Software Engineer - Platform

As a Software Engineer - Platform at Dagster Labs, your responsibilities include developing and optimizing core backend systems, enhancing the scalability and stability of our infrastructure, collaborating with cross-functional teams on product development, and maintaining high standards through code reviews. Your work will directly impact how data platforms operate, making your role crucial to our mission.

Essential qualifications for a Software Engineer - Platform at Dagster Labs include a minimum of 4 years of experience in large-scale software development and infrastructure, plus at least 1 year managing complex engineering projects. Strong communications skills and proven ability to deliver high-quality work are also key to succeeding in this role.

The tech stack for a Software Engineer - Platform at Dagster Labs primarily includes Python and TypeScript. Additionally, we leverage GraphQL, Apollo, and React for frontend development, integrating with various databases and cloud services. Familiarity with modern infrastructure tools, AWS, and Kubernetes would be advantageous.

Yes, remote work is not just allowed but encouraged for the Software Engineer - Platform position at Dagster Labs. With a distributed team culture, we provide flexible work options to ensure you can perform at your best, whether from home or a coworking space.

Dagster Labs places a high premium on respectful, clear, and complete communication. We strive to create an environment where all team members feel comfortable expressing their ideas and finding solutions collaboratively, which is critical to our success as a remote-first organization.

To ensure code quality as a Software Engineer, I practice thorough unit testing, engage in peer code reviews, and adhere to coding standards. I believe in the importance of consistently examining and refactoring code to improve readability and maintainability while relying on automated testing tools to catch issues early in the development process.

In a previous role, I faced a significant scaling issue with our database that impacted performance. I led an initiative to optimize database queries, which involved refactoring the schema and introducing caching layers. By conducting performance tests and leveraging analytics, we improved response times by 50%, significantly enhancing user experience.

I emphasize open communication and reliability, ensuring that stakeholders are updated regularly through tools like Slack and project management software. Scheduling regular meetings to gather feedback and align priorities helps to maintain a shared understanding of project goals and fosters collaboration across different departments.

When designing a new system or feature, I start by conducting a thorough analysis of user needs and gathering requirements from stakeholders. I then create architectural diagrams and flowcharts to visualize the system, followed by iterative development and feedback cycles to ensure we are on the right track throughout the implementation stage.

Receiving constructive criticism serves as a valuable learning opportunity for engineers. I once received feedback about my API design lacking clarity. Rather than taking it personally, I engaged in discussions with the feedback provider, asking for specific suggestions to improve. I then iterated on the design and incorporated the feedback, improving both the API and my understanding of user-centric design.

To optimize system performance, I employ various techniques, including code profiling, monitoring system resources, and tuning database queries. I also advocate for adopting caching strategies and analyzing bottlenecks through performance testing to ensure that we can scale efficiently and deliver fast user experiences.

I actively engage with the engineering community by following key industry blogs, attending webinars, and participating in local meetups. Additionally, I dedicate time each week to explore new technologies and tools that can enhance my skill set, ensuring that I keep pace with the ever-changing landscape of software engineering.

I have extensive experience deploying and managing applications on AWS, where I’ve utilized services like EC2, Lambda, and RDS. I am also proficient with Kubernetes for container orchestration, and I've used Terraform for infrastructure-as-code practices, ensuring efficient setup and management of cloud resources.

Mentoring junior engineers is a rewarding part of my job. I encourage them to ask questions, provide them with resources for their development, and involve them in code reviews where we can discuss solutions collaboratively. I find that this approach helps build confidence while strengthening their understanding of best practices.

I am passionate about data orchestration because it enables organizations to make informed decisions based on reliable data. The challenge of building robust and scalable solutions that drive data productivity excites me, and I enjoy the impact my work can have on how organizations manage their data assets.