backend Engineer position at Spotify, candidates should have experience with distributed, high-volume Java services, a comfort level with Python coding, and a solid understanding of data structures and algorithms. Additionally, practical experience with Kubernetes and scalable search engines like Elasticsearch or Vespa is expected.

At Spotify, we value strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to effectively communicate both technical and non-technical concepts, and a passion for iterative experimentation. A focus on quality and a belief in data-driven decision-making are also important for our Backend Engineers.

The work environment at Spotify encourages collaboration and innovation among engineers, product managers, and designers. We offer flexibility in work location within the EMEA region, fostering a culture where engineers can thrive and experiment with new ideas and technologies.

Backend Engineers at Spotify have ample opportunities for growth through exposure to new technologies, collaboration on exciting projects, and participation in improving coding standards. The dynamic nature of work within the Personalization Team also allows for professional development in a fast-paced and innovative environment.

Discuss any projects where you've designed or developed backend systems, detailing the technologies you used and the scale of the systems. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them to deliver a successful product.

Explain your approach to coding best practices. Mention your experience with testing frameworks, code reviews, and any tools you use to maintain high-quality standards throughout the development process.

Share your preferred technologies, like Java or Python, and why you choose them. Discuss specific instances where you implemented these technologies in scalable applications and the outcomes you achieved.

Describe the resources you utilize to stay informed about new backend technologies. This could include following industry blogs, engaging in online communities, participating in conferences, or taking courses related to backend development trends.

Detail a complex problem you faced in a previous role. Walk through your thought process, the solution you implemented, and the impact it had on the project and your team.

Talk about your specific experiences using Kubernetes, including how you managed deployments and scaled applications. Highlight any challenges you encountered and how you resolved them.

Provide examples of past collaborations, detailing how you communicated with designers and product managers. Discuss how teamwork led to the success of a project and any tools you used to facilitate that collaboration.

Explain how you utilize data to inform your engineering decisions, from code optimization to feature development. Provide examples of how data has influenced decisions you've made in your work.

Share strategies you use to manage your time and prioritize tasks effectively when working under tight deadlines. Include specific examples of how you've successfully met project milestones.

Express your passion for music and technology, and how Spotify's mission aligns with your personal and professional values. Describe what excites you about the role and how you believe you can contribute.