Software Engineer (Backend)

The Software Engineer (Backend) at SHIELD is responsible for developing and maintaining high-performance backend services primarily in Go and Python. You will ensure that these systems are reliable through extensive testing and optimize them for high throughput and low latency. Collaborating with an Agile team, you will also work on software architecture and infrastructure, significantly contributing to the optimization of fraud detection processes and overall business value for our clients.

To become a Software Engineer (Backend) at SHIELD, a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field is required. Strong logical thinking, debugging skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential. Familiarity with AWS services, relational databases like PostgreSQL and MySQL, and cache performance optimization with Redis are advantageous, but a willingness to learn and innovate is equally valued!

At SHIELD, the preferred programming languages for the Software Engineer (Backend) role are Go and Python. These languages are used to build and maintain efficient and scalable backend systems, so proficiency in either or both will be key to your success in contributing to the team and our mission of combating fraud.

SHIELD fosters a culture of learning and innovation, encouraging Software Engineers to experiment with new technologies and approaches. The Agile environment promotes collaboration and continuous improvement, allowing team members to grow their skills and contribute meaningfully to projects. Additionally, SHIELD supports your development through various resources and a progressive work culture.

The company culture at SHIELD is focused on innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the digital realm. Software Engineers work in an Agile environment that values proactive problem-solving and creative thinking. There is an emphasis on teamwork and supporting each other, allowing every team member's voice to be heard while continuously striving towards our goal of eliminating fraud.

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you utilized Go or Python, outlining how you applied these languages to solve problems. Discuss your familiarity with frameworks or libraries associated with these languages, as well as any performance considerations you've dealt with related to fraud detection.

To respond effectively, discuss practices such as writing unit and integration tests, employing monitoring solutions, and implementing error-handling strategies. Mention the importance of robust testing and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) practices in maintaining high reliability and performance.

You should mention techniques such as load balancing, caching strategies (for instance, using Redis), and profiling the application to identify bottlenecks. Discuss how you utilize metrics to guide your optimization efforts, contributing to reduced latency and increased throughput.

In your answer, outline a systematic approach to debugging complex issues, such as replicating the problem, reviewing logs, using debugging tools, and working collaboratively with your team to pinpoint the source of the issue and resolve it effectively.

Discuss common security vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, XSS, and how you implement measures like input validation, ORM frameworks, and secure coding practices. Illustrate your commitment to security by mentioning any relevant certifications or training you've undertaken.

Here, share a succinct yet detailed description of a challenging project, focusing on the problem you encountered, the thought process that led to the solution, and the technologies used, emphasizing teamwork and the skills that benefited the project's success.

Mention specific tools or frameworks you've utilized, such as Docker for containerization, AWS services for cloud solutions, or specific Go/Python libraries. Justify your preferences with outcomes from projects where you effectively used those tools.

Discuss your routine for professional development, such as following industry blogs, participating in online courses, attending webinars, or being involved in coding communities. Illustrate the importance of staying informed about emerging trends in backend technology to enhance your work at SHIELD.

When addressing this question, explain Agile principles like iterative development, responsiveness to change, and continuous improvement. Provide examples of how Agile practices have positively influenced project outcomes in your past experiences, emphasizing collaboration, flexibility, and client engagement.

Discuss how testing is crucial in ensuring software quality and reliability. Highlight the importance of unit, integration, and end-to-end testing, and how they help detect issues early in the development lifecycle, reduce bugs in production, and increase confidence in deployments.