Backend Software Engineer

As a Backend Software Engineer at Firework, your main responsibilities will involve building scalable AI application infrastructures and services using Python, designing and developing REST APIs and GraphQL for machine learning services, and ensuring full stack ownership of your projects by maintaining production-ready code. You'll also engage in optimizing API and Python runtime latency, while adhering to architectural best practices to enhance the scalability, reliability, and performance of our systems.

To be considered for the Backend Software Engineer role at Firework, you should ideally possess a BS or MS in Computer Science or a relevant STEM major. Additionally, having at least 3 years of production experience in developing scalable backend services using Python is crucial. Familiarity with big data frameworks, NoSQL databases, and experience with AI and machine learning applications are highly beneficial. Those with experience in Elixir or video streaming technologies would stand out even more!

At Firework, we encourage a culture of innovation by promoting collaboration, continuous improvement, and open communication. As a Backend Software Engineer, you'll be part of a global team where sharing ideas and feedback is embraced. We empower our engineers to take ownership of their projects and inspire creativity, ensuring that every team member feels valued and motivated to contribute to our mission of transforming the online customer experience.

For a Backend Software Engineer position at Firework, proficiency in Python is essential, alongside experience with APIs, SQL, and NoSQL databases. Knowledge of distributed processing frameworks such as Hadoop and Spark will also benefit you greatly. Familiarity with video streaming libraries, WebRTC, and working on generative AI/ML applications are highly looked upon, enhancing your ability to contribute effectively in this dynamic environment.

The expected salary range for a Backend Software Engineer at Firework is between $130,000 and $140,000. Keep in mind that actual compensation may vary based on your location, skills, experience, and any stock options you might be eligible for. We're committed to offering competitive salaries that reflect your potential contribution to our team.

When discussing your experience with Python during the interview for the Backend Software Engineer role at Firework, focus on specific projects you've worked on. Highlight any scalable backend systems you've built or contributed to, the libraries and frameworks you utilized, and the impact your work had on performance or efficiency.

When answering this question, emphasize the importance of writing clean, well-documented, and modular code. Discuss any testing frameworks you've used, your approach to conducting code reviews, and how you've handled feedback to improve your code quality, which is a critical aspect of the role at Firework.

In your response, outline specific strategies and techniques you have employed for API optimization. This might include caching responses, reducing payload sizes, or implementing rate limiting. Highlight any relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to enhance performance, such as successful optimizations you achieved in past roles.

When sharing your approach, discuss your understanding of distributed systems and mention any specific frameworks like Hadoop or Spark that you've worked with. Explain how you've utilized these tools to handle scalability and data processing challenges, and how you collaborated with other team members on solutions.

Provide a detailed story about a complex project, highlighting the specific challenges you faced, the technology stack used, and how you tackled those issues. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and technical acumen relevant to the Backend Software Engineer role at Firework.

Be prepared to discuss your experience leveraging REST APIs and GraphQL in your previous roles. Explain the types of applications you've developed using these technologies, the advantages and challenges you faced, and how your contributions impacted the overall system architecture.

In your answer, share specific resources or methods you employ to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in backend development, such as attending workshops, participating in online courses, or being a part of developer communities. This demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning, a value that aligns with Firework's culture.

When replying to this question, explain the context of the feedback you received, how you reacted initially, and the steps you took to implement the suggestions. Emphasize your willingness to learn and your understanding of the role that constructive criticism plays in achieving a higher code quality for the team.

Share your experiences working in teams, focusing on how collaboration enriched your projects. Discuss instances where team discussions led to innovative solutions or improved outcomes, showcasing your ability to work well with others, which is vital for the Backend Software Engineer role at Firework.

Here, demonstrate your understanding of how backend systems contribute to video commerce, such as enabling seamless integration with payment systems, managing databases for customer data, and ensuring that content delivery is efficient and secure. Relate your technical expertise to the mission of Firework and how you see yourself contributing to it.