Senior, Software Engineer - Backend - job 2 of 3

As a Senior Software Engineer - Backend at Walmart Global Tech, you will design and maintain high-performance APIs and software services, handle data at scale, and drive innovations related to fraud detection. Your main tasks will include managing backend services, developing tools for easy data interaction, and ensuring high availability of databases. You will also work with a talented team to improve existing systems while providing on-call support for our Fraud Detection Software Platform.

To apply for the Senior Software Engineer - Backend role at Walmart Global Tech, you'll either need a Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field with 2 years of experience, or a Bachelor's degree with 5 years of experience in large-scale enterprise software development. Strong Java development experience and familiarity with cloud applications, scalable microservices, and database technologies are also essential.

For the Senior Software Engineer - Backend position at Walmart Global Tech, you should possess strong skills in Java, experience with cloud application development, and proficiency in both relational and No-SQL databases like MySQL and Mongo. Additionally, experience in designing scalable microservices and working with asynchronous messaging systems like Kafka is highly beneficial.

At Walmart Global Tech, the work culture for a Senior Software Engineer - Backend is engaging and collaborative. Our hybrid working model fosters teamwork, allowing people to connect both in the office and virtually. With a focus on innovation and the people behind it, team members enjoy a supportive environment where their contributions are valued, and work-life balance is prioritized.

Working as a Senior Software Engineer - Backend at Walmart Global Tech comes with several benefits including competitive pay, incentive awards for performance, various health plans, and a solid 401(k) match. We also offer generous paid time off, parental leave, and programs like Live Better U which provides education benefits. This comprehensive benefits package ensures that employees have the support they need for both personal and professional growth.

When answering this question, highlight specific examples of projects where you successfully designed scalable microservices. Discuss the architecture choices you made, the technologies used (such as Docker or Kubernetes), and how they improved performance and reliability. Mention any metrics supporting your success, like improved load times or reduced server costs.

In a large-scale application, I take a systematic approach to debugging. First, I gather as much relevant data as possible to understand the issue context. Then, I use logging tools and monitoring solutions to identify where things go wrong. I also collaborate with team members to get different perspectives and validate my assumptions, ensuring efficient troubleshooting without impacting the system's overall performance.

When responding, share specific examples of cloud platforms you've worked with, like AWS or Azure. Explain how you utilized cloud services to enhance backend development—this could include leveraging serverless architecture, utilizing managed databases, or deploying applications. Demonstrate your understanding of cost management and scalability when using cloud services, and how those choices benefit the application and end users.

Share your experience with Kafka by describing how you have used it for asynchronous messaging in previous projects. Include how you set up Kafka topics, managed consumer groups, and ensured message delivery reliability. Highlight any challenges you faced in implementing Kafka and how you overcame them, as well as the positive impacts on application scalability and responsiveness.

When discussing this, focus on practices such as code reviews, adhering to coding standards, and writing clear documentation. Mention your experience with design patterns and using version control systems like GIT to manage changes. You could also elaborate on how you write unit tests and conduct integration tests to ensure that the code remains reliable and maintainable over time.

Talk about a specific instance where you had to communicate and collaborate with non-technical stakeholders, explaining your approach to ensure understanding. Highlight how you translated technical jargon into relatable concepts, kept stakeholders informed throughout the project, and integrated their feedback into your development process to deliver a final product that met business needs.

Share your strategies for staying up-to-date with technology trends, like following industry blogs, participating in relevant forums, or taking online courses. If you've attended conferences or webinars, mention those experiences and the insights or skills you've gained. Additionally, emphasize how you apply newly acquired knowledge in your current work, showcasing your proactive approach to continuous learning.

When answering this question, outline your methodology for identifying performance issues. Discuss tools and techniques you use for monitoring performance, like profiling or stress testing. Provide examples of specific optimizations you've implemented in the past, such as query optimization, caching strategies, or load balancing, and how they positively impacted system performance and user experience.

Emphasize your commitment to open communication and collaboration when addressing disagreements. Explain how you would present your viewpoint clearly and back it up with data or examples. Highlight the importance of listening to your team member's perspective and working towards a consensus or compromise, focusing on what is best for the project and the team dynamics.

Discuss your understanding of security best practices in backend development, such as using secure coding techniques, validating user inputs, and applying proper authentication and authorization measures. Mention any personal experience with implementing security protocols or assessing vulnerabilities in applications you’ve developed. Stress the importance of ongoing security assessments and staying informed about the latest threats and mitigation strategies.