Software Engineer 3, Online Archive - job 1 of 2

As a Software Engineer 3 at MongoDB, your primary responsibilities will include designing, architecting, building, and delivering core components of the Atlas Online Archive. You'll work on optimizing the performance and scalability of distributed storage systems, mainly coding in Java, Go, and Javascript (React). You'll also collaborate with different teams to develop new features and tackle high-impact projects, ensuring that our systems provide high availability and durability.

To qualify for the Software Engineer 3 role at MongoDB, candidates should have over 3 years of experience in software engineering, specialized in cloud-native backend systems. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science or a similar field is preferred. Proficiency in modern compiled programming languages such as Go, Java, or C# is key, along with experience in building and operating distributed storage systems that ensure high availability.

In the Software Engineer 3 role at MongoDB, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. You'll partner with colleagues from various teams to scope out projects, deliver high-value features, and share ideas. We believe in a culture of teamwork where input is welcomed and diverse perspectives are valued, providing a rich environment for growth and innovation.

The work culture at MongoDB for the Software Engineer 3 position is centered around intellectual curiosity and honesty. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment that prioritizes collaboration over competition. Employees are encouraged to be self-starters who proactively propose improvements backed by data. We also emphasize personal growth and provide a supportive atmosphere where employees can thrive both professionally and personally.

As a Software Engineer 3 at MongoDB, you can expect a clear path to professional growth. Within the first month, you’ll familiarize yourself with our systems, and in just three months, you'll contribute significantly to major projects. By six months, you’ll be leading your own design and execution, which is a testament to our commitment to your development and impact in the company.

When preparing for this question, highlight your specific experiences with distributed storage systems. Discuss any projects where you ensured high availability and durability, detailing your role, the technologies used, and the outcomes. Mention how you faced challenges and what innovations you brought to improve the system.

To answer this effectively, cite specific strategies you’ve employed, such as optimizing queries, load balancing, or data partitioning. Discuss how you analyze performance metrics and leverage those insights to make improvements. Providing a concrete example will demonstrate your problem-solving skills.

Share an example that showcases your collaboration skills. Focus on your role within the team, how you communicated with colleagues, and the tools you used to coordinate efforts. Emphasize the successful outcomes of the project and any recognition you received for your contributions.

In your response, talk about your approach to prioritization, such as using project management tools or creating a task list based on project deadlines and impact. Highlight a specific situation where you managed competing priorities successfully and the results of your prioritization.

Discuss the programming languages you are most comfortable with, such as Go or Java, and reference specific projects where you used them. Explain the challenges you encountered, how you approached problem-solving using these languages, and your learning journey in mastering these tools.

To answer this question, walk through your problem-solving method—whether it’s breaking down the problem, researching solutions, or collaborating with others. Give a specific instance where your approach led to innovative solutions or improvements, showcasing your analytical and innovation skills.

Share your insights on cloud-native architecture, touching on its benefits like scalability, flexibility, and availability. Relate it to a project you worked on that utilized cloud-native principles, explaining how it improved the project’s effectiveness and efficiency.

When answering, reference a particular design decision you made, driven by data analysis. Discuss the data you used, the alternatives you considered, and how your decision impacted the project. This showcases your analytical thinking and user-centered approach.

Discuss your methods for staying current in the field, such as following industry blogs, participating in developer communities, attending conferences, or taking online courses. Share specific trends you’re excited about and how you might apply them to your work at MongoDB.

This is your chance to express genuine interest in MongoDB. Reference aspects of the company culture, the innovative projects they’re involved in, or specific technologies they use that excite you. Connecting your personal values with those of MongoDB will leave a strong impression.