Backend Engineer (Cloud)

As a Backend Engineer (Cloud) at RetailNext, your main responsibilities will include building and optimizing distributed cloud systems specifically for retail analytics data processing. You will work primarily with Go, though engineers with experience in other statically typed languages are also encouraged to apply. Additionally, maintaining cloud services on Google Cloud Platform while utilizing technologies like Cassandra and Kafka will be crucial parts of your role.

To qualify for the Backend Engineer (Cloud) position at RetailNext, candidates should have a solid background in at least one statically typed programming language, preferably Go. Several years of backend development experience are essential, along with proficiency in English. Experience with cloud platforms and tools like Terraform or Puppet is a bonus. Overall, we’re looking for self-starters who are eager to innovate in a collaborative environment.

For the Backend Engineer (Cloud) role at RetailNext, the primary programming language is Go. However, applicants with strong experience in other statically typed languages such as Java, Kotlin, Rust, or C# are also encouraged to apply. Our development team is ready to help you transition into Go if you are coming from another language.

At RetailNext, continuous deployment is a key aspect of our development culture. As a Backend Engineer (Cloud), you will support our continuous deployment pipeline using infrastructure automation tools like Terraform and Puppet. This will ensure that updates to our cloud services are reliably deployed without disrupting our operations.

The work culture for the Backend Engineer (Cloud) role at RetailNext is centered on a remote-first and hybrid model, providing flexibility and autonomy to team members. We believe in minimal meetings and maximum productivity, allowing you to focus on solving meaningful problems. Additionally, we offer a best self-allowance for personal growth, ensuring that our engineers have the resources they need to thrive.

When preparing to answer this question, provide specific examples of your backend development experience. Discuss any projects you've worked on, the technologies employed, and how your contributions had a measurable impact. Highlight your proficiency in relevant languages such as Go, Java, or Kotlin, and your familiarity with cloud services.

To effectively answer this question, outline your systematic approach to troubleshooting. Discuss the importance of logging and monitoring, how you identify the root causes of issues, and your experience in resolving problems both collaboratively and individually. Mention specific tools or techniques you've used in past roles.

When addressing your experience with cloud platforms, be specific about the platforms you've used, such as Google Cloud Platform. Provide details on the services you've leveraged, any architecture you've designed, and how these experiences relate to the role of Backend Engineer (Cloud) at RetailNext.

Discuss your strategies for ensuring code quality, such as thorough testing, code reviews, and following best practices. You might also mention any specific methodologies you favor, like Test-Driven Development (TDD), and how these practices lead to maintainable and scalable code.

When responding to this question, recount specific instances where you've been involved in a continuous deployment pipeline. Discuss the tools you've used, such as Terraform or Puppet, and how you ensured smooth deployments without downtime. Highlight your understanding of DevOps principles and how they align with your experience.

Reflect on past challenges in your backend development journey and provide a detailed account of the circumstances, your thought process, and the solution you implemented. This showcases your problem-solving skills and resilience, qualities that RetailNext values in a Backend Engineer.

Illustrate your time management and prioritization strategies, such as using task management tools or methodologies like Kanban. Describe how these strategies have helped you meet deadlines and balance multiple projects effectively, especially within a remote work environment.

Convey your commitment to professional development by discussing your methods for staying updated with backend technologies. This could include attending workshops, following industry leaders, participating in forums, or contributing to open-source projects. RetailNext appreciates engineers who are eager to learn.

Reflecting on a collaborative project allows you to demonstrate your teamwork skills. Outline the project's objectives, your role, and how you harmonized with other team members. Emphasize how effective communication and collaboration led to the successful completion of the project.

When finally answering this question, focus on what excites you about RetailNext's mission and culture. Talk about your interest in contributing to data-driven insights in retail and how your skills align with the company's goals. Showing enthusiasm for the company's vision can make a lasting impression.