As a Founding Software Engineer at Credal, you will take full ownership of our core products, creating robust and scalable solutions. Your responsibilities include developing the frontend using React and Typescript, as well as managing the backend with Typescript and PostgreSQL. You’ll also work with advanced AI technologies and ensure that we efficiently sync vast amounts of customer data. Engaging directly with customers to understand their needs will be crucial, alongside mentoring junior engineers and driving our technical excellence.

To be a successful Founding Software Engineer at Credal, candidates typically should have over five years of experience in software development, particularly in environments that cultivate outstanding engineering practices. A solid understanding of both frontend and backend technologies is essential, along with specific expertise in React, Typescript, and cloud environments like AWS. A passion for AI and the ability to solve complex engineering challenges will set you apart in our fast-paced, collaborative work culture.

At Credal, we prioritize a healthy work-life balance for our Founding Software Engineers with benefits like unlimited PTO, weekly team dinners, and engaging offsite events. Our open and dynamic office environment, equipped with a stocked kitchen and scenic views, ensures that you can maintain a productive yet relaxed atmosphere. We believe that happy, well-rested engineers are more creative and effective!

The interview process for the Founding Software Engineer role at Credal includes an introductory conversation with our CTO, followed by a choice between a take-home assignment or a whiteboard tech screen to assess your problem-solving skills. You will also meet our engineering team and CEO onsite, giving you a chance to showcase your potential while understanding our team dynamics. We also conduct reference checks to ensure the best fit for both you and us.

As a Founding Software Engineer at Credal, you'll receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental insurance—including HSA options. We also offer engaging team-building experiences, unlimited paid time off so you can recharge when needed, and a vibrant office environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. We believe in investing in our employees' professional growth and overall well-being.

When answering this question, it's valuable to illustrate your involvement with specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills, your ability to manage timelines, and how you interacted with stakeholders throughout the project. Discuss the technologies you employed, your role in team collaboration, and how you ensured quality outcomes.

For this question, think of a real challenge that reflects your technical expertise and adaptability. Don’t just focus on the problem itself; emphasize your thought process in approaching the solution. Mention the tools and techniques you utilized and the impact your solution had on the project and your team.

This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your passion for continuous learning. Discuss the blogs, podcasts, or courses you consume regularly, attendances at tech meetups, and any communities you are part of. Highlight how you apply this knowledge in your work, which will underline your commitment to growth and excellence.

Be prepared to detail specific projects where you utilized cloud technologies such as AWS, Terraform, or Kubernetes. Discuss the architecture you implemented, challenges faced, and how you ensured scalability and performance. Providing measurable results will further substantiate your experience.

When addressing this question, reflect on your mentoring philosophy. Talk about how you provide guidance through hands-on assistance, code reviews, or providing resources. Share anecdotes demonstrating the growth of junior engineers under your mentorship and how it has fostered a collaborative team culture.

Demonstrate your customer-centric mentality by explaining how you solicit, evaluate, and incorporate user feedback into your projects. Share examples where user insights led to significant improvements in your product or service, showcasing how these experiences guided your development decisions.

Discuss your experience with version control systems like Git, detailing how you use branches, merges, and pull requests in your workflow. Highlight specific scenarios where effective version control helped improve collaboration among team members, showcasing your understanding of the software development lifecycle.

Talk about your coding principles, such as commenting, consistent naming conventions, and clear structure in your code. You could also discuss any tools you use for generating documentation automatically and how you encourage your team to adopt best practices for maintainable code.

Share your insights on essential frameworks and libraries pertinent to both the frontend and backend, like React and Node.js. You might also want to discuss upcoming frameworks you believe will gain traction in the near future, demonstrating your awareness of industry trends and your analytical thinking.

Express your enthusiasm for the unique opportunities startups present, such as rapid innovation, close-knit team collaboration, and the potential for significant impact. Mention your alignment with Credal's mission and how it motivates you to contribute your skills to meaningful projects that advance AI technology.