Staff Software Engineer, Blockchain

As a Staff Software Engineer, Blockchain at Zinnia, you will be responsible for designing and maintaining software applications using languages like Haskell, DAML, Scala, and JavaScript. You'll focus on applying functional programming principles to create high-quality, scalable code while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure software meets business requirements. You will also be involved in developing solutions on distributed ledger technologies and conducting code reviews to improve overall code quality.

To qualify for the Staff Software Engineer, Blockchain role at Zinnia, you need a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, coupled with significant experience. Specifically, you should have 5+ years of experience as a smart contract developer or similar technical role, and at least 8 years in software development, emphasizing functional programming languages. Proficiency in languages like JavaScript and Scala, along with a deep understanding of functional programming concepts, is essential.

For the Staff Software Engineer, Blockchain position at Zinnia, familiarity with several programming languages is crucial. You should be well-versed in Haskell, DAML, Scala, and JavaScript, particularly with ES6+ features. An understanding of asynchronous programming in JavaScript, as well as functional programming paradigms, will be extremely beneficial for success in this role.

Effective communication is vital in the Staff Software Engineer, Blockchain role at Zinnia. You will be required to interact with clients, colleagues, and various stakeholders. Clearly articulating technical concepts and ensuring that requirements are understood and met is a high priority. Strong verbal and written communication skills will enable you to explain complex ideas and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Zinnia offers a comprehensive benefits package for the Staff Software Engineer, Blockchain role. This includes health and dental insurance, parental leave, a 401(k) plan with profit sharing, tuition reimbursement, and an incentive/bonus opportunity. The salary for this position ranges from $170,000 to $200,000 based on qualifications and location, alongside fantastic career advancement opportunities in a dynamic work environment.

When answering this question, provide specific examples of projects where you've utilized functional programming languages like Haskell or Scala. Discuss key principles such as immutability, first-class functions, and how these concepts help in writing clean and maintainable code. Emphasize your understanding of how functional programming differs from imperative programming and the benefits it offers.

Discuss your approach to code reviews, unit testing, and integration testing practices. Highlight the importance of writing tests for your code and employing tools for continuous integration to catch issues early. Share your experiences of improving code quality through systematic debugging or refactoring, focusing on how these practices contribute to overall software reliability.

Be sure to choose a relevant and technical example. Detail the problem, your thought process in diagnosing it, and the solution implemented. Discuss any tools or methodologies used during problem-solving, and conclude by reflecting on what you learned from the experience and how it has informed your subsequent work.

In your response, mention tools you've found effective for remote collaboration, such as Slack, Zoom, or project management software. Discuss the importance of regular communication and check-ins, setting expectations for deliverables, and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing. You might also emphasize adaptability and how you’ve navigated time zone differences or varying work styles.

Highlight your commitment to continual learning by mentioning specific resources you utilize, such as online courses, blogs, podcasts, or attending conferences. Discuss how you integrate new technologies into your projects or collaborate with peers to experiment and adopt best practices. This illustrates your enthusiasm for the subject matter and your proactive nature.

Share any specific projects that involved blockchain or distributed ledger technologies, like Ethereum or Fabric. Discuss your role in these projects and how you applied your knowledge in practical scenarios. Explain any challenges encountered and how you contributed to innovative solutions within those technologies.

Provide a concrete example detailing the project scope, your specific role, and the functional programming techniques you applied. Focus on concepts like higher-order functions, recursion, or using constants over variables to maintain immutability. Emphasize the improvements in code organization and maintainability resulting from your approach.

Discuss your systematic approach, such as isolating issues, using logging tools, and collaborating with teammates when necessary. Provide an example of a complex bug you fixed, illustrating your methods and thought process. Highlight how you document your processes for future reference to help build a culture of learning within the team.

Express your passion for the innovative aspects of blockchain, such as decentralization, security, and the potential for real-world applications. Mention any specific functionalities or projects that have excited you and why they resonate with your interest in technology. Showing enthusiasm will help convey your suitability for the role.

In your response, align your career aspirations with Zinnia’s mission of transforming the insurance landscape through technology. Talk about the projects and technologies you’re excited to work on and how your experiences align with the company’s goals. Express enthusiasm about the collaborative culture and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the industry.