Software Engineer Co-op

As a Software Engineer Co-op at Purple Carrot, your responsibilities include supporting end-to-end website features, designing and implementing new functionalities across the application stack, and assisting in code performance improvements. You'll also participate in agile processes, engage in design documentation, conduct code reviews, and develop unit tests to ensure bug-free code. This role is pivotal in maintaining the quality of our eCommerce platform.

To qualify for the Software Engineer Co-op position at Purple Carrot, candidates should be currently enrolled in a BS program in Computer Science or a related field. A solid background in full-stack web development, including knowledge of Javascript, Ruby, React, and AWS, is essential. Familiarity with REST/GraphQL APIs, databases, and secure coding practices is also necessary for success in this role.

As a Software Engineer Co-op at Purple Carrot, familiarity with a variety of web technologies and architectures is crucial. You should have experience with modern web programming, frameworks, and libraries, particularly Javascript, Ruby, React, and Rails. Understanding AWS services, CI/CD tooling, and API development will also be beneficial for your success in this role.

The work environment for a Software Engineer Co-op at Purple Carrot is both dynamic and collaborative. You'll be part of an integrated Scrum team, working alongside other engineers and product teams. Our preferred hybrid model allows you to work in the office three days a week, fostering teamwork and innovation while enjoying the flexibility of remote work.

The Software Engineer Co-op position at Purple Carrot is a six-month term from July to December 2025. This co-op program offers hands-on experience in software development within a supportive team focused on enhancing our eCommerce platform, making it a significant opportunity for growth and learning in your career.

In your response, highlight any relevant projects or coursework that demonstrate your experience in full-stack development. Discuss the technologies you've worked with, like Javascript, Ruby, or AWS, and give specific examples of how you've used them to solve problems or enhance user experiences effectively.

When answering this question, provide details about your experience with agile practices like Scrum. Share examples of how you contributed to sprints, participated in daily stand-ups, and collaborated with team members to prioritize tasks and implement feedback quickly.

Emphasize your methodology for debugging, such as maintaining thorough testing practices, conducting code reviews, and using tools for error tracking. Highlight the importance of writing unit tests and leveraging QA processes to deliver stable code.

Share a specific example that showcases your problem-solving skills. Discuss the challenges faced, the strategies you employed to overcome them, and the successful outcome of the project, emphasizing teamwork and learning elements.

Mention your commitment to best practices in coding, such as clean code principles, modularity, security considerations, and performance optimization. Discuss how these standards enhance the maintainability and robustness of the application.

Discuss your experience with REST or GraphQL API development, highlighting any projects you've taken on that required you to work with these technologies. Explain how you approached design decisions, and mention any tools you used for testing and documentation.

Align your personal values with Purple Carrot’s mission. Express enthusiasm for promoting plant-based eating and the opportunity to work within a company that prioritizes integrity, teamwork, and bold innovation in its approach.

Highlight your commitment to continuous learning by mentioning resources you use, such as tech blogs, online courses, or community forums. Mention specific technologies or trends in web development that you're currently exploring.

Provide an example where teamwork was essential for achieving your goal. Discuss your role in the project, communication strategies you used, and how the collaboration led to a successful outcome.

Discuss your strategies for task management, such as using prioritization frameworks or project management tools. Emphasize your ability to remain organized and adapt to changing priorities while maintaining focus on deadlines.