Software Engineer, Backend

The Software Engineer, Backend position at Gridwise involves designing, developing, and maintaining the core backend systems that support our mobile application. You will be expected to collaborate with mobile engineers to create new features, contribute to meaningful code reviews, and write thorough tests for your code. Additionally, you will communicate project updates, suggest system and code improvements, and deploy services in a cloud-native environment.

To qualify for the Software Engineer, Backend role at Gridwise, candidates should possess strong proficiency in programming languages such as Go, Python, or Ruby on Rails, along with experience in SQL and relational databases. Familiarity with cloud-native platforms, ideally GCP, and knowledge of event-driven architecture, containerization tools like Kubernetes and Docker, and infrastructure as code tools such as Terraform will also be advantageous.

While prior experience in remote work is not explicitly required for the Software Engineer, Backend position at Gridwise, candidates should be comfortable and capable of working in a remote-first culture. This includes being self-motivated, autonomous, and able to communicate effectively within a dispersed team structure while adhering to US working hours.

Gridwise prides itself on a collaborative and inclusive team culture. As a Software Engineer, you will work alongside smart and diverse individuals who value both hard work and enjoyment. We encourage team members to contribute to each other's professional growth and maintain a positive environment where feedback is welcomed and learning is a continuous journey.

At Gridwise, we deeply invest in the professional growth of our employees. As a Software Engineer, you will have ample opportunities to expand your engineering skill set through participation in collaborative projects, code reviews, and exposure to new technologies related to software development and cloud architecture.

When answering this question, provide a detailed account of the methodologies you've utilized, such as Agile or Scrum. Explain your role in each phase, from requirements gathering and design to coding, testing, and deployment. Use specific examples to illustrate how you contributed to the project's success and what you learned throughout the process.

Share your philosophy on code reviews—emphasize your belief in constructive feedback and peer collaboration. Talk about how you prepare for them, what key aspects you focus on (like code quality, readability, and performance), and the importance of open communication in fostering a culture of improvement and learning within the team.

Select a specific bug that was particularly challenging. Describe the issue clearly, outline the steps you took to investigate, debug, and ultimately solve the problem. Highlight any tools or methodologies you used, and reflect on what you learned from the experience that you can bring to the Software Engineer, Backend role at Gridwise.

Discuss your proficiency with programming languages relevant to the role, such as Go, Python, or Ruby on Rails. Share experiences that highlight your skills in these languages, why you enjoy working with them, and how they contribute to the team's objectives at Gridwise. Providing examples of projects will certainly strengthen your answer.

Talk about your approach to maintaining code quality, which may include writing unit tests, integration tests, and utilizing automated testing tools. Explain how you follow coding standards and guidelines, and discuss the importance of continuous integration in your workflow as a Software Engineer.

Elaborate on your direct experience deploying services on platforms like GCP. Discuss specific features and advantages of cloud-native architecture, such as scalability and ease of deployment, and how they enhance project management and operational efficiency. Relate this to how it can specifically help Gridwise's objectives.

Discuss specific resources you utilize to keep your knowledge fresh, such as attending webinars, engaging in online communities, following key industry leaders on social media, or enrolling in relevant courses. Show your genuine enthusiasm for continuous learning and professional development, which aligns with Gridwise's commitment to growth.

Provide a clear definition of event-driven architecture and share examples of scenarios when this architecture would be most beneficial, particularly in fast-paced environments like Gridwise's. Emphasize its advantages in enhancing system responsiveness and scalability and any firsthand experiences you've had in implementing event-driven systems.

Detail your step-by-step approach to troubleshooting production issues, including how you prioritize issues based on severity, your strategies for reproducing errors, and how you ensure minimal disruption to users. Discuss the importance of logging, monitoring, and team communication to resolve issues effectively.

This question is an opportunity to express your alignment with Gridwise’s mission and values. Talk about what drew you to the company—its commitment to supporting gig workers, its innovative approach, or the community-oriented culture—and how your skills and aspirations as a Software Engineer can contribute to the impact Gridwise aims to make.