Staff Backend Engineer, Rider Account - job 1 of 2

As a Staff Backend Engineer at Via, your key responsibilities include leading backend engineering teams in designing and implementing scalable and reliable backend systems. You will contribute hands-on to coding, debugging, and troubleshooting complex technical issues. Additionally, you'll define coding standards, collaborate with product teams to prioritize initiatives, and drive the technical direction for backend development.

To apply for the Staff Backend Engineer position at Via, you should have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent work experience. You will need a minimum of 8 years of experience in backend software development and at least 7 years of hands-on experience in programming languages like Python, Java, C++, or C#. Familiarity with CI/CD tools and cloud platforms will also be essential.

Via supports its Staff Backend Engineers through mentorship opportunities and by fostering a collaborative work environment. As a leader, you will be expected to inspire and motivate your team members. The company values professional growth and encourages employees to take on challenges that enhance their skills and career trajectory.

At Via, a Staff Backend Engineer will work with a modern technology stack that includes programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, and C#. You'll also utilize database technologies like SQL/MySQL, cloud platforms such as AWS, and tools related to CI/CD like Jenkins and GitLab.

Via prides itself on its commitment to creating significant social impact through technology. As a Staff Backend Engineer, you'll be contributing to projects that improve public transportation, particularly for underserved communities. The collaborative culture, coupled with a focus on innovation and employee well-being, makes Via a unique and rewarding place to work.

When answering this question, provide specific examples of projects you've worked on that required backend development. Highlight the programming languages and technologies you've used, and focus on your contributions to the design and performance of the systems.

Discuss your approach to incorporating best practices for coding standards, unit testing, and code reviews. Mention any tools or processes you use to maintain high-quality standards throughout the development lifecycle.

Share your expertise with AWS by mentioning specific services you've utilized, such as EC2, S3, or Lambda. Describe a project in which you implemented cloud solutions to enhance scalability and performance.

Explain your systematic approach to troubleshooting problems by identifying root causes, utilizing logging and monitoring tools, and collaborating with other team members if necessary to resolve issues efficiently.

Talk about how you promote a culture of learning, share knowledge through pair programming, and provide constructive feedback. Emphasize the importance of supporting your team’s growth through hands-on guidance and thoughtful discussion.

Discuss the principles of CI/CD and how they help ensure consistent code quality, quick release cycles, and efficient development processes. Provide examples of how you've implemented CI/CD practices in your previous roles.

Share a specific example of a project where you led the team and how your leadership helped navigate obstacles. Focus on the communication strategies you employed and the successful outcomes achieved.

Demonstrate your organizational skills and decision-making processes by discussing how you assess project urgency and importance. Explain your experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams to align on priorities.

Talk about the resources you use to keep your knowledge up to date, such as attending conferences, participating in online communities, and engaging in continuous learning through courses or certifications.

Share your passion for backend engineering by discussing the aspects that drive you, such as problem-solving, creating scalable systems, and the satisfaction of building solutions that make a real-world impact.