Staff Software Engineer, Data Delivery

As a Staff Software Engineer at Ridgeline, you will architect and optimize robust, scalable data pipelines and systems. Your key responsibilities include developing and maintaining data APIs, ensuring data quality through testing and monitoring, and collaborating with product managers and engineering teams to deliver impactful data solutions. You'll also mentor junior engineers and implement best practices for CI/CD and security in workflows.

To be a competitive candidate for the Staff Software Engineer position at Ridgeline, you should have over eight years of software engineering experience, with a strong focus on data engineering and distributed systems. A proficiency in Python, Kotlin, or Java, combined with advanced SQL skills and experience using big data tools such as Kafka or Spark, will set you apart. Familiarity with cloud platforms, CI/CD workflows, and mentoring skills are also essential.

Ridgeline is committed to the career growth of its Staff Software Engineers. Our culture encourages continuous learning, and we provide numerous advancement opportunities within the company. You'll work alongside seasoned professionals and have the chance to mentor others while developing your skills and leading initiatives that drive innovation.

In the Staff Software Engineer role at Ridgeline, you'll work with a modern technology stack that includes languages like Python, Kotlin, or Java, relational databases such as PostgreSQL or Aurora, and big data tools such as Kafka and Spark. You'll also engage with cloud platforms, containerization tools like Docker, and orchestration systems like Kubernetes, all while applying an AI-first approach to speed up development.

Ridgeline fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment. As a Staff Software Engineer, you’ll engage with cross-functional teams and enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid model, enabling a positive work-life balance. We value creativity and are recognized as a Best Workplace for Innovators, focusing on strong communication and the opportunity to make significant contributions to our platform.

When designing scalable data pipelines, I begin by understanding the data flow and access patterns. I prioritize modular design, ensuring each component can handle increased loads independently. Additionally, I incorporate monitoring tools to optimize performance and maintain quality, which is essential for the Staff Software Engineer role at Ridgeline.

I have hands-on experience with AWS, leveraging services like S3 for storage and EC2 for computing resources. In a previous role, I used AWS Glue for ETL workflows, which helped streamline data processing across multiple systems. At Ridgeline, I aim to optimize our cloud-based infrastructure for effective data delivery.

To ensure data integrity, I use unit tests for individual components and implement integration tests to assess the interactions between services. I also advocate for automated data quality checks to validate incoming data against expected formats and ranges. These practices align with the responsibilities of a Staff Software Engineer at Ridgeline.

In my previous job, I mentored a junior engineer on the principles of building data pipelines. I guided them through the architectural design process and provided resources for learning best practices in coding and testing. It was rewarding to see their growth, and I believe this aligns with the mentorship aspect of the Staff Software Engineer role at Ridgeline.

When handling multiple projects, I assess the deadlines and impact of each task. I use project management tools to track progress and communicate with stakeholders to manage expectations. By focusing on high-impact tasks first, I can align with Ridgeline’s goal of delivering timely and valuable data solutions.

My strategy involves analyzing system performance metrics to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. I gather feedback from users about their experience with the systems and implement improvements such as refactoring code, optimizing queries, and scaling resources appropriately to enhance performance.

I have implemented CI/CD pipelines to automate the deployment of code changes in previous projects. This included using tools like Jenkins and GitHub Actions, which help ensure that changes are tested and deployed consistently. This experience will contribute to upholding the best practices expected at Ridgeline.

I believe in open communication. When faced with conflicting priorities, I initiate discussions with team members to understand their perspectives and work toward a consensus. I also encourage collaboration for problem-solving, which aligns well with the team-oriented culture at Ridgeline.

Documentation is critical as it provides clarity and context to both developers and stakeholders. I ensure that my code is well-documented to facilitate knowledge transfer and make maintenance easier. This practice supports the collaborative environment we value at Ridgeline.

I am excited about the opportunity to work with innovative technologies and to contribute to the financial management landscape. Ridgeline’s commitment to applying cutting-edge solutions and fostering a culture of continuous learning really resonates with my career goals and ambitions.