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Senior Backend Software Developer

Your career is an investment that grows over time!


Wealthsimple is on a mission to help everyone achieve financial freedom by reimagining what it means to manage your money. Using smart technology, we take financial services that are often confusing, opaque and expensive and make them transparent and low-cost for everyone. We’re the largest fintech company in Canada, with over 4 million users who trust us with more than $50 billion in assets.


Our teams ship often and make an impact with groundbreaking ideas. We're looking for talented people who keep it simple and value collaboration and humility as we continue to create inclusive and high-performing teams where people can be inspired to do their best work.


ABOUT THE TEAM(s)


We are looking for Senior Backend Developers with proven track records of successfully shipping complex projects across different environments and teams. Ideal candidates will have experience taking ownership of end-to-end development cycles, from initial design through to deployment and maintenance in a high-impact setting. You should be comfortable navigating challenges, adapting to changing requirements, and delivering scalable solutions. If you’ve successfully worked through multiple cycles and contributed to the growth of diverse systems, we want to hear from you.


We are looking for multiple backend software developers to help build and maintain the core systems that power our financial products and operations. As part of our backend engineering team, you will work on a range of critical processes, from supporting investment products and self-directed trading to automating post-trade operations and managing complex financial workflows.


Our backend systems are responsible for a variety of essential functions, including trade processing, settlements, reconciliations, and confirmations. You will also help implement reporting tools and automation solutions that support brokerages, partners, and internal teams. These systems are designed to ensure smooth, efficient, and scalable financial operations, all while focusing on reliability and performance. We are seeking developers with expertise in Ruby on Rails and Java to contribute to these backend processes, driving the automation and efficiency that power everything from investment products to post-trade management.


Skills we’re looking for:
  • Proven experience as a Backend Software Developer (we use Java/Kotlin/Ruby on Rails on this team).
  • Deep care and focus on operational excellence.
  • An inquisitive mindset: you have the desire to learn new skills, the ability to ask questions, and remain open to new ideas and perspectives.
  • Proactive communication skills and a willingness to work directly with designers, product managers, and other collaborators to focus on quality, testing, system design and building iteratively.
  • Experience in and a desire to mentor fellow developers through pairing, code review, and in-the-moment feedback.
  • We are looking for individuals with multiple


Within 3 months, you'll:
  • Learn about the foundations of Wealthsimple, and our current goals for the future that you will start to shape.
  • Have an assigned buddy within your team who will assist you in getting up-to-speed with our architecture and current projects.
  • Learn Wealthsimple’s technical stack and apply our development patterns and best practices through your work.
  • Buddy up for your first on-call rotation to help identify and resolve production issues and bugs clients have experienced.
  • Contribute and support work in a new or existing product and share your work with the team.
  • Learn how to query our data to measure the impact of your work.
  • Support over a million clients on their financial journey by shipping your first project or feature in a secure, and scalable way. 🚀


Within 6 months, you'll:
  • Contribute to or lead the technical design of a project, while understanding how it will shape our future architecture.
  • Collaborate with other developers on the team while mentoring and providing continuous feedback via code reviews.
  • Develop a big-picture perspective and understand how our tools and frameworks come together. You’ll feel comfortable contributing to various codebases.


Within 12 months, you'll:
  • Lead your first project: planning, scoping and regularly communicating progress to stakeholders to ensure the quality and timelines.
  • Have provided leverage to our engineering teams by shipping new best practices and tools for all to benefit from.
  • Participate in our hiring process and shape the growth of the Engineering team.


Please submit your application before 4 pm EST Dec 20th, 2024.

Successful candidates will be contacted after on or after the week of December 30th.


Why Wealthsimple?

🤑 Competitive salary with top-tier health benefits and life insurance

📈 Retirement savings matching plan using Wealthsimple Work

🌴 20 vacation days per year and unlimited sick and mental health days

📚 Up to $1,500 per year towards wellness and professional development budgets respectively 

🛫 90 days away program: Employees can work internationally in eligible countries for up to 90 days per calendar year 

🌎 A wide variety of peer and company-led Employee Resource Groups (ie. Rainbow, Women of Wealthsimple, Black @ WS)

💖 Company-wide wellness days off scheduled throughout the year


We’re a remote-first team, with over 1,000 employees coast to coast in North America. Be a part of our Canadian success story and help shape the financial future of millions — join us!


Read our Culture Manual and learn more about how we work.


DEI Statement

At Wealthsimple, we are building products for a diverse world and we need a diverse team to do that successfully. We strongly encourage applications from everyone regardless of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. 


Accessibility Statement

Wealthsimple provides an accessible candidate experience. If you need any accommodations or adjustments throughout the interview process and beyond, please let us know, and we will work with you to provide the necessary support and make reasonable accommodations to facilitate your participation. We are continuously working to improve our accessibility practices and welcome any feedback or suggestions on how we can better accommodate candidates with accessibility needs.

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What You Should Know About Senior Backend Software Developer, Wealthsimple

Are you ready to take on a new challenge as a Senior Backend Software Developer with Wealthsimple? We're on a mission to democratize financial services and make managing money straightforward and accessible for all. With over 4 million users and $50 billion in assets under management, our impact in Canada is substantial. As a Senior Backend Software Developer, you'll play a crucial role in building the systems that power our investment products, facilitating seamless trade processing, settlements, and more. We value collaboration and innovation, so you’ll be working alongside talented colleagues who also embrace learning and sharing knowledge. You'll dive deep into our Ruby on Rails and Java systems, tackling complex workflows and automating critical operations while ensuring reliability and performance. If you enjoy navigating challenges, taking ownership of your projects, and mentoring fellow developers, this is the place for you! Over your first year, you’ll contribute to technical designs, lead projects, and help shape our engineering culture—all while making a genuine difference in our client’s financial journeys. At Wealthsimple, we prioritize operational excellence and a proactive communication approach, fostering an inclusive environment where your ideas are valued. Join us on this exciting journey to create financial freedom for everyone. Apply today and be a part of our growing fintech family!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Backend Software Developer Role at Wealthsimple
What are the responsibilities of a Senior Backend Software Developer at Wealthsimple?

