Software Engineer, Backend - Experimentation Platform

As a Software Engineer, Backend - Experimentation Platform at DoorDash, you will be responsible for developing cutting-edge experiment features that create significant business impact. Your work will involve collaborating with data analysts, scientists, and engineers to design user interfaces for workflows, and integrating tools for data discovery and analytics visualizations. You will also enhance the infrastructure that supports large-scale experimentation, focusing on statistical methodologies and machine learning technologies.

To qualify for the Software Engineer, Backend - Experimentation Platform position at DoorDash, candidates should hold a B.S., M.S., or PhD in Computer Science or a related field, along with a minimum of 4 years of industry experience. Strong knowledge of computer science fundamentals, proficiency in OOP languages, and a deep understanding of REST principles are essential. Experience in experimentation technologies, and familiarity with big data technologies are advantageous.

At DoorDash, the Experimentation Platform Team collaborates closely with product teams, data scientists, and ML engineers to build innovative solutions. This teamwork fosters an environment of shared knowledge and problem-solving, where cross-functional collaboration leads to rapid product iterations and the implementation of new statistical methodologies, ensuring the platform remains at the forefront of experimentation technology.

The work environment for the Software Engineer, Backend - Experimentation Platform role at DoorDash is designed to be hybrid, allowing for both in-office engagement in locations such as Seattle, San Francisco, or New York, along with remote work flexibility. This approach encourages creative collaboration among team members while also providing the comforts of remote work.

DoorDash is committed to employee growth and development, offering various career advancement opportunities for a Software Engineer, Backend - Experimentation Platform. As you contribute to pivotal projects and gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, you will have pathways for upward mobility within the organization, backed by training and mentorship from experienced team members.

When answering this question, highlight your expertise with Object-Oriented Programming languages like Java, Python, or Go. Discuss specific projects where you utilized these languages, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them, emphasizing your understanding of concepts like encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.

Discuss the importance of writing clean, maintainable code, and how you implement unit testing and integration testing in your development process. Mention any specific testing frameworks you utilize and why they are beneficial for ensuring high-quality software outcomes.

Explain your knowledge of RESTful principles, including stateless interactions, resource-based URLs, and the appropriate use of HTTP methods. Share examples of APIs you have designed or worked on, demonstrating how you ensured adherence to REST principles.

Emphasize the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in software engineering. Share examples of how you interacted with data scientists or analysts to gather requirements, troubleshoot issues, or brainstorm innovative features, showcasing your interpersonal skills.

Choose a specific technical problem related to backend engineering, describe the situation in detail, and outline the steps you took to solve it. Highlight your problem-solving approach, analytical thinking, and technical expertise.

Discuss your familiarity with big data technologies, such as Postgres, Elasticsearch, or Spark. Provide examples of how you've utilized these technologies in handling large datasets or improving data processing performance.

Mention any relevant blogs, websites, or conferences you follow to stay informed about new technologies and methodologies. Highlight your commitment to continual learning through online courses, workshops, or community contributions.

Detail the strategies you use to enhance backend performance, such as optimizing database queries, caching mechanisms, and efficient algorithms. Provide concrete examples of how these techniques contributed to performance improvements in previous projects.

Discuss key statistical concepts such as hypothesis testing, A/B testing, and confidence intervals, explaining their relevance to experimentation in software development. This understanding is crucial for the role and will highlight your preparedness for the tasks involved.

Explain your approach to balancing speed and quality, perhaps mentioning techniques like prioritization, agile methodologies, or code reviews. Emphasize your ability to work under pressure while ensuring comprehensive testing and adherence to coding standards.