Lead Frontend Engineer

As a Lead Frontend Engineer at BreakAway Data, your primary responsibilities will include leading the development of our web applications using React and Next.js, and overseeing the front-end architecture. You will collaborate closely with product, design, and backend teams to create elegant and performant user interfaces, establish a scalable component system, and implement best practices in frontend observability and performance.

Candidates for the Lead Frontend Engineer position at BreakAway Data should possess at least 4 years of experience in building modern frontend applications using React, Next.js, and TypeScript. Experience with GraphQL APIs, a strong grasp of performance and accessibility best practices, and the ability to operate in fast-paced product environments are essential for this role.

At BreakAway Data, the work environment for a Lead Frontend Engineer is collaborative and fast-paced. You will be a foundational member of a small team, working alongside the CTO and other engineers, which allows you to have a significant influence on the team’s culture and technical decisions as we scale our efforts.

You will contribute to the engineering culture at BreakAway Data by mentoring junior engineers, leading by example in the establishment of best practices, and fostering an environment of collaboration and feedback. Your leadership will be essential in shaping a positive engineering environment that celebrates innovation and teamwork.

As a Lead Frontend Engineer at BreakAway Data, you'll work extensively with React, Next.js, TypeScript, and GraphQL. Familiarity with tools like Apollo Client, testing frameworks such as Jest, and CI/CD practices with GitHub Actions will also be part of your daily tasks as you contribute to our innovative platform.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects where you utilized React and Next.js effectively. Highlight your role, any challenges you overcame, and how you implemented best practices in performance and accessibility. Make sure to discuss any unique features you built that enhanced user experience.

Explain your communication style and how you foster collaboration. Provide examples of how you've worked closely with product and design teams in the past, ensuring alignment on project goals and user experience. Highlight any tools or methodologies you use to facilitate this collaboration.

Discuss techniques such as code splitting, lazy loading, and caching strategies. Explain how you monitor and measure performance, perhaps mentioning tools you've used to identify and resolve bottlenecks in applications you've worked on.

Talk about occasions where you mentored junior developers or peers. Highlight your approach to providing feedback, supporting growth, and helping them navigate challenges in their projects. Discuss how mentorship contributes to a positive engineering culture.

Explain the state management solutions you’ve used, such as Redux or Context API, and discuss how you've implemented these within React applications. Describe methodologies you deploy to ensure maintainable, scalable state management in your projects.

Highlight the importance of accessibility in your development process. Discuss tools and techniques you use, such as semantic HTML, ARIA roles, and accessibility audits, to ensure your applications are usable for all users.

Describe your experience with third-party API integration, especially in the context of using GraphQL. Explain how you manage client-side caching, error handling, and maintaining a smooth user experience throughout the integration process.

Discuss your methodologies for prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively. Explain how you make decisions to ensure code is maintainable while still meeting immediate deadlines and delivering high-quality features.

Share your insights on current trends such as JAMstack, server-side rendering, or the rise of micro frontends. Explain how you stay updated on these trends and how you envision incorporating them into future projects at BreakAway Data.

Talk about your passion for sports and technology and how BreakAway's mission resonates with you. Highlight specific aspects of the company culture, products, or challenges that excite you and explain how they align with your personal and professional goals.