Principal Software Engineer, Payroll Engineering (Java)

The Principal Software Engineer at Restaurant365 is responsible for a variety of key tasks that drive our software development forward. This includes analyzing and designing software applications, developing and testing new features, and leading multiple teams to ensure alignment with product goals. Your role will also involve mentoring other engineers, performing code reviews, and ensuring adherence to best practices in coding and architecture. By balancing technical requirements with business needs, you'll help produce a high-quality software product that meets customer demands.

To be considered for the Principal Software Engineer position at Restaurant365, you'll need a BS or MS in Computer Science or a related field, along with at least 9 years of engineering experience focused on creating code-based solutions. Familiarity with Java, cloud computing, AWS, and SQL databases is essential, alongside an expertise in Java frameworks such as Spring Boot. Your experience with Agile development concepts and client-side technologies like React or Angular will also be beneficial in this role.

At Restaurant365, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and continuous improvement. As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll be part of a forward-thinking team that values innovative ideas and encourages professional growth. We believe in open communication and provide an environment where team members can share their insights and take ownership of their work. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our unlimited PTO and comprehensive benefits, ensuring a balanced work-life dynamic.

Restaurant365 is dedicated to supporting the career development of our Principal Software Engineers through various initiatives, including mentorship programs, ongoing training, and opportunities for professional growth. As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll have the chance to lead projects and contribute to strategic decisions, allowing you to expand your skills while positively impacting our products. We also encourage staying abreast of industry trends and provide resources to help you innovate and bring new ideas to life.

As a Principal Software Engineer at Restaurant365, you will work with a diverse range of technologies, primarily focusing on Java and Spring Boot for back-end development. You will also utilize AWS for cloud computing solutions and PostgreSQL for managing SQL databases. Experience with APIs and version control systems such as Git is crucial. Additionally, familiarity with client-side frameworks like React or Angular will enhance your contributions to front-end development, ensuring a well-rounded approach to our software architecture.

When answering this question, focus on detailing your specific experience with Java, including projects where you've applied frameworks like Spring Boot. Discuss how you've used these tools to solve complex problems, enhance performance, or improve maintainability. Highlight any unique achievements or challenges you've faced in your previous roles.

To answer this question effectively, you could mention employing best practices like code reviews, automated testing, and adherence to design patterns. Elaborate on your strategies for documentation and collaboration with other team members to maintain high-quality standards in code development and product deployment.

Share a specific example of when you led a team, focusing on your leadership style and how you motivated your colleagues. Discuss the project goals, any challenges encountered, and the successful outcomes thanks to your guidance—this will showcase your ability to manage team dynamics and drive results.

It's important to demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning. Share how you follow industry news, participate in relevant communities, attend webinars, or pursue certifications. Mention any recent technologies you've explored and how you've applied them in your work.

Detail your hands-on experience with cloud infrastructure, particularly AWS. Discuss how you've deployed applications, implemented security measures, and optimized performance in the cloud. If applicable, share how you have utilized cloud services to innovate or improve existing systems.

When answering about your experience with APIs, outline your process for designing, implementing, and managing APIs. Talk about how you ensure their performance, security, and ease of use for developers. Mention any tools you’ve used for testing or documenting APIs.

Discuss your strategic approach to balancing conflicting priorities, which often involves strong communication and coordination with stakeholders. Share a method you've used, like prioritization matrices or agile methodologies, to manage multiple tasks effectively.

In response to this question, emphasize your understanding of Agile principles and methodologies, sharing examples of how you've implemented Agile practices in previous roles. Discuss your familiarity with Scrum, Kanban, or other frameworks and how you’ve contributed to successful iterative development.

This is a great opportunity to showcase your troubleshooting skills. Describe a specific bug, the steps you took to diagnose it, and the ultimate solution you implemented. Highlight how you communicated with the team throughout the process and what you learned from overcoming this challenge.

When responding to this question, articulate your understanding of scalability—how systems can handle increased load gracefully. Discuss your experience with designing scalable architectures and techniques you've used to ensure performance, reliability, and flexibility in growth.