R&D Team Lead

The R&D Team Lead at Via is tasked with leading a team of skilled Backend engineers to develop our routing engine. This involves overseeing the development of both end-to-end services and core infrastructure components, collaborating closely with Product and Algorithm teams to optimize algorithms for real-time data processing, managing the team’s roadmap, and ensuring project objectives align with Via's strategic goals. Additionally, the R&D Team Lead focuses on mentoring team members and fostering their professional growth.

To qualify for the R&D Team Lead role at Via, candidates should possess over 2 years of experience in a technical leadership position and at least 6 years of experience in backend software development with languages such as Python, Go, or Java. A strong analytical mindset, familiarity with algorithms, data structures, and performance optimization, as well as a BSc in Computer Science or a related field, are also essential. Advanced degrees like an MSc or PhD in relevant disciplines are considered advantageous.

Via fosters an innovative and collaborative work culture in Tel Aviv that emphasizes teamwork and continuous improvement. As the R&D Team Lead, you’ll be immersed in a dynamic environment where your ideas matter and can have a real impact. Employees enjoy a hybrid work model, numerous perks like sports lessons, team events, and career development opportunities, all while contributing to the mission of reshaping transportation worldwide.

The R&D Team Lead plays a crucial role in shaping Via's technology strategy and product development by ensuring that the routing engine aligns with company objectives. This includes refining algorithms to improve efficiency in large-scale data management, managing the engineering team to deliver high-quality solutions, and overseeing projects that enhance the overall product strategy, all of which contribute to making public transportation more efficient and accessible.

Via offers significant career development and growth opportunities for the R&D Team Lead. This includes leadership training, opportunities to work on groundbreaking projects, and the chance to build a high-performing team while contributing to cutting-edge technology in transportation. As a leader in a fast-paced environment, you will be equipped to advance your career while also positively impacting the transportation landscape.

When answering this question, focus on your previous leadership roles, emphasizing how you guided and motivated your team towards achieving engineering milestones. Discuss specific projects where you managed team dynamics, resolved conflicts, and facilitated professional growth among team members, linking these experiences back to your leadership style.

Discuss specific methodologies you apply to optimize algorithms, such as analyzing performance metrics, leveraging advanced algorithms like A* or Dijkstra's for routing solutions, and ensuring efficient memory usage. Mention any tools or programming languages you use to implement these strategies effectively.

Explain your structured approach to problem-solving, starting from identifying the root cause and breaking down the issue into manageable components. Outline how you utilize analytical skills and collaboration with your team to develop solutions, and share an example of a significant challenge you overcame.

Address your practical experience with various routing algorithms through specific projects you’ve worked on. Highlight your ability to implement algorithms in real systems and how you ensure efficiency by testing them in real-time scenarios.

Discuss how you communicate the company's vision and objectives to your team, incorporate feedback loops, and hold regular meetings to ensure everyone's on the same path. Share any frameworks you've used to keep the team's progress transparent and aligned with larger goals.

Explain how you assess the urgency and importance of different tasks, utilize project management tools, and involve your team in the prioritization process to ensure the alignment of projects with company objectives while maintaining team morale.

Select a project that showcases your leadership and technical expertise. Describe the objectives, your actions as a leader, the challenges faced, and the successful outcomes achieved, linking it back to how it aligns with your role as R&D Team Lead.

Share your mentorship techniques, which might include one-on-one sessions, collaborative coding exercises, and setting up a system of peer reviews. Illustrate your approach by mentioning how mentoring has positively impacted both individual engineering growth and team performance.

Reference your commitment to continuous learning through attending industry conferences, engaging in online courses, participating in coding forums, and exposing yourself to new frameworks and tools that can elevate your team's work and Via’s technology.

Express your admiration for Via's mission to transform transportation, your strong belief in the importance of innovative public transport solutions, and how your skills and leadership style align with Via’s goals. This personal connection will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.