Senior Software Engineer

As a Senior Software Engineer at ChargeLab, your primary responsibilities include developing and maintaining code within a distributed microservices architecture using a Java-based backend. You will collaborate with your team to oversee the quality and efficiency of software delivery processes, work closely with the architecture, hardware, and testing teams, and manage AWS cloud infrastructure as well as CI/CD pipelines. Additionally, your role will encompass leading projects autonomously while ensuring the integrity and speed of code releases.

To qualify for the Senior Software Engineer role at ChargeLab, candidates should possess proficiency in Object-Oriented Programming, ideally hold a degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Math, or Physics, and have experience in distributed systems development. A strong understanding of AWS infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines using Github Actions, alongside solid DevOps skills, is essential. While experience with Python, C++, and communication protocols like OCPP is a nice-to-have, excellent written and verbal communication skills will greatly benefit your application.

At ChargeLab, the work environment is designed for innovation and collaboration. You will work in a supportive and dynamic team of engineers, with access to leadership including the VP of Engineering and CTO in our beautiful Etobicoke office. We promote a hybrid work schedule, allowing team members to work from home while still encouraging regular office attendance for planning sessions and all-hands meetings. The atmosphere is friendly and collaborative, fostering both personal and professional growth.

Success at ChargeLab for the Senior Software Engineer role is measured through various KPIs, primarily focusing on the quality of code shipped by both you and your team. The speed and efficiency of your team’s outputs also play a significant role, as does your ability to take ownership of end-to-end initiatives. By contributing positively to these areas, you will greatly influence the overall success of our engineering department.

ChargeLab offers numerous opportunities for career advancement for Senior Software Engineers. As you excel in your role, you'll have the chance to take on greater technical leadership positions, mentor junior engineers, and participate actively in defining engineering practices within the company. Additionally, as ChargeLab continues to grow and innovate in the EV charging sector, there will be more avenues for professional development and career progression.

When answering this question, discuss your hands-on experience with distributed systems, highlighting specific projects where you contributed significantly. Talk about the technologies you used, such as microservices architecture and any challenges you faced, along with how you resolved them, showcasing your problem-solving skills.

For this question, emphasize the importance of code reviews, writing automated tests, and following coding standards. Describe your approach to continuous integration and deployment, and share experiences where implementing these practices resulted in improved software quality.

Talk about your familiarity with AWS services and how you've utilized them in previous projects. For CI/CD pipelines, explain how you've set up automated deployment procedures using tools like Github Actions, and elaborate on any measurable results you achieved in terms of deployment speed and reliability.

In your response, illustrate your approach to task prioritization, whether through agile methodologies, keeping an eye on deadlines, or assessing project dependencies. Provide examples of situations where you effectively managed multiple responsibilities and delivered satisfactory results.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe a challenging project. Focus on the specific behaviors and decisions you made, the technologies you utilized, and the impact of your contribution on the team’s success.

List the programming languages you excel in, particularly Java for this role, and explain why you prefer them. Discuss how your proficiency in these languages has facilitated better problem-solving and project development throughout your career.

Share your systematic approach to debugging. Discuss your use of tools, techniques, and experience with similar issues in past projects, highlighting how effective debugging can lead to better software outcomes.

Mention best practices such as maintaining clean code, regular code reviews, continuous integration, and documentation. Support your points with examples of how applying these practices has led to successful project outcomes.

Discuss resources you utilize, such as tech blogs, online communities, and coding forums. Highlight any conferences or workshops you've attended, illustrating your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Frame your response using the STAR method, focusing on your leadership style, how you motivated your team, and the results of your leadership efforts. Choose an example that showcases your ability to drive results even in challenging circumstances.