Software Engineer, Search

As a Software Engineer focusing on Search at Realtor.com®, you'll be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining features that facilitate real estate decisions. Collaborating with Product Owners, you'll work on user stories, acceptance criteria, and ensure project delivery meets high quality standards. In addition, you will be involved in optimizing search pipelines using AWS technologies and developing scalable, cloud-based applications that impact millions of users.

To qualify as a Software Engineer, Search at Realtor.com®, you should possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, alongside 2+ years of development experience. Familiarity with languages such as Node.js, Python, or Java is crucial, while experience with Elasticsearch is a plus. A strong engineering mindset focused on quality and customer value is essential for success in this role.

The Software Engineer, Search role at Realtor.com® involves working with modern technologies such as AWS, Node.js, and Python. Familiarity with microservices architecture, Docker containers, Elasticsearch, and Jenkins CI/CD will be beneficial. The role also emphasizes leveraging AI technologies to enhance the search platform, meaning a hands-on approach with new and evolving tools will be part of your journey.

At Realtor.com®, the culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, particularly for Software Engineers. You'll find yourself working alongside passionate professionals in an Agile/Scrum environment, where creativity is fostered through in-person teamwork and brainstorming sessions. The company also prioritizes diversity and equitable treatment, ensuring a welcoming environment for all employees.

Realtor.com® offers a robust benefits package to Software Engineers, Search. This includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, flexible time off, and paid holidays. Employees can also take advantage of a 401(k) plan with company match, tuition reimbursement opportunities, and personalized financial planning assistance. Additionally, there’s a focus on wellness with programs designed to support employees’ health and development.

When answering this question, showcase specific projects where you developed scalable backend systems. Discuss the technologies you used, such as AWS or Node.js, and any architectural patterns that helped in scaling. Be sure to highlight any real-world impacts your solutions had, such as improved performance metrics or user satisfaction.

Discuss your approach to optimizing search algorithms, whether it's through data indexing, caching strategies, or tweaking your algorithms for better relevance. Providing a specific example of how you improved search performance in past projects can make your response more impactful.

Explain your understanding of Agile principles, particularly around task prioritization during sprints. You might mention the importance of stakeholder input, the value of user stories, and how you've collaborated with your team to meet sprint goals effectively.

Detail your experience with CI/CD tools, such as Jenkins or CircleCI, and describe how you utilize them for automation in deployment processes. Emphasize any specific instances where you improved deployment efficiency or minimized errors through these tools.

Share an example of a project where you worked with cross-functional teams, like design or product management, explaining how you facilitated communication and collaboration. Highlight how you addressed any challenges that arose during the process.

Provide a clear, structured response by outlining the problem, how you approached it, the solution you implemented, and the outcomes. Use metrics to demonstrate your success wherever possible.

Discuss your familiarity with microservices, including any specific projects where you implemented this architecture. Explain advantages you’ve observed, such as better resource utilization or easier scaling, and any challenges you faced.

Talk about your commitment to continuous learning through online courses, tech blogs, and community involvement. Mention specific programming languages or technologies that excite you and how you plan to implement them in future projects.

Share your systematic approach to debugging, mentioning tools you use and techniques like logging or breakpoints. Discuss a specific situation where your troubleshooting led to resolving a significant issue.

Articulate your passion for real estate tech and how Realtor.com® aligns with your career goals. Discuss the company's mission and culture, emphasizing why you believe your skills and values would be a great fit for their team.