Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer at Garage, you will engage in a variety of responsibilities that involve developing and enhancing our marketplace platform for secondhand heavy equipment. Your day-to-day tasks will include coding primarily in Typescript, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and contributing to end-to-end product development. You'll be involved in brainstorming sessions with the founders and CTO, allowing you to influence key decisions and product features, ensuring user experience is always at the forefront.

To qualify for the Software Engineer position at Garage, candidates should have strong programming skills, especially in Typescript, along with a minimum of one year of full-time experience in software engineering. While a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in computer science is preferred, we highly value practical experience, particularly in relevant frameworks like NextJS, React, and Express. Strong personal projects and a passion for serving local governments and emergency services are additional qualities we look for.

The interview process for the Software Engineer role at Garage is designed to be thorough yet engaging. Initially, we review your materials, including your past work and GitHub projects. If you pass this stage, you'll have a friendly intro call over Zoom. Following that, we will provide you with a take-home assignment to showcase your skills. The final step will be an onsite interview in New York City, and we aim to make a decision within a week, keeping you informed every step of the way.

At Garage, we believe in taking care of our team! Software Engineers can expect a competitive salary that ranges from $125,000 to $175,000, alongside stock options that offer significant growth potential. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as unlimited paid time off, a $100 monthly wellness stipend, and the opportunity to participate in annual team offsites. We also host events with other Y Combinator companies, fostering a collaborative community.

While prior experience working with local governments is not strictly necessary for the Software Engineer position at Garage, a genuine desire to serve this demographic can be a strong plus. Our mission centers around equipping local governments and emergency services with the tools they need, so candidates who show this passion are likely to resonate well with our culture and objectives.

When answering this question, choose a project that demonstrates your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge. Explain the challenges you faced, how you approached them, and the outcome of your efforts. Specifically highlight the technologies you used and your role in the project, ensuring to connect your experience to the type of work Garage does.

It's essential to emphasize your proficiency in Typescript, as this is a key requirement for the Software Engineer position at Garage. Discuss your experience with other languages and how they compare, providing examples of how you've utilized each in past projects. This shows your awareness of the software development landscape and your adaptability.

Share a systematic method for debugging that you utilize. Discuss the tools or techniques you employ, such as using log files or leveraging debugging software. Providing a specific example of a recent debugging experience will illustrate your thought process and resourcefulness effectively.

Demonstrate your organizational skills by discussing specific methods you use to prioritize and manage your tasks, such as agile methodologies or project management tools. Mention how your approach has successfully aided you in meeting tight deadlines or handling different projects at once.

Detail the strategies you employ to maintain high standards in your coding practice. This could include writing unit tests, conducting peer reviews, or adhering to coding standards. The goal is to show that you take responsibility for your work and recognize the importance of delivering reliable and efficient software.

Select a specific technology you had to master under a time constraint and narrate your learning process. Highlight how you accessed resources quickly, practiced your skills, and implemented that technology effectively in a project. This showcases your adaptability and eagerness to grow.

Make it clear that user experience is critical by discussing its impact on the end product's success. Share examples of how you've contributed to user-centered designs in previous projects. Relating your thoughts on this topic to Garage's mission will demonstrate your alignment with their values.

Research Garage’s mission and values ahead of time. Detail what you find inspiring about the company, especially how they support local governments and emergency services. Convey how your skills align with their projects and mention projects or initiatives that particularly resonate with you.

Share various resources you utilize to keep yourself informed, such as technology blogs, podcasts, coding forums, or attending workshops and conferences. This reinforces your commitment to continuous learning and staying competitive in your field.

Prepare thoughtful questions that express your interest in Garage and the role. Inquire about the team culture, specific projects you would be working on, or how success is measured within the team. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also underscores your critical thinking regarding your potential fit within the company.