Staff Software Engineer, Full Stack

At Headspace, Staff Software Engineers are responsible for leading projects from conception to deployment, collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance our Clinical Engineering processes. This includes designing maintainable services, advocating for the architecture of our Care Platform, and mentoring junior team members. Ultimately, your work will help shape the future of mental health care for millions.

Candidates for the Staff Software Engineer, Full Stack role at Headspace should hold a BS/MS degree in Computer Science or a related field, with a minimum of 8 years of professional development experience. Essential skills include strong proficiency in API development with Python/Django and Typescript/Node.js, experience using modern frontend frameworks like React, and excellent communication abilities.

Headspace is committed to the growth and development of its Staff Software Engineers. You will be exposed to all phases of the development lifecycle and will play an important part in evolving the tech stack. Additionally, the culture of collaboration offers numerous opportunities for learning and mentorship from experienced colleagues and leaders.

As a Staff Software Engineer, Full Stack at Headspace, you will work with cutting-edge technologies including Typescript, React, Python, and Django. You will also engage in projects involving third-party integrations and the management of HIPAA-compliant health records, contributing to the creation of a robust care experience for our users.

In addition to a competitive salary ranging from $140,400 to $224,250, Staff Software Engineers at Headspace enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes equity, healthcare coverage, a monthly wellness stipend, a retirement savings match, generous parental leave, and a lifetime membership to Headspace, supporting both personal and professional well-being.

When discussing your experience with React, focus on specific projects where you've contributed significantly. Highlight your familiarity with component lifecycle, state management, and hooks. It's important to mention how you addressed challenges or optimized performance within your applications to demonstrate your hands-on expertise.

In your response, you should emphasize a methodical approach to problem-solving. Talk about how you analyze requirements, prioritize tasks, and work collaboratively with your team. Providing an example of a particular challenge you faced and how you overcame it can illustrate your analytical skills.

Emphasize the importance of code reviews, unit testing, and following best practices in coding standards. Discuss how you keep your code well-documented and modular, and mention any experience you have with CI/CD pipelines that ensure the delivery of high-quality software.

Use the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to describe a leading experience. Highlight your leadership style, how you supported team members, and how you communicated effectively with stakeholders to drive project success. Results should reference measurable outcomes from your leadership.

Discuss specific functionalities you have built using Python and Django, such as API development or management of database interactions. Highlight any experience with Django ORM and how you utilized Django’s features to create scalable and maintainable web applications.

Talk about tools and methodologies you use for prioritizing tasks, such as Agile practices or Kanban boards. Explain how you assess project deadlines, stakeholder input, and technical requirements to determine what needs immediate attention, ensuring efficient delivery.

Share specific resources you rely on, such as tech blogs, podcasts, or seminars. Also, mention any communities you participate in, like GitHub projects or local tech meet-ups, showing that you are proactive about continuous learning and adapting to new challenges.

Emphasize the importance of collaboration in software development. Discuss some of the tools you use for project management and communication, as well as how you’ve fostered a positive team dynamic. Offer examples of successful teamwork from previous positions.

In your answer, emphasize a hands-on approach to mentoring where you provide guidance through code reviews, pair programming, and structured feedback. Share a success story of a junior developer's growth under your mentorship and highlight how you identified their strengths.

Display your openness to feedback by discussing how you view it as a pathway to improvement. Talk about instances where you’ve taken constructive criticism and used it to enhance your work, demonstrating a commitment to growth and collaboration within the team.