Lead Backend Engineer - job 1 of 2

As a Lead Backend Engineer at Corelight, you will be responsible for leading the development and architecture of backend systems that support our cybersecurity products. Your role includes designing scalable microservices, building REST APIs and GraphQL services, and ensuring high quality and reliable software solutions through Agile methodologies. You will also mentor a team of backend engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success.

Corelight requires candidates for the Lead Backend Engineer position to have at least 7 years of professional software development experience, expertise in building REST APIs and GraphQL, and hands-on experience with AWS services, particularly Lambda and API Gateway. A strong foundation in Python, Java, or Go, along with knowledge of containerization tools like Docker and Kubernetes, is critical for success in this role.

Corelight is dedicated to fostering a culture of growth and collaboration. As a Lead Backend Engineer, you will have opportunities to lead discussions on technical design, promote software development best practices, and mentor junior engineers. Additionally, Corelight’s commitment to a geographically distributed team allows for flexibility and learning from diverse backgrounds, enhancing your professional journey.

A Lead Backend Engineer at Corelight will work in an Agile development environment where collaboration and communication are key. You will be part of a passionate team that values diverse perspectives and innovative thinking. Team members work closely with offshore teams on various projects, ensuring that ideas are shared and best practices are adopted seamlessly.

At Corelight, the Lead Backend Engineer will work extensively with AWS technologies like Lambda, API Gateway, and DynamoDB. You will also engage with modern development practices involving REST APIs and GraphQL, as well as utilizing containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes. If you have experience in these areas, you'll find yourself right at home!

When answering this question, emphasize specific projects where you built REST APIs, detailing the technologies used and challenges faced. Highlight your understanding of best practices in API design, focusing on security and performance, as these are key for a Lead Backend Engineer at Corelight.

In your answer, discuss your leadership style, how you foster collaboration and encourage open communication, and how you support team members' growth. Mention specific examples of how you’ve led design discussions and helped the team achieve project goals successfully.

Share specific experiences with AWS technologies like Lambda, DynamoDB, or S3, and relate them to past projects. Discuss how you integrated these services into a solution that improved scalability or reduced costs, illustrating your proficiency with cloud technologies.

Discuss your commitment to best practices such as code reviews, unit testing, and continuous integration practices. Highlight any tools or methodologies you use to ensure high code quality, which is crucial for the Lead Backend Engineer at Corelight.

Provide a detailed account of a challenging situation you've encountered in software development, focusing on your approach to troubleshooting and resolving the issue. Make sure to showcase your analytical and problem-solving skills important for the role.

Explain your experience working in Agile teams, including the roles you played and how Agile practices improved project outcomes. Discuss how you enhance team collaboration and responsiveness to change, which is essential for Corelight’s fast-paced environment.

Highlight specific instances where you worked alongside product management, UI/UX designers, or QA engineers. Explain how these collaborations shaped your project outcomes and the importance of communication among diverse teams, which is a part of the Lead Backend Engineer role.

Discuss project management techniques you implement, such as time-boxing tasks or prioritizing backlog items. Highlight your ability to adapt to shifting priorities while ensuring that the team meets deadlines, a vital aspect for the Lead Backend Engineer position.

Share your learning strategies, such as online courses, tech meetups, or practical implementation in projects. Focus on your ability to adapt and grow with evolving technologies, which is important in the fast-paced cybersecurity field at Corelight.

Highlight qualities such as effective communication, strong technical expertise, and the ability to drive team performance. Explain how these qualities contribute to successful project execution and a positive team culture, key expectations for the Lead Backend Engineer at Corelight.