As a Founding Engineer at Scend, your primary responsibilities include designing and building scalable APIs to serve financial data, generating datasets and research reports using LLMs, and processing large datasets with frameworks like Airflow, Pandas, and Spark. Additionally, you'll develop high-scale systems for web crawling and manage infrastructure with tools like Terraform and Docker. Being part of the founding team means you'll have a significant influence on product development and engineering culture.

To qualify for the Founding Engineer role at Scend, you should have at least 2 years of experience building scalable software systems. Proficiency in Python and SQL is essential, with an added advantage for those familiar with data processing frameworks like Airflow, Pandas, and Spark, as well as infrastructure automation tools such as Terraform and Docker. A background or interest in LLMs and Machine Learning is a plus, helping you to contribute to AI-powered projects.

The team culture at Scend for the Founding Engineer position is built around our core values of Deliver, Empower, Align, and Learn. We encourage team members to take ownership of their projects, embrace learning opportunities, engage in collaborative problem-solving, and ensure everyone’s voice is heard. As a founding team member, you’ll greatly influence our culture and work environment, contributing to a collaborative and innovative atmosphere.

As a Founding Engineer at Scend, you'll work on a variety of innovative projects that include designing scalable APIs for financial data, creating AI-powered systems for data generation and research, and developing robust web crawling solutions. You will also engage in optimizing data processing workflows and managing your infrastructure tools, all while collaborating closely with our leadership team to shape the future of our product offerings.

Founding Engineers at Scend enjoy a competitive compensation package that includes equity, allowing you to have a meaningful stake in our success. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage is also provided. Additionally, we promote a flexible work environment, invest in your personal and professional growth through courses and conferences, and celebrate team culture through events and socials. Unlimited PTO is another perk, enabling you to take the time you need when you need it.

When answering this question, highlight your passion for technology and innovation in the financial sector. Discuss how Scend's mission to modernize M&A aligns with your vision, and express your excitement about the chance to work closely with founders on impactful projects.

Share your methodology for API design, which might include considering user needs, scalability, security, and maintainability. Provide examples of past projects that demonstrate your ability to architect APIs effectively in production environments.

This is your opportunity to showcase your experience with machine learning or LLMs. Describe the project, your role, and the technologies used, emphasizing how your work improved accuracy or driven valuable insights. If you don't have direct experience, convey your passion for learning about these technologies.

Discuss your favorite data processing frameworks such as Airflow, Pandas, or Spark. Explain why you prefer these tools and how they have contributed to your project's success through enhanced efficiency or scalability.

Share specific examples of how you've utilized Docker for containerization and Terraform for infrastructure as code. Discuss the impact these tools had on your projects, focusing on performance, streamlined deployment, or infrastructure management.

Discuss a specific technical challenge, detailing the situation, your thought process, the solutions you considered, and ultimately the steps you took to resolve it. Emphasize your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and teamwork if applicable.

Explain your method for prioritization, whether it involves using project management tools, outlining clear deadlines, or utilizing agile methodologies. Share an instance where this approach helped you balance multiple projects or deadlines effectively.

Discuss any blogs, forums, or podcasts that you regularly follow, along with your commitment to continuous learning through courses or certifications. Highlight how this knowledge will contribute to your role at Scend.

Share your thoughts on communication, collaboration, and empowerment as essential elements of a positive team culture. Provide examples of how you've contributed to fostering team spirit in previous roles.

In your response, articulate your unique skills, experiences, and how they align with Scend's mission. Highlight any past achievements that showcase your abilities and express your enthusiasm for making a significant impact from the outset.