Sr. Software Engineer, Backend

As a Sr. Software Engineer, Backend at eBay, you will mainly focus on building robust software and improving existing code services. You'll participate in innovative brainstorming sessions, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure our architecture is scalable and efficient. Additionally, you’ll estimate engineering efforts, prioritize projects, and tackle production issues to enhance our e-commerce platform.

To apply for the Sr. Software Engineer, Backend role at eBay, you should have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and at least 5 years of hands-on experience. Proficiency in Java, Scala, or Kotlin, along with a solid understanding of distributed systems and REST APIs, is essential. Strong programming skills in object-oriented concepts and familiarity with algorithms and data structures are also crucial.

The work environment for the Sr. Software Engineer, Backend at eBay is hybrid, allowing for flexibility between in-office collaboration in Portland, Oregon, and remote work. You’ll be part of a passionate, innovative team that encourages bold ideas and values each member's unique contributions. Our culture is supportive, fostering collaboration across different functional groups.

For the Sr. Software Engineer, Backend position at eBay, proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Scala, and Kotlin is crucial. Familiarity with distributed systems and RESTful architecture is also important. Your technical expertise will help in building scalable solutions that effectively address users' needs.

As a Sr. Software Engineer, Backend at eBay, you will be working on various projects aimed at enhancing the seller experience. This includes developing new features, optimizing existing products, and working on distributed systems that handle high levels of traffic. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in innovative brainstorming and help shape the future solutions for our e-commerce platform.

When discussing a challenging technical problem, focus on specific instances where you identified an issue, analyzed the root cause, and implemented a solution. Describe the tools and languages you used and how the outcome benefited the project or team. Make sure to highlight your collaborative efforts with others in the team.

In situations involving multiple projects, I typically use a combination of Agile methodologies and stakeholder communication to prioritize tasks. I assess the project's urgency, its alignment with business goals, and the resources required. Regular check-ins with project leads also help ensure I’m aligned on priorities.

I have extensive experience with algorithm optimization, particularly focusing on improving performance and efficiency. I usually analyze the algorithm's complexity, identify bottlenecks, and apply techniques such as caching, parallel processing, or data structure changes to optimize performance.

In my previous roles, I've designed and maintained distributed systems that manage large volumes of transactions. I ensure that these systems are fault-tolerant and scalable by applying principles of microservices architecture and understanding the nuances of network latency and data consistency.

Ensuring code quality is paramount. I follow best practices by adopting rigorous code reviews, using automated testing frameworks, and integrating continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. This allows me to catch issues early and maintain high standards throughout the development cycle.

REST is crucial in backend development as it provides a standard method for different systems to communicate with each other over HTTP. I always focus on designing RESTful services that are stateless, cacheable, and expose resources in a clear and usable manner. This ensures efficient and scalable API interactions.

When troubleshooting production issues, I focus on methodical diagnostics. I first gather relevant logs and metrics to understand the error context, conduct root cause analysis, and often rely on monitoring tools to observe system behavior. Communication with the team is key, as we can collaboratively problem-solve and apply fixes.

I stay current with technology trends by continually engaging in professional development, attending webinars, reading technical blogs, and participating in relevant online communities. Networking with fellow engineers and sharing knowledge also plays a vital role in keeping me updated.

I value feedback on my code as an essential part of my growth as an engineer. I approach it with an open and constructive mindset, viewing it as an opportunity to improve. It’s important to engage in discussions to fully understand the feedback and implement changes collaboratively.

I’m drawn to eBay’s commitment to innovation and community-driven commerce. The impact of technology on shaping economic opportunities is something I’m passionate about. I believe my skills and experience align well with the role, and I’m excited about the prospect of contributing to a platform that touches millions of lives.