As a Software Engineer, Backend at Decagon, your main responsibilities will include collaborating with our founding team to design and develop our AI products. You will work on scaling these products for both large enterprises and high-growth startups. Daily tasks may involve coding, debugging, and ensuring that our software solutions meet customer requirements, making you a primary point of contact for enterprise clients as you address unique challenges associated with AI application deployment.

To qualify for the Software Engineer, Backend role at Decagon, you should have at least 3 years of experience in software development, specifically in building and deploying production-level products. Familiarity with coding in languages such as Python, TypeScript, and React is crucial, along with a strong passion for delivering an exceptional end-user experience. A proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to take ownership of tasks are essential traits we look for.

Ideal candidates for the Software Engineer, Backend role at Decagon should possess strong programming skills in Python and TypeScript, along with hands-on experience with React. Additionally, familiarity with developing AI products and a foundational understanding of large language models will set you apart. This combination of skills will enable you to effectively contribute to our innovative projects in AI and customer experience.

At Decagon, we foster a collaborative and innovative culture where everyone’s voice is valued. We support our employees with a 'take what you need' vacation policy, along with daily meals and snacks to keep everyone energized. We believe that a positive work environment is key to creativity and productivity, and we encourage our Software Engineer, Backend to engage closely with the entire team and our enterprise clients.

Decagon is committed to the professional growth of its Software Engineers. As a Backend Engineer, you'll be part of a dynamic team where continuous learning and development are encouraged. You'll have opportunities to work on challenging AI projects, receive mentorship from experienced leaders, and be part of a culture that celebrates innovation and collaboration, all while clearly understanding the needs of our enterprise clients.

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you successfully developed and deployed software solutions. Emphasize any technologies you used, your role during the development process, and how your contributions led to successful outcomes. Mentioning experiences related to AI products can further align your relevance to the Software Engineer, Backend role at Decagon.

An effective answer should detail your approach to prioritizing tasks, such as assessing deadlines, understanding customer needs, and collaboration with team members. Share any tools or methodologies you use—like Agile development or project management software—to keep tasks organized and focused on achieving project goals.

It's crucial to illustrate your hands-on experiences, whether through academic projects, past employment, or personal initiatives. Discuss specific AI models you've worked with, your understanding of their capabilities, and any challenges you've tackled when integrating AI solutions into software products. At Decagon, familiarity with LLMs will bolster your candidacy.

Provide a structured approach to debugging by explaining your steps from reproducing the issue, isolating the cause, and ultimately implementing a solution. Consider mentioning specific tools or techniques you employ, such as logging, automated testing, or debugging software, to convey your systematic approach and problem-solving skills.

While sharing your story, focus on identifying the problem or feedback received, the steps you took to address it, and the positive impact it had on the end-user experience. Use metrics or qualitative feedback, if available, to illustrate the effectiveness of your solution and your commitment to putting users first—key to the Software Engineer, Backend role at Decagon.

Tailor your answer to emphasize your proficiency in Python and TypeScript, as these are particularly relevant to the Software Engineer, Backend position at Decagon. Discuss your experiences using these languages in past projects, along with any frameworks or libraries that complement your skills.

Share details about a project you led, focusing on how you organized the team, delegated responsibilities, and communicated throughout the process. Highlight your leadership style, any tools you used for project management, and how you ensured that objectives were met in a timely and efficient manner.

Discuss your commitment to continual learning, citing resources such as blogs, podcasts, online courses, webinars, or communities and forums related to software engineering and AI. Mention specific topics of interest and how you've applied your learnings to personal or professional projects.

Convey your passion for innovation and the potential AI has to transform customer interactions. Discuss specific areas of AI that fascinate you, such as natural language processing or machine learning, and how this excitement drives you to contribute meaningfully as a Software Engineer, Backend at Decagon.

A compelling answer should reflect your knowledge of Decagon’s mission and its innovative culture. Emphasize your admiration for the projects, the potential to impact customer experience with AI, and your eagerness to collaborate with a talented team to build groundbreaking technology—demonstrating your alignment with the company’s values and goals.