Staff Software Engineer - Backend (Persistence) - job 1 of 3

As a Staff Software Engineer - Backend (Persistence) at ServiceNow, your primary responsibilities include managing data growth, optimizing relational database performance, collaborating on operational features, and completing complex projects. You'll utilize your Core Java expertise to tackle production issues and enhance system reliability and scalability.

To qualify for the Staff Software Engineer - Backend (Persistence) position at ServiceNow, candidates should have at least six years of software development experience, specializing in Core Java, and a solid understanding of relational databases such as PostgreSQL or MySQL. Experience in troubleshooting complex production issues and an aptitude for learning new technologies are also essential.

In the Staff Software Engineer - Backend (Persistence) role at ServiceNow, your work directly contributes to the mission of transforming organizational processes through innovative technology. By enhancing backend systems and ensuring data accessibility, you help empower businesses to operate efficiently and effectively, aligning with our goal of making the world work better for everyone.

A Staff Software Engineer - Backend (Persistence) at ServiceNow should be familiar with Core Java development, relational databases like MariaDB and Oracle, and ideally have some knowledge of Unix shell and database internals. Familiarity with DevOps environments and programming languages such as Ruby or Go is considered a plus.

The work culture for a Staff Software Engineer - Backend (Persistence) at ServiceNow emphasizes flexibility and trust. Employees can thrive in a supportive, inclusive environment where diverse experiences contribute to innovation and problem-solving. We encourage open collaboration and provide opportunities for continuous learning and growth.

When discussing your experience with Core Java development, highlight specific projects where you implemented Java to enhance backend capabilities. Cover your familiarity with frameworks, performance tuning, and any challenges you faced regarding concurrency issues.

To effectively answer this question, describe methodologies you've used to improve database performance, including indexing strategies, query optimization, and analyzing execution plans. Share any tools you've utilized to monitor and diagnose performance issues.

Discuss your experience with data management techniques such as partitioning, sharding, and caching. Emphasize your understanding of how to utilize these strategies to ensure system responsiveness and availability in high-load environments.

For this question, outline a systematic approach to identify and resolve memory leaks, including using profiling tools, examining heap dumps, and analyzing application logs. Share past experiences to strengthen your answer.

Explain that scalability allows systems to handle increased loads effectively without degrading performance. Discuss how your engineering efforts in past roles contributed to developing scalable solutions that met growing user demands.

Detail key best practices such as adhering to SOLID principles, utilizing design patterns effectively, and ensuring that each module has a single responsibility. Explain with examples how you’ve applied these practices in your work.

When asked this question, narrate a project that showcases your problem-solving skills and your ability to collaborate effectively with teams. Focus on the challenges faced, your strategies for completion, and the impact of the project.

Talk about various strategies you employ to stay current, such as attending workshops, participating in webinars, and following tech blogs. Sharing examples of how you've implemented new technologies in your work can enhance your answer.

Identify and discuss the tools you're familiar with, such as JProfiler, VisualVM, or any APM tools. Emphasize your proficiency with the selected tools and situations where they were instrumental in resolving production issues.

Ensure your response discusses the common complexities of legacy code, such as lack of documentation or outdated practices. Share effective techniques you've used to work within legacy systems, including refactoring or implementing tests to ensure stability.