Staff Software Engineer, Borrower Activation

To excel as a Staff Software Engineer specializing in Borrower Activation at January, candidates should possess a strong proficiency in Python, React, and Postgres. Additionally, experience in integrating AI/ML models is highly coveted. Beyond coding skills, strong mentoring abilities and a commitment to fostering a collaborative team environment will set you apart.

At January, the culture is built around genuine collaboration, professional growth, and product ownership. Staff Software Engineers are viewed as advocates for both the product and the team members. You'll have the opportunity to report to managers committed to your development and success, ensuring a fulfilling work environment.

January is dedicated to the growth of its Staff Software Engineers through mentorship, strategic project involvement, and a focus on continuous learning. With a management style that prioritizes employee success, you can expect your contributions to be recognized and rewarded, creating pathways for career advancement.

The primary responsibilities of a Staff Software Engineer in Borrower Activation at January include leading technical projects, mentoring other engineers, participating in architectural discussions, and enhancing borrower engagement through innovative software solutions. You will also work on integrating new channels to improve borrower interactions and optimize existing systems.

January values outcomes over output, ensuring its Staff Software Engineers maintain a healthy work-life balance while delivering high-quality software solutions. The company recognizes the importance of sustainable development and encourages practices that promote productivity without leading to burnout.

While January values education and relevant skills, there isn't a strict educational background required for the Staff Software Engineer position. Candidates with 8+ years of experience in software development, regardless of their academic qualifications, are encouraged to apply. The focus is on your skills, experience, and potential for growth.

As a Staff Software Engineer in the Borrower Activation team, you will work on projects that focus on borrower engagement, such as creating intuitive loan management features, developing AI/ML-driven solutions for customer interactions, and improving the integration of existing systems. It's an opportunity to work on impactful projects that help borrowers regain their financial footing.

When mentoring junior engineers, it’s important to establish a supportive environment that encourages questions and learning. Share your experiences, provide constructive feedback during code reviews, and involve them in decision-making processes. Highlight the importance of best practices and celebrate their successes to build their confidence.

In leading a technical project, I focused on setting clear goals and fostering open communication among team members. I ensured that each phase was documented and adhered to best practices while actively engaging in problem-solving. My role involved coordinating the efforts of the team, mentoring junior members, and ensuring quality deliverables.

To ensure code quality, I advocate for practices such as test-driven development, comprehensive code reviews, and consistent refactoring sessions. Implementing automated testing frameworks also helps catch issues early in the development cycle, thus maintaining high standards throughout the project.

I regularly participate in online courses, attend tech meetups, and engage with developer communities. I also follow industry leaders and publications to stay current on trends and best practices, ensuring that my skills in languages like Python and frameworks like React remain sharp.

In a previous project, we encountered performance issues due to inefficient database queries. I led the effort to analyze and optimize these queries, implementing indexing and caching strategies, which resulted in significant performance improvements. Collaborating with the team improved our workflow and overall product quality.

I prioritize open communication and actively encourage sharing ideas and feedback during team meetings. Setting up regular knowledge-sharing sessions fosters collaboration and team bonding. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of everyone’s contributions, reinforcing that we win as a team.

A Staff Software Engineer plays a critical role in strategic planning by providing insights based on technical feasibility and project impacts. Engaging in discussions on architecture and technology choices ensures that projects align with business goals, enhancing both efficiency and product quality.

When managing ambiguous projects, I adopt an iterative approach that breaks down larger tasks into manageable chunks. Utilizing agile methodologies aids clarity, allowing the team to focus on incremental progress while remaining adaptable to changes based on feedback and evolving requirements.

To handle conflicts, I emphasize the importance of healthy discussion based on respect and understanding. I facilitate conversations where team members can express their viewpoints openly. Finding common ground and focusing on the project goals usually helps steer the discussion towards a constructive resolution.

Product ownership instills a sense of responsibility and accountability among engineers. When engineers are involved in the decision-making process and advocate for both the product and the users, it enhances their commitment to quality and innovation, ultimately leading to better outcomes and user satisfaction.