Java Software Engineer

As a Java Software Engineer at tastytrade, your main responsibilities will include modifying and maintaining existing systems, contributing to new projects, and collaborating in pair programming sessions. You'll work primarily in Java and Spring Boot, focusing on backend margin and risk management systems. Additionally, you will engage in lightweight infrastructure tasks and help mentor junior engineers, ensuring code quality through peer review processes.

To apply for the Java Software Engineer role at tastytrade, it's essential to have professional experience in software engineering, particularly with Java or other programming languages in a production context. You should also possess the ability to learn rapidly and adapt to new technologies. While knowledge of financial markets is beneficial, it’s not mandatory—what matters most is your coding expertise and a willingness to collaborate.

As a Java Software Engineer at tastytrade, you will primarily work with Java and Spring Boot. However, you'll also gain hands-on experience with other languages such as Ruby, C++, and JavaScript, enabling you to engage with various parts of our tech stack and broaden your development skills.

tastytrade fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture where engineers are encouraged to share knowledge and mentor each other. The environment promotes continuous learning through participation in pair programming sessions and is designed to be sustainable, with minimal on-call duties and ample vacation time, allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance while driving innovation.

As a Java Software Engineer at tastytrade, you will enjoy a range of benefits including performance bonuses, stock purchase options, 20 paid vacation days, and comprehensive wellness programs. You'll also have access to an in-building gym, daily catered lunches, and opportunities for professional development, ensuring a rewarding and enriching experience as part of our team.

When answering this question, discuss specific projects where you've utilized Java, highlighting how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description at tastytrade. Mention any frameworks or libraries you’ve worked with and how they helped you solve problems effectively.

Share your debugging strategies, such as using logging tools, unit tests, or collaborative troubleshooting sessions. It’s great to illustrate your problem-solving skills with real examples, focusing on your thought process and how you ultimately resolved the issues.

Discuss your previous experiences with pair programming, emphasizing the collaborative benefits like knowledge sharing and improved code quality. You can also touch upon how it fosters team cohesion and helps in mentoring junior developers, which is part of the culture at tastytrade.

Demonstrate your organizational skills by describing your method for prioritizing tasks. This could include use of project management tools, understanding project deadlines, and effective communication with stakeholders to ensure you're focused on delivering value in alignment with team goals.

Illustrate your approach to writing high-quality code by mentioning practices like code reviews, writing unit tests, continuous integration processes, and seeking feedback from peers. This shows your commitment to delivering robust applications, a key aspect of the Java Software Engineer role.

Explain your methods for staying informed, such as following industry blogs, participating in online communities, attending webinars, or taking courses. This reflects your proactive approach to learning and adaptability, which are crucial in the evolving tech landscape at tastytrade.

Share a specific example where you successfully ramped up on a new programming language or framework. Emphasize your learning strategies, such as setting clear goals, utilizing documentation, and leveraging peer support. This is key to showcasing your ability to adapt as required in the role.

While you may not have direct experience in financial markets, you can discuss any relevant knowledge you have and express your eagerness to learn more. Share examples of how your technical skills can support the development of trading systems, demonstrating your interest in combining technology with finance.

Talk about your conflict resolution strategy, focusing on your communication skills and collaborative approach. Provide examples of how you reached a consensus with your team and the positive outcomes that emerged, highlighting the importance of teamwork at tastytrade.

This is your chance to express genuine enthusiasm for the role. Talk about how you identify with the company's mission to empower traders and how the work environment aligns with your career goals. Mention specific projects or values at tastytrade that resonate with you, showing you're a great cultural fit.