Senior Backend Engineer - job 1 of 3

As a Senior Backend Engineer at Jerry, your main responsibilities will include designing and developing scalable and reliable backend systems, focusing on service availability and fault tolerance. You will be tasked with creating and optimizing stream processing applications using technologies like Kafka and Flink while ensuring the seamless integration of AI models into production environments. Additionally, you will oversee the architecture of various systems, handle data processing and validation, and collaborate closely with data scientists to enhance our application’s performance.

To qualify for the Senior Backend Engineer position at Jerry, you should have at least 5 years of software engineering experience. Proficiency in core languages such as Java, Python, Go, or JavaScript is essential. Familiarity with stream processing systems using Kafka and Flink, and experience with cloud platforms like AWS are critical requisites. While startup experience in a high-growth environment is preferred, being an excellent problem solver and having a passion for shipping products quickly will significantly strengthen your application.

A Senior Backend Engineer at Jerry plays a pivotal role in scaling our backend infrastructure to support our ambitious growth goals. By building robust backend systems that prioritize reliability and scalability, you will directly impact our ability to serve millions of car owners. Your contributions will help optimize performance metrics and ensure that the innovative features driven by our AI models function seamlessly, enhancing user experiences and contributing to Jerry’s mission of transforming the car ownership landscape.

In the Senior Backend Engineer role at Jerry, you will work with a variety of cutting-edge technologies. Key among them are Kafka and Flink for building stream processing applications, as well as AWS for cloud infrastructure. Additionally, proficiency in programming languages like Java and Python is crucial, as you will be developing applications that require deep system knowledge and optimal performance. Being adaptable and willing to learn new technologies in our fast-paced environment is also highly valuable.

At Jerry, you can expect a vibrant and collaborative team culture. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment of innovation where every team member feels empowered to contribute their ideas. Working alongside leaders from top tech companies, you will be part of a diverse team that values curiosity and problem-solving. Our commitment to an ego-free atmosphere promotes open communication and allows for seamless collaboration across disciplines, all while driving meaningful change and growth as we disrupt the car ownership market.

When discussing your approach to designing scalable backend systems, highlight your focus on non-functional requirements such as reliability, fault tolerance, and performance optimization. Share examples from past projects where you've implemented design patterns that ensure scalability while maintaining robust system architecture.

In answering this question, detail specific projects where you've implemented Kafka and Flink for stream processing. Discuss the challenges faced, how you optimized data flow, and the results achieved. Providing measurable outcomes will show your practical experience and understanding of these technologies.

To optimize application performance, I usually employ several strategies, including profiling applications to identify bottlenecks and optimizing code through refactoring or altering algorithms. Additionally, I leverage caching strategies and employ load testing to ensure that the application can handle peak traffic effectively.

When answering this question, detail the specific problem and the steps you took to analyze and resolve it. Discuss the technologies used and the impact your solution had on the project's progress or the overall system. This showcases your problem-solving abilities and technical expertise.

Highlight your experience with agile methodologies by sharing specific practices you have followed, such as participating in sprint planning, stand-ups, and retrospectives. You can discuss how agile approaches have improved your project delivery and collaboration with team members.

Discuss your commitment to maintaining code quality through practices such as code reviews, writing unit and integration tests, and adhering to coding standards. Mention any tools you’ve utilized for continuous integration and deployment that aid in maintaining high code quality.

Talk about your communication skills and how you foster collaboration by actively engaging with data scientists to understand their requirements. Share experiences where you contributed to or integrated their models into production, highlighting teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.

Anticipating challenges is key in this role, so consider potential scalability issues or rapidly changing requirements within the startup environment. Discuss how you plan to address these challenges by implementing proactive strategies and maintaining flexibility as the team grows.

In a fast-paced environment, I prioritize tasks by assessing the business impact and urgency of each project. I use project management techniques, such as Kanban or prioritization matrices, to manage my work effectively while staying adaptable to changing priorities.

When discussing technologies you're excited about, be honest and genuine. Whether it’s advancements in cloud computing or specific programming languages, describe how these technologies can enhance backend development practices and fuel innovation within Jerry.