Backend Engineer (Python, Kotlin, Arrow)

As a Backend Engineer at GoodData, your responsibilities will include developing various modules and microservices within the data processing pipeline using Python and Kotlin. You'll work on orchestrating data processes, integrating data sources, and building a distributed, highly scalable system. Additionally, crafting high-quality code with automated testing and contributing to both internal and public API design will be key aspects of your role.

To be considered for the Backend Engineer position at GoodData, candidates should have a strong background in computer science with expertise in Python, and at least one additional programming language, preferably Kotlin. Experience in building distributed systems and proficiency in spoken and written English are essential. It's a bonus if you have working knowledge of Apache Arrow and other open-source data technologies.

GoodData offers flexibility for its Backend Engineer role, allowing for remote, hybrid, or onsite work from our Brno or Prague offices. This flexibility is designed to accommodate various working styles and promote a balanced approach between professional and personal life.

The culture at GoodData is open and informal, promoting collaboration among team members. As a Backend Engineer in the CalQ team, you will be part of a supportive environment where proactivity, open-mindedness, and enthusiasm for self-improvement are highly valued. The team works closely together, focusing on delivering solutions incrementally, while encouraging ownership and responsibility in your projects.

Backend Engineers at GoodData should be comfortable using Python for server-side programming and have familiarity with Kotlin. Additionally, experience with technologies like Apache Calcite, Apache Arrow, DuckDB, Pandas, and Polars, as well as a general passion for distributed systems and data processing, will be beneficial for success in this role.

When answering this question, highlight specific projects you've worked on that showcase your expertise in Python, particularly those involving backend systems or data processing. Discuss your understanding of Python’s frameworks and libraries relevant to backend development, and mention any practices you follow to ensure code quality and efficiency.

Explain your thought process, including the design patterns and architectural principles you follow when building scalable systems. Discuss your experience with microservices, containerization technologies like Kubernetes, and how you manage data consistency and fault tolerance.

Detail a specific challenge you faced during data integration, how you identified the problem, and the steps you took to resolve it. Focus on your analytical skills, your approach to troubleshooting, and any tools or technologies you utilized to facilitate the integration.

Discuss the importance of code reviews, automated testing (unit and integration), and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) practices. Sharing how you leverage peer feedback and testing frameworks will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high code quality.

Choose an instance where your input led to a significant improvement. Explain the situation, the proposed solution, how you communicated your idea, and its impact on the project or the team’s efficiency. This shows your ability to collaborate and take initiative.

Share specific experiences using cloud services such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure in your projects. Discuss how you used these technologies to deploy applications, manage data, or improve system performance, emphasizing your understanding of hybrid and multi-cloud solutions.

Talk about your methods for staying informed, such as following tech blogs, participating in online forums, attending conferences, or taking online courses. Mention any particular technologies or trends you are currently exploring that you believe are relevant to the role.

Detail your approach to designing APIs, including considerations for usability, documentation, versioning, and security. Share specific examples from your previous roles, making sure to highlight how your APIs contributed to a seamless integration for users or other systems.

Emphasize the importance of collaboration in backend engineering, discussing how you engage with cross-functional teams, communicate effectively, and leverage diverse perspectives to enhance project outcomes. Provide examples of how teamwork has led to successful project delivery.

Discuss your strategies for prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively under pressure. Explain how you ensure quality is not compromised, perhaps sharing a specific example of when you successfully delivered a project on a tight deadline.