Senior Software Engineer- Workload Tuning Team

As a Senior Software Engineer in the Workload Tuning Team at Keebo, you will be responsible for developing new products focused on automated query optimization, collaborating directly with customers to identify pain points and innovative solutions, and performing data-driven research to improve query performance. Your role will involve building algorithms, creating prototypes, and working closely with the product team to iterate based on customer feedback. You'll also play a crucial part in ensuring service reliability and scalability.

To be considered for the Senior Software Engineer role at Keebo, candidates should ideally have a PhD in database systems or a proven track record in computer science focusing on database internals and query optimization. Additionally, experience in developing scalable and reliable products in a startup environment, algorithm development, ETL pipelines, and familiarity with programming languages such as Java, Python, or Golang are highly valued. Strong communication skills are essential since you'll be collaborating with diverse teams across multiple time zones.

For the Senior Software Engineer role at Keebo, ideal candidates should possess strong skills in clean code writing and effective communication within a distributed environment. Familiarity with cloud technologies, modern CI/CD tools, and object-oriented programming will give you an edge. Additionally, an eagerness to mentor fellow engineers in database optimization and rapid project delivery is a plus that aligns with our collaborative culture.

While not mandatory, prior experience at a startup can be incredibly beneficial for the Senior Software Engineer position at Keebo. Working in a startup environment often means adapting quickly, wearing multiple hats, and thriving in a fast-paced ecosystem, all of which are key elements of the role. Candidates familiar with the challenges and rewards of startup life may find themselves more aligned with our team’s dynamic culture.

Keebo takes pride in offering competitive salary packages, equity, and a variety of benefits to its Senior Software Engineers. These include a home office stipend, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, a 401k retirement program, and generous paid time off. We also organize annual company offsites and foster a diverse, inclusive workplace where every team member is valued.

For this question, it's crucial to draw upon specific examples from your past work that illustrate your direct involvement with query optimization. Discuss particular projects where you implemented solutions to enhance performance and how those contributions positively affected business or client outcomes. Mention any algorithms or methodologies you employed and the outcomes of those implementations.

A strong answer to this question would showcase your communication and research skills. Discuss methods you use to gather customer feedback, such as surveys, interviews, or direct collaboration. Highlight occasions when you translated findings into technical specifications for new features, emphasizing your ability to balance technical limitations with user needs.

When answering this question, detail a specific project where you successfully created a prototype. Describe the problem you aimed to solve, the process you followed, and any challenges faced during development. Conclude with the impact the prototype had on both product development and customer satisfaction, noting any subsequent enhancements made due to user feedback.

To answer this effectively, outline best practices you adhere to, such as code reviews, adhering to coding standards, writing comprehensive documentation, and employing unit tests. You might also discuss the importance of code simplicity and readability, alongside any tools or methods you use for maintaining code quality over time.

Demonstrating your communication skills is key here. Choose a technical topic you’re comfortable with and simplify it without losing essential meanings, such as explaining query optimization using relatable analogies. Highlight your ability to bridge technical gaps, ensuring stakeholders can grasp the importance and implications of complex concepts.

Be thorough in detailing specific cloud platforms you have worked with and how you integrated them into your projects. Discuss your understanding of cloud-based architectures and any tools used that complement the primary technologies, while also mentioning how these tools improved project outcomes in terms of scalability and reliability.

A strong answer would include your methodology for prioritization, possibly involving techniques like Agile methodologies or setting deadlines based on project impact. Discuss how you communicate with team members to track progress and adapt to shifting priorities while ensuring quality in deliverables.

To respond positively, emphasize your belief in the value of collaboration. Provide examples of successful teamwork situations and how they led to more effective solutions. Discuss tools or processes you use to foster ongoing communication and how this helps maintain alignment on project goals.

In answering this question, discuss a specific technical challenge, your thought process in tackling it, and the steps taken to resolve it. Reflect on what you learned from the experience to highlight your problem-solving skills and growth as an engineer.

Your answer should reflect your mentorship philosophy, stressing the importance of patience, guidance, and providing constructive feedback. Talk about creating a supportive environment for learning and development and how you tailor your approach based on individual learning styles to foster continuous improvement.