Software Engineer, Backend (All Teams)

As a Software Engineer, Backend at DoorDash, your main responsibilities will include developing and maintaining a robust backend architecture for various products, enhancing system performance, reliability, and scalability. You will work closely with product teams to create sophisticated web applications and transition our existing systems to a microservice-based architecture. Collaborating across teams to solve complex problems quickly and effectively is a key part of your role.

To qualify for the Software Engineer, Backend role at DoorDash, you should have a B.S., M.S., or PhD in Computer Science or a similar field, with at least 2 years of industry experience in backend technologies. Proficiency in service-oriented architecture, REST APIs, and modern web stacks is essential. Familiarity with SQL and NoSQL databases such as Postgres and Redis, along with an understanding of architectural design, will also benefit you in this position.

DoorDash values its Software Engineer, Backend team members and offers comprehensive support through excellent benefits, including a 401(k) plan, paid time off, and wellness benefits. Additionally, employees can enjoy flexible work arrangements that promote work-life balance while contributing to a culture that nurtures individual development and growth.

As a Software Engineer, Backend at DoorDash, you'll work with a variety of technologies, including SQL and NoSQL databases like Postgres and Elasticsearch. You will also gain experience in using tools such as RabbitMQ for messaging and routing, making your work not only impactful but also a valuable opportunity to learn and grow in a cutting-edge technological environment.

The work environment for Software Engineers at DoorDash is dynamic and collaborative, combining both in-office and remote work components. You’ll be part of a team that values innovation and encourages you to share ideas while working on challenging technical problems, ensuring that your voice is heard in shaping the future of logistics.

When tackling this question, you should discuss specific projects where you implemented service-oriented architecture, highlighting your understanding of how it improves system decoupling and scalability. Provide examples of the tools and frameworks you used and any challenges you faced while integrating services.

To answer this, explain your approach to security, including coding best practices like input validation, authentication mechanisms, and utilizing secure protocols. Mention any specific tools or libraries you have used to implement security features in past projects.

Discuss strategies you have employed to optimize database performance, such as indexing, query optimization, and caching techniques. Be sure to provide specific examples of how these strategies led to measurable improvements in application performance.

Choose a specific problem you encountered in a past project, detailing the context and the steps you took to evaluate and solve the issue. Highlight your analytical skills and any collaborative efforts you made with teammates to reach a solution.

Discuss your understanding of the benefits of microservices and the general process you would use for transitioning, such as identifying service boundaries, defining APIs, and gradually refactoring the existing codebase to ensure minimal disruption to services.

Provide a list of tools and frameworks you are comfortable working with, such as Node.js, Django, or Spring Boot. Explain how you have utilized them in past projects and how they contributed to the success of those projects.

Explain your familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, including the tools you have used (like Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or CircleCI). Discuss how these practices enhance code quality and streamline the release process.

Share your experience working in team settings, emphasizing your communication skills and examples of how you have contributed to group projects. Highlight any methodologies you have used like Agile or Scrum that foster collaboration.

Talk about your routine for keeping up with industry advancements, such as reading tech blogs, engaging in forums, or attending conferences. Mention any recent technologies you have adopted in your work and the impact they had.

Articulate your reasons for wanting to work at DoorDash, relating it to your passion for logistics, technology, and innovation. Mention the aspects of the company culture or mission that resonate with you and how you can contribute to their goals.