Staff Backend Engineer, Rider Account - job 2 of 2

As a Staff Backend Engineer at Via, your main responsibilities include leading the backend engineering teams, architecting and developing scalable backend systems, driving technical direction for backend development, and ensuring the quality of code through established coding standards. Additionally, you'll work closely with cross-functional teams to turn ideas into actionable tasks and contribute hands-on to coding and troubleshooting.

To apply for the Staff Backend Engineer position at Via, you need a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent work experience. You should have a minimum of 8 years of software development experience, particularly in backend engineering, along with deep knowledge in Python, Java, C++, or C#. Experience with cloud platforms like AWS and CI/CD methodologies is also essential.

At Via, we actively promote career growth and development for our Staff Backend Engineers. You’ll benefit from mentorship opportunities, leadership roles, and the ability to influence technological direction within the organization. We prioritize professional development, and you’ll work within a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and creativity.

The Staff Backend Engineer at Via will work with a variety of technologies, including Python, Java, and cloud platforms such as AWS. Familiarity with database technologies (SQL/MySQL), CI/CD tools like Jenkins, and Kubernetes for application deployment and scaling is highly recommended. You'll also have the chance to implement modern software engineering principles and design patterns.

Via aims to make a profound impact by leveraging its technology to enhance public transportation options, particularly in low-income and minority communities. As a Staff Backend Engineer, you will directly contribute to developing systems that ensure reliable transit options for special needs populations, students, and caregivers, thereby positively affecting hundreds of thousands of riders each week.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects where you’ve successfully built or maintained scalable systems. Mention technologies used, challenges faced, and how you approached performance optimizations. Providing quantifiable metrics, such as traffic handling or system uptime, can effectively demonstrate your impact.

Discuss the coding standards and quality assurance practices you've implemented in previous roles. Highlight your experience with code reviews, automated testing, and CI/CD processes. Providing examples of how these practices have directly improved project durability and team collaboration can strengthen your answer.

Share a specific example where you identified and resolved a challenging technical problem. Outline your approach, the tools you used, team collaboration, and the final outcome of your troubleshooting efforts. Emphasize the skills that were most beneficial in solving the issue.

When discussing essential tools, mention your experience with programming languages like Python or Java, database management systems, version control systems like Git, and CI/CD tools. Explain how each tool contributes to your workflow and can enhance team efficiency.

Illustrate your approach to project management, including methods like Agile or Scrum. Emphasize how you assess project needs, team input, and business objectives to prioritize effectively. Providing a concrete example of balancing multiple priorities can add clarity.

Discuss your mentoring philosophy, including how you foster a supportive learning environment. Describe specific techniques, such as pair programming, code walkthroughs, and feedback sessions, that have effectively guided junior engineers in their development.

Share specific instances of utilizing cloud services like AWS. Discuss deployment strategies, scaling applications, and managing cloud resources in your projects. Highlight any certifications or training that further solidify your expertise.

Emphasize the importance of continuous learning in your career. Mention resources like online courses, tech blogs, and community forums where you regularly engage. Discuss any conferences you've attended or projects where you’ve adopted new technologies.

Articulate the value of cross-functional collaboration. Provide examples of how working with other teams—such as product and operations—has led to superior outcomes in your previous projects. Highlight the importance of effective communication in aligning goals.

Convey your passion for public transportation technology and its impact. Connect your skills and goals with Via’s mission to transform transit access and sustainability. Mention your enthusiasm for collaborating with diverse teams and driving innovative solutions.