Senior Backend Software Engineer (Django)

As a Senior Backend Software Engineer at Elegen, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining backend applications and APIs, focusing primarily on the Django framework. You’ll work alongside cross-functional teams to introduce new features, optimize backend systems, and ensure scalability and performance. Your role will also include conducting code reviews, troubleshooting complex issues, and guiding junior engineers in best practices for backend development.

To apply for the Senior Backend Software Engineer role at Elegen, candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, along with at least 4 years of relevant experience focusing on Django and Python. Key qualifications include proficiency in RESTful APIs, relational databases like PostgreSQL, CI/CD practices, and familiarity with web security standards such as OAuth.

A Senior Backend Software Engineer at Elegen should be well-versed in Python, especially with the Django framework. Familiarity with designing RESTful APIs, microservices, and relational databases like PostgreSQL is essential. Additionally, knowledge of containerization tools like Docker, CI/CD workflows, and web security protocols will be valuable in this role.

Elegen offers a vibrant startup environment in San Carlos, California. As a Senior Backend Software Engineer, you'll enjoy a collaborative culture where your contributions will be highly valued. You will be involved in high-visibility projects and have the opportunity to work with a diverse team of professionals from various backgrounds and disciplines, all committed to the advancement of synthetic biology.

Elegen offers a competitive salary range for the Senior Backend Software Engineer position, along with a comprehensive benefits package. This includes healthcare, dental and vision insurance, a 401K plan, flexible PTO, a learning allowance, and more. Additionally, there are benefits such as short- and long-term disability coverage, parental leave, and commuter benefits, all aimed at fostering a supportive work-life balance.

When answering this question, highlight your hands-on experience with Django, discussing specific projects where you've utilized the framework to create robust backends. Describe your approach to designing RESTful APIs and any challenges you faced while ensuring scalability and performance in your applications.

Discuss the importance of code reviews, unit testing, and integration testing. Illustrate how you implement these practices in your daily development work and the tools you utilize to facilitate maintaining high code quality standards.

To answer this, elaborate on your experience with relational databases, particularly PostgreSQL. Discuss indexing strategies, schema design principles, and how you monitor and troubleshoot performance issues to optimize database efficiency.

Provide a specific example of a backend issue you've faced, detailing the steps you took to diagnose and solve the problem. Emphasize problem-solving skills, the tools used, and any collaboration with team members that helped you achieve a resolution.

Illustrate your approach to continuous learning, which may include following industry blogs, participating in online courses, or attending webinars and conferences. Mention any specific resources or communities that contribute to your knowledge.

Discuss how you've implemented Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment in your previous roles. Provide examples of tools you’ve used, such as Jenkins or Git for version control, and explain how CI/CD has improved your development workflows.

When responding, define RESTful APIs and their importance in backend development. Share your experience creating, testing, and documenting API endpoints, and describe how you've ensured their security and reliability.

Highlight your perspective on mentorship, sharing why it's essential for team growth. Discuss any mentoring experiences you've had, such as guiding junior engineers, and the impact you've seen on team performance.

Share your experience using cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, or Azure, emphasizing their role in deploying scalable backend solutions. Mention specific services you've utilized and how they contributed to your projects' success.

Explain the importance of security in backend development and discuss specific measures you implement, such as data encryption, secure API access via OAuth, and regular audits to protect against vulnerabilities.