Software Engineer - Cody Core [IC2]

As a Software Engineer - Cody Core at Sourcegraph, you'll engage in a variety of responsibilities including collaborating with product management and design teams to enhance the AI coding assistant, Cody. You'll work on both frontend and backend development tasks, ensuring that the software is user-friendly and meets our users' needs. Additionally, your role will involve taking ownership of smaller features, contributing to the overall user experience, and providing insights based on user feedback to help influence Cody’s future direction.

To be considered for the Software Engineer - Cody Core role at Sourcegraph, candidates should have between 2 to 5 years of experience in full-stack development with a strong understanding of both frontend and backend technologies. Proficiency in TypeScript or Go is essential, while familiarity with AI-assisted development tools like Sourcegraph Cody or GitHub Copilot will significantly enhance your candidacy. A growth mindset and the ability to adapt in a startup environment are also highly valued.

The hiring process for the Software Engineer - Cody Core position at Sourcegraph typically involves an initial recruiter screen followed by interviews with the hiring manager and team members. You can expect to demonstrate your technical prowess through coding exercises, as well as participate in discussions about the project and your previous experiences. The total interview time is about 4.25 to 4.75 hours, with opportunities for you to meet the team and learn more about the company.

At Sourcegraph, the work culture is one of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. We foster an environment where engineers are encouraged to challenge the status quo and contribute their unique ideas. Remote work is common, and while you will have the option to work in our San Francisco office, you're free to choose the setting that enhances your productivity. Our team values transparency and open communication, making it a great place for professionals looking to grow their skills.

In your first six months as a Software Engineer - Cody Core at Sourcegraph, you'll start by familiarizing yourself with the architecture of Cody and understanding user needs. You'll contribute to the development of features and take ownership of smaller projects aimed at enhancing user engagement. By the end of your onboarding, you’ll be recognized as a key contributor, actively participating in initiatives to expand the capabilities of Cody and improve the coding experience for developers.

When answering this question, focus on your passion for coding and how Sourcegraph's mission to democratize programming aligns with your values. Discuss any relevant experiences you've had with AI coding tools, like GitHub Copilot, and how you believe your skills can contribute to the team.

While discussing your experience with TypeScript and Go, provide specific projects where you used these languages effectively. Highlight your familiarity with their features, any challenges you faced, and how you resolved them. This helps demonstrate both your technical ability and problem-solving skills.

Explain your debugging process step-by-step, from identifying the issue to testing potential solutions. Discuss the tools and techniques you prefer, such as console logging or using debuggers, and, if possible, share an anecdote of a particularly challenging bug you faced and how you resolved it.

Outline your skills for communicating and collaborating in remote settings, emphasizing your flexibility, use of communication tools, and preparedness for multitasking. Mention any successful remote projects you've worked on to provide concrete examples of your experience.

Share a specific instance where you either provided constructive feedback to a peer or received it yourself. Highlight how the interaction contributed to personal growth or improved project outcomes. This illustrates your ability to engage in professional dialogue and adapt based on feedback.

Your answer should reflect your understanding of code intelligence as the use of AI and machine learning to enhance coding productivity. Discuss trends you’ve observed in the industry and how tools like Sourcegraph Cody lead the way for future innovations, enhancing the developer experience.

Describe your method for quickly acquiring new programming languages or frameworks, focusing on your research techniques, practice strategies, and how you apply your learning through projects. Providing an example of a framework you learned and how you utilized it will reinforce your answer.

Discuss the coding standards you adhere to, such as proper documentation, coding conventions, and regular code reviews. Convey the importance of writing clean code and maintaining meaningful commit histories to foster collaboration in a team setting.

Share insights on how AI can streamline repetitive tasks in programming, improve efficiency, and enhance learning opportunities for engineers. Your thoughts on the balance between AI and human creativity can hint at your understanding of the evolving tech landscape.

Highlight your direct experiences with working alongside product managers, designers, or QA teams. Focus on communication and how you adapted your technical skills to fit the project needs, demonstrating your teamwork capabilities.