Back End Software Engineer

The Back End Software Engineer at Freedom Forever is tasked with writing and maintaining software, developing APIs, and managing cloud services like AWS. Responsibilities also include collaborating with front-end developers, integrating third-party applications, architecting databases, and troubleshooting back-end applications.

Candidates aspiring to be a Back End Software Engineer at Freedom Forever need a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, along with over 5 years of experience as a software engineer. Proficiency in PHP, modern JavaScript frameworks, and cloud computing is crucial to succeed in this role.

While the Back End Software Engineer role at Freedom Forever is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, the work environment may offer flexibility depending on team collaboration needs and project requirements. Candidates are encouraged to inquire about remote work opportunities during the interview.

The ideal Back End Software Engineer at Freedom Forever should have strong abilities in Ruby, Scala, and Java, along with extensive knowledge of PHP and modern JavaScript frameworks like React or Vue. Familiarity with cloud computing and version control tools is also important.

Freedom Forever promotes ongoing education and skill development for its Back End Software Engineers. Opportunities include attending conferences, participating in educational programs, and engaging in continuous learning sessions to stay current with technologies and best practices.

When debugging an application, it's crucial to use a systematic approach. First, replicate the issue and gather error messages. Then, review the application logs to understand what went wrong. Utilizing debugging tools within your development environment can also provide invaluable insights. Prioritize the problems based on their impact and complexity to address the most critical issues first.

APIs are essential in connecting different software systems and enabling communication between the back-end and front-end layers of applications. As a Back End Software Engineer, understanding how to design, develop, and maintain APIs ensures that front-end developers can effectively retrieve and send data, thereby enhancing the overall functionality of applications.

To ensure high-quality code, I emphasize clean coding practices, code reviews, and writing comprehensive unit tests. Adopting a version control system like Git allows for efficient collaboration and tracking of changes. Additionally, I stay updated with best practices and utilize automated testing tools to catch errors early in the development process.

A challenging technical issue I faced involved a significant performance bottleneck in an application due to inefficient database queries. I approached it by profiling the application to pinpoint the slow queries and then redesigned the queries using indexing strategies and optimization techniques. This led to a performance improvement of over 50%, enhancing the overall user experience.

I regularly follow industry blogs, subscribe to technical newsletters, and participate in online forums such as Stack Overflow. Attending webinars and technology conferences also helps me learn about new tools and best practices that I can apply in my work as a Back End Software Engineer.

Collaboration is vital for a Back End Software Engineer as it fosters an environment where ideas and solutions can be shared. Working closely with front-end developers, product managers, and design teams helps ensure that the end product aligns with user requirements and expectations, ultimately leading to more cohesive and functional software.

Database architecture is crucial in back-end development as it impacts performance, scalability, and data integrity. As a Back End Software Engineer, designing a robust database schema is essential to effectively manage data relationships and enhance application efficiency. Understanding different database models helps in making informed decisions based on the application's needs.

When writing APIs for a new feature, I first gather requirements from stakeholders to understand what data needs to be exchanged. Next, I focus on designing the API endpoints to ensure they are intuitive and RESTful, followed by documenting the API thoroughly. Implementing proper authentication and validation mechanisms is also crucial to maintain security and data integrity.

I have extensive experience with cloud services like AWS, utilizing them for hosting applications, managing databases, and implementing scalability strategies. Cloud services provide flexibility and reliability, enabling me to deploy applications quickly while leveraging features like load balancing and automated backups for enhanced performance and uptime.

I prioritize tasks based on project deadlines, business needs, and the complexity of the tasks at hand. Adopting Agile methodologies helps me manage my workload efficiently, allowing for regular reassessment and adjustment of priorities based on progress and new developments. Using task management tools also aids in maintaining focus and organization.