Software Engineer I

As a Software Engineer I at Affirm, you will be responsible for contributing to the Merchant Data Platform, focusing on backend systems that manage merchant data, onboarding processes, and critical data pipelines. You will collaborate with your team to complete tasks that align with project goals, engage in discussions about risks and trade-offs, and ensure the systems remain reliable and performant.

To qualify for the Software Engineer I role at Affirm, you should have prior experience in designing and launching backend systems, proficiency in programming languages such as Python or Kotlin, and familiarity with distributed systems. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent practical experience is also required, along with strong communication skills for effective collaboration.

Affirm provides numerous opportunities for professional growth for Software Engineers. This includes engaging in growth and development activities within your team, receiving constructive feedback, and participating in Learning and Development programs aimed at enhancing your skills and career progression within the company.

When applying for the Software Engineer I role at Affirm, it's essential to be familiar with technologies like AWS, MySQL, and Kubernetes. Understanding how distributed systems operate will also be crucial, as you’ll be dealing with large-scale systems that require efficient management.

The compensation for a Software Engineer I at Affirm is transparent and based on various factors, including location, experience, and job-related skills. The base pay range varies across states, ensuring equitable compensation, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes health coverage, wellness stipends, and employee stock purchase plans.

In responding to this question, focus on a project where you encountered specific challenges, such as scaling a backend service or optimizing a data pipeline. Highlight your problem-solving skills, collaboration with team members, and the technologies you used, aligning your experiences with Affirm's mission of creating reliable credit systems.

Share specific examples of how you have utilized Python or Kotlin in previous projects. Discuss the types of applications you've built, your coding style, and how you ensure your code is efficient and well-tested, which are crucial aspects for a Software Engineer I at Affirm.

Detail your debugging process, such as using logging statements, unit testing, and peer code reviews. Emphasize the importance of clear communication and collaboration in resolving issues, reflecting the team-oriented culture at Affirm.

Discuss your familiarity with AWS services you've worked with, such as EC2, S3, or Lambda. Highlight any relevant projects that involved deploying applications or managing cloud-based infrastructures, demonstrating how these experiences relate to Affirm's technological stack.

Talk about your commitment to writing clear, extensible, and well-documented code. Mention practices like code reviews, automated testing, and adhering to coding standards that enhance the reliability of software, aligning with Affirm's goals for system stability.

Explain your approach to task prioritization, which may involve communication with your team, understanding project deadlines, and identifying critical tasks. Show how this skill aligns with the fast-paced environment at Affirm while still maintaining code quality.

Emphasize the importance of open communication within your teams to share progress, discuss obstacles, and collaboratively find solutions. Provide examples of how effective communication led to successful project outcomes in your past experiences.

Discuss your hands-on experience with Git, including branching, merging, and managing pull requests. Stress how you have utilized Git to collaborate effectively with colleagues, ensuring that code changes are well documented and maintain project integrity.

Share your methods for staying updated, such as attending conferences, participating in online courses, or following tech blogs. Stress your commitment to continuous learning, illustrating how this benefits your contributions as a Software Engineer I at Affirm.

Express enthusiasm about Affirm's mission and values, the innovative work being done in credit technology, and the chance to join a remote-first culture that places people first. Share what specifically draws you to the role and how you envision contributing to the team.