Product Engineer, Full-Stack Mobile

As a Product Engineer at Radar, you will be responsible for building and enhancing features across backend, frontend, and mobile platforms. You'll work primarily with our mobile SDKs developed in Kotlin, Objective-C, and Swift, while also contributing to full-stack features that enable location tracking and geofencing. Furthermore, you'll engage directly with our customers to gather feedback and ensure their success, ultimately pushing the limits of what is possible with location services across hundreds of millions of devices.

Candidates interested in the Product Engineer position at Radar should possess experience in building mobile infrastructure and a desire to cross-train in various stacks, including mobile, data, and backend. We value curiosity and problem-solving skills over rigid specialization. A strong willingness to engage with customers and adapt based on their feedback is also essential. Bonus points if you have previous experience as a technical co-founder, worked on SDKs, or have technical knowledge related to indoor positioning.

At Radar, we believe in promoting a healthy work-life balance for our Product Engineers. We offer unlimited PTO, allowing you to recharge whenever you need. Our flexible environment encourages collaboration in our NYC office but also prioritizes shipping features quickly to accommodate personal priorities. Additionally, we provide a competitive compensation package that includes stock options, medical benefits, and wellness memberships to help you manage your work-life balance effectively.

As a Product Engineer at Radar, you will work with a modern and diverse tech stack that includes Kotlin, Objective-C, and Swift for mobile development, along with React and Next.js for the frontend. Our backend utilizes Node.js with an Express app and a Rust-based geocoder. You'll also engage with MongoDB, S3/Athena, Redis, and more while deploying everything to AWS. This exposure allows you to broaden your technical expertise across multiple domains.

The hiring process for the Product Engineer position at Radar begins with a brief introductory call with our CTO. If there's a good fit, you'll be invited to our NYC HQ for a hands-on coding session that includes tackling simple system design problems for two hours. You'll also have the chance to meet one of our co-founders and discuss our work culture and processes to ensure mutual alignment. We strive to make this experience both informative and engaging for candidates throughout!

When approaching problem-solving and debugging in mobile applications, I first prioritize understanding the core issue by reproducing the problem consistently. I leverage logging, debugging tools, and unit tests to gather insights. After isolating the root cause, I then brainstorm potential solutions based on my past experiences and research. Collaboration with teammates can also provide fresh perspectives and solutions, especially at a company like Radar that values customer feedback and collaboration.

In my previous roles, I've implemented geofencing and location services using various SDKs. My experience includes setting up geofences, triggering events based on user location, and handling background tasks to ensure location accuracy. I understand the nuances of mobile operating systems, such as managing battery consumption and implementing best practices for location tracking to enhance performance and user experience.

Customer feedback is invaluable in product development as it provides direct insights into user needs and pain points. At Radar, I've learned that engaging with customers helps identify opportunities for improvement and innovation while reinforcing our commitment to a user-centered approach. By incorporating their feedback into our development process, we can build more effective features and enhance overall satisfaction.

In a previous project, I encountered significant performance issues with our mobile application due to inefficient data handling. I analyzed and identified the bottleneck in the data retrieval process, which involved excessive synchronous calls. By refactoring the code to adopt asynchronous calls and optimizing database queries, I dramatically improved response times and provided a more seamless experience for users.

To stay current with new technologies and industry trends, I follow several tech blogs and podcasts. I actively participate in developer forums and communities where I can learn from peers and industry experts. Attending conferences and webinars also helps me broaden my perspective. At Radar, I would be excited to engage with my team to share knowledge and explore innovative solutions together.

Some of the biggest challenges in mobile application development today include managing device fragmentation, ensuring performance optimization, and maintaining user privacy in light of increasing regulations. In addition, staying adaptable to rapid technological changes—like advancements in machine learning and cloud integration—is vital. At Radar, I believe that a proactive approach to learning and iterating on feedback is crucial to overcoming these challenges.

When developing a new feature for a mobile SDK, I begin by conducting user research and gathering feedback from existing users. I analyze competitors' offerings and identify gaps in the current functionality. After defining clear goals for the feature, I collaborate with design and engineering teams to create prototypes. Keeping in close communication with stakeholders throughout the development process ensures alignment on expectations and a smoother rollout.

Balancing technical requirements and customer expectations requires effective communication and stakeholder involvement. I prioritize transparency by discussing technical limitations upfront and collaborating with customers to find suitable solutions. Involving customers in the prioritization process can also help align expectations with development capabilities. This approach is essential at Radar, where customer feedback is a significant driver for product innovation.

I'm motivated by the endless possibilities that mobile technology presents for innovation and enhancing user experiences. The challenges inherent in pushing boundaries excite me, as they present opportunities to learn and grow. At Radar, I see a chance to challenge the status quo, making impactful contributions that affect a wide audience and elevate the standard for location-based services.

I want to work at Radar because of its commitment to innovation in location infrastructure and its focus on customer-centered development. The company's collaborative environment, combined with exceptional leadership, resonates with my personal values. Being part of a team that actively shapes user experiences while tackling technical challenges motivates me. I’m excited to contribute my skills and grow with Radar as we reshape the future of location services.