Application Developer and Support Engineer (Python, Sql, Unix Scripting)

As an Application Developer and Support Engineer, you will take on a variety of responsibilities including designing and developing complex Python modules, managing end-to-end technical delivery, and integrating applications with middleware like Avro Kafka. You will also collaborate with application support teams and product owners to ensure successful software releases, making this position both challenging and rewarding.

This position requires a degree in Computing, Computer Science, or Engineering, along with 3 to 8 years of relevant experience, preferably in the financial or fintech sector. Proficiency in Python, SQL, and Unix scripting, along with excellent troubleshooting skills for multi-tier applications are essential for success in this role.

Technical skills critical for the Application Developer and Support Engineer role include expertise in Python and its frameworks like Flask and Django, proficiency in SQL and PL-SQL database design, experience with CI/CD processes and tools like Bitbucket, and familiarity with Linux and OpenShift. Knowledge of middleware, REST APIs, and shell scripting is also advantageous.

While not strictly mandatory, having experience in the financial or fintech industry is highly preferred for the Application Developer and Support Engineer position. This experience helps provide context and understanding of the unique challenges and demands present in trading systems and back-office operations.

Teamwork and collaboration are fundamental to the role of an Application Developer and Support Engineer. You will work alongside application support professionals, developers, and product owners to ensure that projects meet quality standards and timelines. This collaborative environment fosters innovative solutions and learning opportunities, making for a vibrant workplace.

When designing a scalable Python module, I start with a clear understanding of the project requirements. I focus on implementing Object-Oriented Programming principles to create reusable components. I also ensure I optimize for performance and implement logging and error handling to aid future debugging. Additionally, I consider modular design to facilitate easier updates and maintenance.

My experience with Unix scripting includes writing shell scripts to automate routine tasks as well as perform data processing. I ensure high efficiency and reliability within scripts and use tools like cron jobs for scheduling. I find that scripting not only saves time but also reduces human error in repetitive tasks.

Some common challenges when supporting trading systems include dealing with real-time data feeds, ensuring system uptime, and managing the high velocity of transactions. Troubleshooting quickly under pressure is crucial, and implementing effective monitoring tools can greatly assist in identifying issues before they escalate.

To manage multiple tasks effectively, I prioritize based on urgency and impact. I use task management tools to keep track of my progress and deadlines. Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable subtasks helps me maintain focus and efficiency while ensuring that I meet all critical timelines.

I have extensive experience setting up and maintaining CI/CD pipelines, specifically using tools such as Jenkins and Bitbucket. I focus on automating the deployment process to minimize risks and improve coding practices. This includes writing tests to ensure the integrity of the code before it goes live.

For debugging multi-tier applications, I systematically narrow down the layers involved—starting from the user interface, through the application logic, and finally to the database. I utilize logging frameworks to gather data on the specific issues and reproduce them in a test environment to diagnose effectively.

I prefer using platforms like Confluence to document my development work thoroughly. I include technical details, design decisions, and updates to the project, which facilitates knowledge sharing within the team. I believe that good documentation serves as a valuable reference both for current and future team members.

Certainly! In a previous project, we faced a scalability issue due to high user demand. I proposed redesigning our architecture to incorporate microservices, which significantly improved our system's performance and flexibility. By presenting data-driven insights, I was able to convince the team to pivot towards this new approach successfully.

I ensure quality during application deployments by rigorously testing in multiple environments (development, staging, production) and using automated testing procedures. Incorporating peer code reviews and following best practices also helps maintain high quality in code before deployment.

I have hands-on experience with Avro Kafka for stream processing and data integration. I utilize it to ensure seamless communication between different services within an application architecture, making sure data flows efficiently and reliably, which is crucial for performance in trading systems.