Principal Software Engineer

As a Principal Software Engineer at FourKites, your responsibilities revolve around architecting next-generation microservices and implementing them with AI capabilities for cost modeling and prediction. You'll design scalable systems, optimize infrastructure utilization, and collaborate with US-based product teams to translate business needs into technical roadmaps. Additionally, you will provide mentorship to junior engineers and lead proof-of-concept initiatives, all while aligning technical objectives with business goals.

To qualify for the Principal Software Engineer position at FourKites, candidates typically need a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, with a Master's degree preferred. You should have a minimum of 6 years of experience in software engineering and demonstrated expertise in microservices architecture, distributed messaging systems, and NoSQL technologies. Proficiency in coding with languages like Golang and experience with AI/ML technologies are highly valued.

A Principal Software Engineer at FourKites should be well-versed in numerous technologies including Golang, Python, Java, Redis, and PostgreSQL. Familiarity with microservices, distributed messaging systems such as Kafka or RabbitMQ, and experience in NoSQL databases like MongoDB or Cassandra is essential. Additionally, knowledge of cloud platforms, particularly AWS, and expertise in AI and machine learning are crucial for this role.

FourKites actively promotes employee development through various initiatives. As a Principal Software Engineer, you will have ongoing learning opportunities, access to a professional development program, and chances to engage in community-based activities like the Toastmaster club. The company encourages mentorship, where you can both learn from others and share your expertise, fostering a culture of growth and continuous improvement.

Principal Software Engineers at FourKites enjoy a wealth of benefits designed to support work-life balance and personal well-being. Benefits include competitive compensation with stock options, medical benefits starting on your first day, 36 PTO days, 5 recharge days, and 2 volunteer days each year. The company also invests in home office setups, lifestyle and family benefits, and annual swag gifts, creating an environment that prioritizes employee satisfaction.

To effectively answer this question, describe specific projects where you implemented microservices and discuss the challenges faced along the way. Emphasize how this architecture improved scalability and performance. Mention any tools or technologies you utilized and quantify any improvements in system efficiency or user performance.

When asked about optimizing RESTful APIs, discuss specific techniques you have employed, such as caching strategies, proper use of status codes, and effective endpoint design. Cite examples from past experiences showing how these strategies led to measurable improvements in response times or reduced load on servers.

Highlight your experience with AI/ML integration by detailing a project where you successfully incorporated these technologies. Discuss how you identified data sources, selected algorithms, and measured outcomes post-integration, as well as the collaborative efforts with data scientists or other engineers to achieve project goals.

Provide an example that showcases your mentoring skills, focusing on how you helped junior engineers tackle technical challenges or develop their skills. Discuss methods you employed to facilitate their learning, the outcomes of your mentorship, and how you measured their progress. This demonstrates your leadership capabilities.

Name specific CI/CD tools and technologies you have experience with, such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, or CircleCI. Explain the processes you followed and how these tools improved your development cycle efficiency. Provide an example where CI/CD practices led to faster deployments or improved code quality.

Choose a project that posed significant challenges and describe the specific obstacles you encountered. Focus on the solutions you implemented, teamwork dynamics, and how you adapted your approach. Showcasing your problem-solving abilities and resilience will resonate well with interviewers.

Describe your approach to bridge communication gaps, such as using visual aids, creating clear documentation, or holding regular update meetings. Cite examples where your ability to communicate technical concepts led to better project outcomes and demonstrated your skill in fostering collaboration.

Discuss the importance of adaptability and reusability in design patterns. Provide examples of particular design patterns that you've successfully applied in projects and explain why they were effective in solving specific problems. This shows your ability to think critically about software design.

Articulate your passion for technology by discussing how you stay informed through blogs, webinars, courses, or tech meetups. Share specific examples of how adopting a new technology has benefited a past project, reflecting your commitment to continuous learning.

Talk about your strategy for identifying and prioritizing technical debt. Discuss specific techniques for documenting debt and aligning it with business goals to secure buy-in from stakeholders, while also mentioning how you ensure that debt doesn't impact the overall project timeline.