Back End Engineer (SDK Generation)

As a Back End Engineer at ReadMe, you will own our public API module across various languages, ensuring consistency and quality. Your role includes creating and maintaining SDKs, collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify customer needs, and engaging with the developer community to enhance our libraries through feedback and contributions. You will also be tasked with suggesting improvements and managing contractors to expand our language support.

To succeed as a Back End Engineer at ReadMe, candidates should be comfortable with multiple programming languages and have experience with package managers like npm, pip, or gem. A deep understanding of APIs, OpenAPI specifications, and JSON schemas is essential. Additionally, a passion for improving developer experience and the ability to flexibly work with different languages is highly valued.

At ReadMe, Back End Engineers can expect significant growth within their first six months. Initially, you will familiarize yourself with our current projects, address small bugs, and release new features. As you progress, you'll have the opportunity to write SDKs in new languages, manage contractors, and build out automated test suites. Ultimately, your influence will extend to creating innovative features that directly enhance our product offerings.

ReadMe is committed to enhancing the developer experience by providing intuitive, well-documented, and easily accessible API tools. By employing a Back End Engineer who understands multiple languages and the intricacies of API design, we ensure that our libraries are user-friendly and adaptable to various tech stacks, aligning closely with user needs while facilitating seamless integrations.

At ReadMe, we prioritize our employees' well-being with an array of unique benefits, including unlimited PTO, comprehensive healthcare coverage, wellness stipends, and a generous parental leave policy. You’ll also experience a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, complete with regular offsite retreats to foster team bonding and productivity.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects where you designed or improved APIs or SDKs. Discuss the languages you used, challenges faced, and how you collaborated with different teams to ensure user needs were met. Highlight your approach to ensuring quality and maintaining documentation.

To address this question, explain your approach to designing SDKs to meet the conventions of each programming language while maintaining core functionality. Discuss how you leverage design patterns, use shared codebases when possible, and gather community feedback to enhance consistency.

Detail your experience with different package managers like npm, pip, or gem, focusing on instances where you've published packages successfully. Talk about the process of versioning, updating packages, and engaging users through feedback mechanisms.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to recount a specific incident where you encountered a bug. Highlight your process for diagnosing the issue, the steps taken to fix it, and the ultimate positive impact on the developer experience.

Discuss your approach to engaging with the developer community through platforms like GitHub, forums, or social media. Talk about the importance of addressing issues, merging pull requests promptly, and maintaining open lines of communication with users.

Express your commitment to continuous learning, such as following industry blogs, attending webinars, or participating in community events. Mention any specific resources you rely on for keeping abreast of new programming languages and frameworks.

Share your method for task prioritization, whether leveraging agile methodologies, user feedback, or collaboration with team members. Illustrate your thought process for maintaining productivity while ensuring all projects progress smoothly.

Detail a specific situation where you collected user feedback, analyzed it, and implemented changes in an SDK or library. Emphasize your ability to listen to and incorporate user suggestions while achieving the project's overall goals.

Highlight your approach to quality assurance, including writing automated tests, utilizing test frameworks, and conducting extensive manual testing. Discuss how you ensure the SDK meets the defined objectives and integrates smoothly with user applications.

Reflect on your alignment with ReadMe's mission and values, expressing your passion for developer experience and the opportunity to impact a growing company. Share what excites you about the role and the potential for professional growth within the organization.