Software Development Engineer - Safety ML

As a Software Development Engineer - Safety ML at Twitch, your main responsibilities will include designing, building, and deploying reliable services aimed at protecting our users from abusive behavior such as harassment and spam. You'll collaborate closely with the Community Health science and product management team to ensure that machine learning models are effectively integrated into our Twitch platform. You'll also be tasked with developing systems that manage various types of user-generated content and behaviors at scale, ensuring a safe environment for all.

To apply for the Software Development Engineer - Safety ML position at Twitch, you should ideally hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, or have equivalent industry experience. Familiarity with scalability, concurrency, API design, and distributed systems is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to the rapidly evolving machine learning landscape, contributing positively within a diverse team.

A Software Development Engineer - Safety ML at Twitch should be proficient in programming languages such as Go, as well as Python, especially if you have experience with modern open-source machine learning libraries like PyTorch and TensorFlow. Proficiency in these languages will support your efforts in building and deploying systems that effectively safeguard our community.

The work environment for a Software Development Engineer - Safety ML at Twitch is cooperative and dynamic, featuring a passionate team eager to collaborate and solve challenges together. You’ll find an inclusive atmosphere that values creativity and innovation, where every team member's contributions are impactful. Additionally, you have the flexibility to work from San Francisco, CA, enhancing both your professional and personal life.

At Twitch, Software Development Engineers - Safety ML enjoy a variety of perks including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as disability coverage. Other benefits include a 401(k) plan, flexible PTO, maternity and parental leave, and an Amazon Employee Discount. We prioritize the well-being of our team members and foster a positive environment to promote professional growth.

When answering this question, detail specific projects where you've developed or implemented machine learning models. Highlight your familiarity with libraries like PyTorch or TensorFlow and explain the context in which you applied them, ensuring you connect your experience to the goals of Twitch's Safety ML team.

Discuss methodologies you follow for code quality, such as writing unit tests, conducting code reviews, and adhering to best practices in software development. You could mention tools that automate testing or ensure code consistency, which is vital for the reliability of systems in a position like the one at Twitch.

Share specific examples of collaboration with different teams, such as product management or design. Talk about your communication strategies, how you navigate differing opinions, and the tools you use for collaborative software development, reinforcing the importance of teamwork at Twitch.

Explain your systematic approach to handling errors, incorporating debugging techniques and incident management processes. Illustrate your understanding of reliability in production systems, as this will be crucial in a role focused on user safety.

Reflect on personal experiences or professional insights that inspire your passion for safety and community health. You might talk about the role technology plays in fostering safe online environments, aligning with Twitch's mission to empower communities.

Describe a specific technical challenge you encountered, focusing on your problem-solving process. Explain the outcome and what you learned from that experience, showing persistence and adaptability, qualities highly regarded in dynamic teams like at Twitch.

Take this opportunity to express your knowledge of Twitch's impact on live streaming culture and its diverse global community. Mention specific features or initiatives that resonate with you, demonstrating genuine interest and alignment with the company’s values.

Discuss various resources you use to stay informed about developments in machine learning—this could include attending conferences, following relevant publications, and participating in online courses. This demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning, which is crucial at Twitch given the evolving nature of the field.

Outline a framework or methodology you follow for designing scalable systems, focusing on factors like API design, concurrency, and data modeling. Mention examples from previous experiences to illustrate your capability in handling scalability challenges pertinent to the role.

Conclude with a compelling summary of your skills, experience, and passion for the role. Emphasize your alignment with Twitch’s mission and values, showcasing how your background in both software engineering and an interest in community safety makes you an ideal candidate for the team.