As a Senior Backend Software Developer at Wealthsimple, your primary responsibilities will include designing, developing, and maintaining backend systems that support our diverse financial products. You'll engage in end-to-end development cycles, collaborating closely with teams across the organization to ensure the successful deployment and operations of scalable solutions. Additionally, you will focus on trade processing, settlements, and automating workflows, contributing to efficient and reliable financial services.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Senior Backend Software Developer position at Wealthsimple?

To qualify for the Senior Backend Software Developer role at Wealthsimple, you should have proven experience in backend development, particularly with languages like Ruby on Rails, Java, or Kotlin. An inquisitive mindset, a focus on operational excellence, and a willingness to mentor other developers are crucial. Familiarity with agile methodologies and experience in complex project management will greatly enhance your candidacy.

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How will I contribute to team collaboration as a Senior Backend Software Developer at Wealthsimple?

Collaboration is at the heart of Wealthsimple's working culture. As a Senior Backend Software Developer, you will work directly with designers, product managers, and fellow developers to ensure quality and consistency in our products. You will also mentor junior developers, provide feedback via code reviews, and engage in pair programming, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the team.

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What opportunities for growth will I have as a Senior Backend Software Developer at Wealthsimple?

At Wealthsimple, growth is encouraged! As a Senior Backend Software Developer, you'll have the chance to lead technical designs and projects, actively participate in the hiring process, and shape the future of our engineering team. You'll also have access to professional development budgets, a supportive environment for skill enhancement, and opportunities to take on leadership roles within the team.

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What does Wealthsimple offer in terms of work-life balance for Senior Backend Software Developers?

Wealthsimple places a strong emphasis on work-life balance, especially for our Senior Backend Software Developers. You will enjoy 20 vacation days a year, unlimited sick and mental health days, and the benefits of our remote-first approach. Additionally, our '90 days away' program allows employees to work internationally, enriching your experience while maintaining a healthy work-life integration.

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Common Interview Questions for Senior Backend Software Developer
Can you describe your experience with backend technologies, particularly Ruby on Rails or Java?

When addressing your experience with backend technologies, focus on specific projects where you utilized Ruby on Rails or Java. Highlight your roles in design, implementation, and any challenges you overcame. Use metrics to describe project impacts, such as performance improvements or scalability enhancements, to illustrate your contribution effectively.

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How do you ensure the reliability and performance of backend systems?

To ensure reliability and performance, I prioritize thorough testing, including unit tests, integration tests, and load testing. Additionally, I focus on following coding best practices, code reviews, and using automated deployment pipelines to catch issues early. Share examples of how these strategies enhanced system reliability in your past roles.

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Describe a challenging project you led. What was your role, and how did you manage the situation?

When discussing a challenging project, outline the project's goals, your specific responsibilities, and the challenges faced. Explain how you managed the team, addressed obstacles, and communicated with stakeholders. Emphasize the project's outcome and any lessons learned that could benefit the development team at Wealthsimple.

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How do you stay updated with emerging technologies and trends in backend development?

Demonstrating your commitment to continuous learning is vital. Mention specific blogs, forums, or communities you follow, as well as any courses or certifications you've pursued. Share examples of how you've applied new technologies or practices in your work to show practical relevance and curiosity.

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What strategies do you employ for effective code reviews?

Effective code reviews involve clear communication and constructive feedback. I ensure reviews are timely and contextual, focusing on code quality, security, and performance. I like to involve the developer in discussions to foster learning and understanding. Share a situation where your feedback led to significant improvements in a project.

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Can you explain how you handle on-call responsibilities, particularly in a production environment?

Explain that handling on-call responsibilities requires composure and effective problem-solving skills. Detail your process for monitoring, responding to alerts, and identifying issues quickly. Share experiences where you successfully resolved critical issues and the impact those had on your team and organization.

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How do you prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a project?

Discuss your approach to task prioritization, including the use of project management tools and techniques such as the Eisenhower Matrix or Agile methodologies. Provide an example of how you've effectively balanced competing priorities to successfully meet project deadlines while maintaining quality.

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What role does collaboration play in your development process?

Collaboration is crucial for delivering quality software. Illustrate how you engage with cross-functional teams, share knowledge, and integrate feedback from others. Discuss instances where effective collaboration led to enhanced solutions or innovative products within your past roles.

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Can you give an example of how you mentored a fellow developer?

Share a specific instance where you offered mentorship to a fellow developer. Discuss the techniques you employed, such as pair programming or code reviews, and the positive impact it had on their performance and confidence. Highlight your commitment to fostering a learning culture within your team.

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What key factors do you consider when designing a scalable backend system?

When designing a scalable backend system, I focus on modular architecture, efficient database design, and API optimization. Discuss how you assess current needs versus future growth, and provide an example of how you've implemented these considerations in a past project, including any relevant metrics.

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To democratize financial financial services and make it accessible to everybody, regardless of age or net worth.

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DATE POSTED
December 14, 2024

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