Staff Software Engineer (Backend)

As a Staff Software Engineer (Backend) at GoFundMe, you'll play a key role in shaping our systems and infrastructure. Your primary responsibilities will include driving strategy for innovative products within our Checkout & Pricing team, taking ownership of the entire product development lifecycle, and collaborating closely with other technical teams. You'll also conduct technical explorations to stay ahead of industry trends and lead engineering efforts for successful product launches.

To be considered for the Staff Software Engineer (Backend) position at GoFundMe, candidates should have at least 8 years of relevant experience in backend development, focusing on scalable systems, APIs, and complex infrastructure. A strong background in application performance monitoring is also important. Familiarity with technologies like Spring Boot, AWS, Kafka, and Kubernetes will be advantageous.

At GoFundMe, you'll find a dynamic and collaborative work environment. As a hybrid role located in San Francisco, CA, you will be expected to work in the office three times a week. The company culture emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and a shared mission to make a positive impact on the lives of millions through our platform.

GoFundMe is committed to the professional growth of its employees, including Staff Software Engineers (Backend). The company offers a variety of learning and development programs, recognition opportunities, and resources designed to help you advance your skills and career. In addition, you'll have access to mentorship and collaboration with passionate professionals in a forward-thinking atmosphere.

As a Staff Software Engineer (Backend) at GoFundMe, you can expect competitive pay, comprehensive healthcare benefits, and holistic support options like financial assistance for hybrid work, generous parental leave, flexible time-off policies, and mental health resources. GoFundMe emphasizes a work-life balance and the well-being of its employees.

In your answer, highlight specific projects where you've successfully built scalable systems. Discuss the technologies you used, the challenges faced, and how you ensured performance and reliability in your solutions.

Describe your method of overseeing the product development lifecycle, emphasizing collaboration with cross-functional teams. Include how you prioritize features based on user needs and technical feasibility while maintaining communication with stakeholders.

Provide examples of tools and strategies you've employed for performance monitoring and troubleshooting. Discuss a specific situation where you diagnosed a performance problem and the steps taken to resolve it.

Discuss your familiarity with design patterns like Model-View-Controller (MVC), Singleton, and Factory patterns. Provide examples of how you've implemented them in previous backend projects.

Share your strategies for staying informed about emerging technologies, such as attending conferences, participating in webinars, and consuming relevant content. Mention any tech communities or forums where you engage with other professionals.

Outline your role in the project, the challenges faced, and how you coordinated with different teams. Highlight how you ensured timely delivery and effective communication throughout the project.

Elaborate on your hands-on experience with AWS services, discussing specific projects where you've implemented cloud solutions. Highlight your understanding of cloud architecture, deployment strategies, and cost management.

Discuss your methods for task prioritization, such as using frameworks like MoSCoW or Agile methodologies. Provide an example of how you've adapted to changing priorities and ensured project timelines are met.

Share your approach to integrating security protocols in your backend development. Discuss specific security measures you've implemented, such as data encryption, secure authentication practices, and regular code reviews.

Explain your communication style and provide examples of successful collaborations with product managers, designers, and other engineers. Discuss how you handle conflicts or differing opinions within the team.