Senior Software Engineer - Authentication and Authorisation

As a Senior Software Engineer - Authentication and Authorisation at SoundCloud, your main responsibilities include designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining IAM solutions. You will work closely with Product Management and colleagues in Engineering to uphold high-quality standards, solve complex technical problems, and design scalable systems that handle significant traffic loads. You'll also be responsible for maintaining production systems and contributing to team and organizational improvements.

To excel as a Senior Software Engineer - Authentication and Authorisation at SoundCloud, applicants should have extensive experience building complex software applications, expert-level proficiency in programming languages such as Go or Scala, and a solid understanding of algorithms and data structures. Additionally, having knowledge of IAM technologies such as SSO, multi-factor authentication, and JWT would be beneficial.

Collaboration is a key aspect of the Senior Software Engineer - Authentication and Authorisation role at SoundCloud. You will partner with Product Management, stakeholders, and fellow engineers to ensure the quality of IAM solutions in a dynamic environment. Your ability to communicate complex engineering problems effectively will be vital for driving projects to success and suggesting improvements in processes and tooling.

The work culture for a Senior Software Engineer - Authentication and Authorisation at SoundCloud is flexible and inclusive, designed to promote collaboration in person and through remote options. The company is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a supportive environment where every team member’s voice is heard. Opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and participation in Diversity Resource Groups are integral to the SoundCloud culture.

SoundCloud offers a variety of benefits for Senior Software Engineer - Authentication and Authorisation employees, including extensive relocation support, a flexible vacation policy allowing up to 35 days of PTO, free German language courses, and professional development allowances. Employees can also enjoy a Creativity and Wellness benefit, access to a company stock ownership plan, and frequent free lunches at the office, fostering a balanced work-life environment.

In designing an IAM system, start by identifying the specific security requirements and compliance directives relevant to your organization. Conduct a thorough analysis of user roles, access needs, and potential security threats. Make sure to leverage established best practices and IAM technologies, such as single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication, while ensuring scalability and user-friendliness in your solutions.

When discussing your experience with IAM technology, provide concrete examples of past projects where you've implemented solutions like SSO or multi-factor authentication. Detail the challenges faced, how you addressed them, the tools used, and the outcomes achieved, emphasizing the importance of security and user experience in your decision-making.

Ensuring software security starts with incorporating security principles in the design phase. It’s essential to conduct regular code reviews, adhere to secure coding practices, and leverage automated testing tools. You should also keep abreast of security updates, ensuring systems are patched regularly, and implement logging and monitoring to detect potential breaches early.

When describing a complex technical challenge, be specific about the problem, the context of the project, and the solution you crafted. Narrate the thought process behind your investigation, the collaboration with team members, and any short-term workarounds or long-term optimized solutions you implemented, highlighting the positive impact on the project and team.

Discuss your proficiency in programming languages like Go and Scala, particularly how you’ve applied them in past projects. Highlight relevant frameworks you're familiar with, emphasizing any advantages they provide in developing scalable and robust IAM solutions.

In collaborating with product managers and other teams, transparent and open communication is key. Make sure to establish shared goals, set clear expectations, and leverage collaborative tools. Regular updates and feedback loops foster understanding of project scope and timelines, ultimately leading to successful product outcomes.

Staying current with IAM best practices involves engaging with online communities, participating in webinars, attending conferences, and reading industry publications. Joining relevant forums or organizations can also provide insights on emerging trends and technologies, and I often share these learnings with my team to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Handling production incidents requires a calm and structured approach. First, assess the issue and its impact. Communicate promptly with stakeholders and begin troubleshooting while documenting your findings. After resolving the incident, conduct a post-mortem analysis to identify root causes, improve processes, and strengthen systems against future incidents.

User experience is crucial in IAM systems, as poorly designed authentication flows can frustrate users and lead to security risks. Strive to create seamless and intuitive interfaces that reduce friction while maintaining security standards. It’s essential to gather user feedback and regularly iterate on the designs to ensure the balance between secure access and convenience.

Express your passion for both technology and music, highlighting SoundCloud’s innovative spirit and community-driven ethos. Mention specific projects or values that resonate with you, showing enthusiasm for contributing to solutions that enhance the experience for artists and fans, and your excitement to collaborate with a diverse and talented team.