Senior Software Engineer, Data Platform

As a Senior Software Engineer at Abnormal Security, you will define and deliver data platform offerings on AWS, build tools and services for efficient online storage, and collaborate with engineering teams to tackle scalability issues. Your role will allow you to guide cross-functional projects and ensure that our internal stakeholders have the resources they need.

To qualify for the Senior Software Engineer position at Abnormal Security, you should have at least 6 years of experience in data-intensive applications and distributed systems. A strong background in building tools and systems for engineering teams is essential, along with expertise in online data storage systems like relational or key-value databases. A proven track record of leading engineering initiatives is also necessary.

The Data Platform team at Abnormal Security provides essential support to other engineering teams by identifying and mitigating scalability gaps in their data-intensive systems. By delivering self-serve capabilities and scalable storage solutions, the team empowers engineers to ship products with greater velocity and reliability.

At Abnormal Security, Senior Software Engineers have access to numerous growth opportunities, including career advancement into Staff technical leadership roles. The company encourages continuous learning and development, providing engineers the chance to lead initiatives and mentor junior staff, enhancing both individual and team capabilities.

Candidates for the Senior Software Engineer role at Abnormal Security should have a depth of expertise in various online data storage technologies such as PostgreSQL, Redis, ElasticSearch, and Kafka. Familiarity with handling data in high-scale environments is crucial to effectively support engineering teams.

When responding, highlight specific projects you worked on involving distributed systems. Discuss the technologies you used, challenges faced, and how you contributed to scaling the system. Be sure to emphasize collaboration with cross-functional teams to demonstrate your ability to work in a team-centric environment.

Provide examples of past experiences where you designed scalable systems. Discuss the key principles you follow, such as load balancing, data partitioning, and caching strategies. This shows that you have a clear methodology for building scalable solutions that can handle increased traffic and data.

Discuss the types of online data storage systems you've utilized, such as relational databases or key-value stores. Share how your experience with these systems has shaped your approach to building applications, enhancing performance, and ensuring data integrity.

Use the STAR method to detail a specific challenge you encountered, the steps you took to resolve it, and the overall impact of your solution. This will display your problem-solving skills and capacity to overcome obstacles in complex environments.

Outline your approach to testing, code reviews, and continuous integration. Discuss how you implement automated testing and peer reviews to maintain high standards of quality and reliability in the codebase.

If you've had mentoring experience, provide specific examples of how you've guided junior engineers in their roles. Discuss the techniques you used to foster their growth and encourage questions, highlighting the importance of knowledge transfer within engineering teams.

Talk about your methods for staying current, such as following industry blogs, attending conferences, participating in online communities, or engaging in professional development courses. This will reflect your commitment to continuous learning in the fast-evolving field of data technology.

Share your perspective on collaboration, leadership, and support. Explain how a Senior Software Engineer should not only code but also communicate effectively with team members, lead projects, and mentor others to enhance team dynamics.

Describe strategies for resolving conflicts, such as open communication, active listening, and focusing on collaborative problem-solving. This will demonstrate your ability to foster a healthy team environment and address issues constructively.

Share a specific project that showcases your leadership skills. Discuss your role, the project's objectives, challenges faced, and the positive outcomes resulting from your leadership. Highlight teamwork, project management, and technical expertise throughout the process.