Backend Engineer - Advertising

As a Backend Engineer at Spotify, your main responsibilities will include designing and developing scalable backend systems and APIs, working closely with Data Scientists and Data Engineers to build and maintain complex data pipelines, and ensuring the reliability and performance of our ad serving platform. You'll also focus on high-quality code practices through automated testing and continuous integration, while leading initiatives that support millions of users.

To qualify for the Backend Engineer position at Spotify, candidates should have a minimum of three years of experience in backend engineering with proficiency in Java. Familiarity with distributed systems, production deployment, and big data processing technologies is essential. Strong testing practices, a collaborative attitude, and a deep understanding of software engineering principles are also key attributes that we look for in potential candidates.

A successful Backend Engineer at Spotify possesses a genuine passion for delivering high-quality code and enjoys collaborating with cross-functional teams on challenging engineering problems. They are motivated, communicative, and have a proactive approach to learning new technologies and languages, like Scala. Their commitment to understanding user needs, along with a strong advocacy for testing and automation, sets them apart in this crucial role.

Backend Engineers at Spotify utilize a range of technologies to build and enhance our systems, including Java for backend services, and data processing frameworks like Scio, Storm, and Spark. Familiarity with Google Cloud Platform and experience with distributed systems, high-volume services, and APIs are also important in this role. Continuous learning and adaptability to new tools and technologies is a valued trait among our engineers.

At Spotify, the work environment is highly collaborative and dynamic, designed to foster innovation and creativity. As a Backend Engineer, you will work with a diverse team of professionals, enjoying the flexibility of remote work within the Americas. The team operates on Eastern time, ensuring effective collaboration across locations. Our culture emphasizes quality, experimentation with new ideas, and leveraging data to inform decision-making.

When answering this question, provide specific examples from your previous work where you successfully designed and implemented scalable backend systems. Discuss the architecture you chose, the challenges you faced, and how you ensured high performance and reliability in those systems.

It's important to highlight your understanding of various testing strategies such as Test-Driven Development (TDD), integration testing, and automated testing. Describe how you implement these practices to ensure code quality and reliability in backend services, and share any metrics or outcomes that demonstrate their effectiveness.

Discuss your systematic approach to troubleshooting, including how you replicate issues, analyze logs, and use debugging tools. Provide examples of challenging bugs you've resolved in the past and the techniques you used to pinpoint the problem and implement a solution.

Choose a project that showcases your engineering skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Explain the project's goals, the challenges faced, your specific role, and the impact your contributions had on the outcome.

Share your familiarity with big data processing technologies like Spark or Storm. Provide examples of projects where you utilized these technologies, detailing how they improved system performance or data insights and how they relate to your role as a Backend Engineer.

Explain your approach to gathering user requirements, such as collaborating with Data Scientists and User Researchers. Discuss how you integrate user feedback into your development process to ensure the backend services meet end-user needs effectively.

Discuss how APIs facilitate communication between various system components, allowing for scalability and modular development. Highlight your experience designing RESTful APIs and the best practices you follow to ensure quality and documentation.

Mention specific tools you're comfortable with, such as Git for version control, and any IDEs or code review platforms you prefer. Articulate how these tools enhance your workflow and collaboration with peers during development.

Talk about the resources you use to keep learning, such as attending workshops, following industry blogs, participating in online courses, or engaging with professional communities. Emphasize your commitment to continuous improvement and adapting to new trends.

Explain your deployment process, covering aspects such as automation, monitoring, and rollback strategies. Share how you coordinate with the team during deployments to minimize downtime and ensure a seamless transition.