Senior Backend Engineer - Intercom - job 2 of 2

As a Senior Backend Engineer at Verkada, you will architect scalable systems and design latency-sensitive applications for our cloud-managed intercoms. Your role will involve driving technical direction and leading teams in project execution while collaborating cross-functionally to create robust backend APIs. You'll have a significant influence over the product lifecycle, from conceptualization to shipping.

To qualify for the Senior Backend Engineer position at Verkada, candidates should have over seven years of industry experience, including at least two years as a backend engineer in a rapidly growing startup or innovative company. A Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Computer Science, Maths, Engineering, or a related field is required, along with expertise in relational databases and programming in either Python or GoLang.

At Verkada, we believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development. Senior Backend Engineers are offered opportunities to lead projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams, encouraging innovative ideas. Additionally, the dynamic startup environment provides the chance to take on new challenges and responsibilities that can further enhance your skills.

A Senior Backend Engineer at Verkada will work extensively with relational databases, particularly Postgres. Experience with cloud technologies like Kubernetes is also a plus. You will utilize modern programming languages, predominantly Python or GoLang, to develop robust systems that impact users worldwide.

The estimated annual pay range for the Senior Backend Engineer position at Verkada is between $160,000 and $260,000 USD. This encompasses base compensation along with potential commissions, reflecting our commitment to attracting top talent in the industry.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to architect scalable backend systems. Mention any relevant frameworks or technologies you've used and how you contributed to the success of those systems.

Share your methods for enhancing API performance, such as using caching strategies, optimizing database queries, or implementing load balancing techniques. Be specific about any tools or frameworks you've utilized and the results you achieved.

Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your answer. Start by describing the challenge briefly, what you needed to accomplish, the specific steps you took to resolve the issue, and the positive outcome that resulted from your actions.

Express your belief in open communication and active collaboration. Mention your experience in using tools like Agile methodologies or version control systems like Git to work closely with frontend teams. Highlight a situation where this collaboration led to a more successful product launch.

Emphasize your initiative by detailing a project where you were responsible for the outcome. Discuss how you ensured its success, the challenges you encountered, and how you guided the team through those hurdles to achieve the objectives.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of microservices architecture based on your experiences. Highlight any instances where you implemented microservices and how it improved scalability or maintainability for projects you worked on.

Share your methodology for identifying, assessing, and prioritizing technical debt. Talk about how you balance short-term needs with long-term goals while making improvements to code quality.

Detail any specific projects where you utilized Kubernetes or any associated tools to manage containers. Explain how these technologies influenced the deployment and scalability of your applications.

Offer insight into how Verkada's culture, product innovation, and mission align with your professional values and career goals. Discuss your excitement for contributing to a company leading in physical security technology.

Be honest about your proficiency in specific programming languages like Python or GoLang. Explain your preference based on past experiences, community support, or the suitability of these languages for backend development.