Senior Software Engineer - US Based

As a Senior Software Engineer at OpenSesame, your responsibilities will include driving technical decisions, contributing to new feature development across a full stack, and guiding modernization efforts. You will collaborate closely with other engineers through methodologies like Extreme Programming, ensuring high-quality output through practices such as test-driven development and continuous deployment. Additionally, mentoring junior engineers and fostering a culture of continuous learning will be pivotal as you help shape the engineering environment at OpenSesame.

To become a Senior Software Engineer at OpenSesame, candidates typically need a solid foundation in software development, including experience with TypeScript, Node.js, and React—as well as familiarity with legacy systems like Drupal and Angular. Strong problem-solving skills, the ability to work collaboratively in a remote team, and experience with agile methodologies are crucial. Additionally, previous mentoring experience and a track record of successful project contributions will set you apart in this role.

Mentorship is a core aspect of the Senior Software Engineer position at OpenSesame. In this role, you will mentor other engineers, providing guidance on technical challenges and fostering a culture of shared knowledge. Expectations include leading collaborative programming sessions, participating in code reviews, and being an advocate for continuous improvement in engineering practices. Your active involvement will not only enhance your peers' skills but also strengthen the overall team culture.

At OpenSesame, Senior Software Engineers thrive in a remote-first culture that values collaboration, innovation, and personal growth. The team is dedicated to building a supportive environment where shared ownership and collective success are emphasized. Through regular agile ceremonies, peer programming, and open discussions, you'll find that the work culture encourages continuous learning and input from all team members, creating an energetic and dynamic work atmosphere.

Candidates applying for the Senior Software Engineer position at OpenSesame should have experience with a diverse technology stack that includes TypeScript, Node.js, React, and familiarity with legacy systems like Drupal and Angular. Knowledge of cloud services like AWS, as well as understanding development practices such as CI/CD and test-driven development, will be beneficial as you navigate the transition and modernization efforts within our eLearning platform.

In discussing your experience with transitioning legacy systems, provide specific examples of projects where you've led or participated in such initiatives. Highlight the tools and methodologies you used, such as TypeScript, Node.js, or React, and discuss the challenges you faced along the way. Emphasize how you ensured data integrity and functionality throughout the transition to showcase your technical leadership.

When answering how you mentor junior engineers, provide insights into your mentoring philosophy. Discuss specific instances where you've guided junior developers through challenging tasks, provided feedback on their code, or facilitated their learning through pair programming. Emphasize the importance of fostering a supportive learning environment, and share examples that illustrate your impact on their professional growth.

Be sure to mention Agile methodologies, such as Extreme Programming (XP) or Scrum. Discuss how these practices enhance collaboration and adaptability in software development. Share concrete examples of how you’ve implemented practices like test-driven development (TDD) or continuous integration to ensure high-quality and maintainable solutions, highlighting successful outcomes from your projects.

Choose a specific instance where your technical decision had a measurable impact on the team's workflow. Discuss the context, the decision you made, and the rationale behind it. Explain how this decision improved efficiency, collaboration, or software quality, and if applicable, mention any positive feedback from team members or stakeholders.

Discuss the importance of code reviews, automated testing, and adhering to coding standards. Give examples of techniques you employ, such as test-driven development, continuous integration, or pair programming, to ensure code quality. This shows that you value maintainability and are proactive in preventing defects in projects.

Mention several methods you use to stay updated, like attending relevant conferences, participating in coding workshops, or being an active member of technical communities. Discuss any particular learning resources, blogs, or podcasts that you regularly follow, emphasizing your commitment to professional development and staying ahead in a rapidly changing field.

When discussing challenges, choose examples that showcase your problem-solving abilities and resilience. Discuss the hurdle, your thought process, and the steps you took to resolve the issue. Highlighting your capacity to learn from difficulties and apply those lessons in future projects conveys a strong growth mindset.

Share your approach to prioritization and time management, such as using Agile techniques like sprints or Kanban boards. Discuss any tools you’ve found helpful for keeping track of tasks and timelines, and consider sharing a specific instance where your management skills led to successful project delivery.

Emphasize the importance of collaboration in fostering innovative solutions and boosting team morale. Discuss your experiences collaborating with cross-functional teams, what that looked like in terms of daily practices, and how collective problem-solving can lead to enhanced product output and improved team dynamics.

Share a specific instance where you successfully adapted to a new technology under a deadline. Discuss your learning strategies and how you quickly gained the skills necessary to implement the technology effectively in the project. Highlight the results of your efforts to illustrate your adaptability and commitment to continuous learning.