Outbound: Launch Darkly - Backend Engineer Scala

As a Backend Engineer at Launch Darkly, your primary responsibilities include building and expanding API methods for our data analysis products, collaborating with frontend engineers, ensuring server-side performance, writing various levels of tests, participating in code reviews, and enhancing engineering processes. This role is centered around creating efficient backend systems that contribute to the overall success of our feature flagging platform.

To qualify for the Backend Engineer position at Launch Darkly, candidates should have demonstrable experience in server-side web development, preferably in languages such as Java, Scala, Ruby, Python, or Golang. Familiarity with RESTful API development, data ingestion, and a solid understanding of computer science fundamentals like data structures and distributed systems is essential. A collaborative mindset and a commitment to code quality are crucial qualities we look for.

Backend Engineers at Launch Darkly primarily work with Golang, Redis, and NATS. These technologies are integral to our production systems, which serve a massive user base with continuous feature flagging capabilities. Engineers should also have a foundational understanding of networking technologies such as TCP, HTTP, and websockets.

At Launch Darkly, our developers participate in a you-build-it-you-run-it culture, meaning that all engineers, including Backend Engineers, may take on on-call responsibilities to support production applications. While on-call work is optional, any off-hours commitment is compensated in addition to the base salary, reflecting our team's dedication to maintaining system reliability.

Launch Darkly encompasses a culture of communication and collaboration, which naturally leads to continuous learning for our team. Backend Engineers are actively involved in code reviews, opportunities for writing technical proposals, and the implementation of engineering best practices including automated testing and high-quality code development. This environment fosters professional growth and skill enhancement.

Highlight your past experiences working with server-side technologies, particularly in languages like Java, Scala, or Golang. Discuss any projects that demonstrate your ability to create efficient APIs and manage backend processes. Mention specific challenges you faced and how you solved them, focusing on your thought process and technical skills.

To ensure code quality, I prioritize writing clean, understandable code and adhere to established coding standards. I also employ automated testing practices such as unit tests and integration tests to catch issues early. During code reviews, I actively seek feedback and encourage collaboration with peers, fostering a culture of shared knowledge.

Optimizing server-side performance starts with profiling the existing system to identify bottlenecks. I then apply various strategies such as caching, database optimization, and efficient data handling to improve response times. Additionally, I monitor logs and leverage real-time metrics to make data-driven decisions for performance enhancements.

I believe in establishing open lines of communication from the outset of any project. By participating in regular meetings and using collaborative tools, I ensure that both backend and frontend teams are aligned. I also validate API outputs and gather feedback frequently, which helps us create a more seamless user experience together.

When explaining complex technical concepts, I focus on simplifying the language without diluting the meaning. I use analogies and relatable examples to convey the ideas effectively. For instance, I might compare a RESTful API to a restaurant menu, providing clear options of what can be ordered and the expected outcome.

In my previous roles, I've designed and implemented data ingestion pipelines to handle large volumes of incoming data efficiently. I have used various tools and frameworks to facilitate this process, ensuring data integrity and availability. It’s crucial to carefully manage and curate the data flow to maintain performance and reliability.

One significant challenge I faced was when a system outage affected our production environment. I quickly analyzed the issue, identified a misconfiguration in the server setup, and collaborated with my team to implement a fix. This experience taught me the importance of monitoring and having clear rollback plans for any deployments.

I approach code reviews with an open mind and a willingness to learn. I proactively ask for feedback and encourage constructive criticism, viewing it as an opportunity for improvement. When receiving feedback, I take notes, ask clarifying questions, and implement suggestions, enhancing both my skills and the quality of the code.

I feel most comfortable working with Golang and Redis, as I have extensive experience in developing scalable applications with these technologies. I also have a foundational understanding of distributed systems and network protocols, which contributes to my ability to work effectively in dynamic environments.

I am particularly drawn to Launch Darkly because of its pioneering work in feature management and the culture of innovation it fosters. The commitment to empowering teams and the focus on high-quality software resonates with my professional values, and I am eager to contribute to a company that is shaping the future of software delivery.