Principal Software Engineer (Authorize.net) - job 7 of 10

As a Principal Software Engineer at Authorize.net, you will take on significant responsibilities including modernizing our systems, migrating workloads to the cloud, and transforming monolithic codebases into microservices. You'll also lead the implementation of DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines, guide the development of new features, and work with teams to standardize API development across the organization.

To qualify for the Principal Software Engineer role at Authorize.net, candidates should possess a solid track record in delivering large-scale, secure software solutions. Experience in C# is preferred, but knowledge of other modern programming languages is also welcomed. Furthermore, strong leadership skills and experience working with diverse teams are critical.

Collaboration is a core aspect of the Principal Software Engineer role at Authorize.net. You'll work closely with product managers, tech leads, and engineering teams to define technology roadmaps, communicate architectural decisions, and mentor engineers. Your role will ensure a harmonious integration of ideas and best practices across multiple teams.

At Authorize.net, the hybrid work model allows Principal Software Engineers to balance remote and in-office work. You'll be expected to work from the office 2-3 days a week, depending on leadership decisions and business needs, fostering both collaboration and flexibility.

As a Principal Software Engineer at Authorize.net, there are expansive growth opportunities available. You will not only impact the current systems but also mentor rising talent, lead major projects, and have a say in strategic technology decisions—enabling you to advance your career while shaping the company’s technical future.

When answering this question, emphasize your hands-on experience with microservices, detailing specific projects where you successfully split a monolithic architecture into microservices. Describe the tools and technologies you used, any challenges faced, and how your efforts improved the system's scalability and maintainability.

Discuss the methodologies you employ for cloud migration, emphasizing careful planning and execution. Share examples of tools or frameworks you've utilized, along with the importance of assessing current requirements and minimizing downtime during the transition.

Detail specific DevOps practices you've championed, such as automated testing, continuous integration, and continuous deployment. Highlight how these practices have improved team collaboration and workflow efficiency, giving concrete examples where possible.

Articulate your mentoring philosophy, focusing on creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Describe how you would tailor your mentorship to each engineer's needs, utilizing hands-on project work and regular feedback to foster their growth.

Share a specific example that highlights your decision-making process. Explain the factors you considered, the stakeholders you consulted, and the outcomes of your decision. Focus on how you balanced business needs with technical feasibility.

Explain your commitment to continuous learning through various means, such as attending webinars, participating in online forums, and pursuing certifications. Sharing specific examples of how you’ve integrated new knowledge into your work can further demonstrate your proactive stance.

Highlight your understanding of secure coding practices and the importance of implementing security measures throughout the software development lifecycle. Discuss specific strategies you’ve employed or security tools you favor, ensuring you address the necessity of balancing security with functionality.

Discuss your approach to task prioritization, emphasizing criteria such as impact, urgency, and alignment with project goals. Mention tools or methodologies, like Agile or Kanban, that you use to manage and visualize your workload effectively.

Articulate the importance of collaboration in software development, sharing experiences where effective teamwork led to project success. Point out communication tools, shared goals, and collective problem-solving strategies that facilitate cooperation.

Share a detailed account of a particular technical challenge you faced, the steps you took to address it, and what the outcome was. Highlight the skills and knowledge that contributed to your successful resolution of the issue.