Backend Software Engineer - Authentication and Authorisation

As a Backend Software Engineer in Authentication and Authorisation at SoundCloud, you'll be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining identity and access management solutions. This includes collaborating with product management and other engineering teams, solving complex technical problems, and continuously learning about industry best practices in IAM. You'll play a key role in ensuring the security and performance of SoundCloud's systems.

A Backend Software Engineer at SoundCloud should have expert-level experience in one or more programming languages, particularly Go or Scala. These languages are crucial for building complex IAM solutions. Additionally, having a good understanding of algorithms, data structures, and cloud computing will greatly benefit your role.

SoundCloud promotes a flexible work culture for Backend Software Engineers, allowing for both in-office collaboration and remote work. The company values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. You'll engage in mentorship programs, workshops, and various employee benefits that foster personal and professional growth.

SoundCloud offers extensive relocation support for Backend Software Engineers moving to Berlin. This includes allowances, one-way flights, temporary accommodation, and on-the-ground assistance through partnerships with organizations like Expath. We want your move to be as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

Yes! SoundCloud is committed to the professional development of its Backend Software Engineers. You'll have access to a professional development allowance, allowing you to pursue courses, workshops, or certifications that enhance your skills and career growth. We believe in investing in our employees to help them thrive.

SoundCloud offers a variety of benefits for Backend Software Engineers, including a flexible vacation policy of up to 35 days of PTO annually, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, a Creativity and Wellness benefit, and free German language courses. We also provide snacks and lunches at the office as part of our commitment to a supportive work environment.

SoundCloud is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. We support various Diversity Resource Groups, which focus on empowering underrepresented communities within our workforce. This commitment helps us build a more inclusive environment where everyone can contribute and thrive.

When designing an IAM solution, I first identify the security needs and user requirements. I then evaluate existing architectures and select appropriate technologies. Collaborating with stakeholders is crucial, and I emphasize privacy by design principles to ensure data integrity and security.

In my previous role, I encountered a scalability issue affecting our IAM system. I analyzed the bottlenecks and implemented microservices architecture, improving performance significantly. This experience taught me the importance of robust design and continuous monitoring.

I stay updated with IAM technologies by participating in online courses, attending industry conferences, and engaging with professional communities. Regularly reading blogs and publications also helps me understand new trends and best practices, which I can apply in my work.

I prioritize security from the start by conducting regular code reviews and incorporating security measures into the development lifecycle. When vulnerabilities are identified, I address them promptly by updating dependencies, refactoring code, and conducting impact assessments to understand potential risks.

Ensuring high performance in a backend system requires careful architecture design, efficient coding practices, and thorough testing. I focus on optimizing algorithms, utilizing caching mechanisms, and performing load testing to identify performance bottlenecks before deploying to production.

I have hands-on experience with AWS services, including AWS Cognito, which I used to facilitate user authentication and manage user data securely. I also understand the principles of cloud-based IAM and how they can benefit scalability and flexibility in application development.

I believe in open communication and maintaining a collaborative mindset. I schedule regular check-ins with product managers to understand their vision and feedback while also being proactive in sharing technical insights with other teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Testing is essential in my development process. I emphasize unit and integration testing to catch issues early. Additionally, automated testing helps maintain code quality and performance. I also encourage team members to adopt TDD (Test-Driven Development) to enhance code reliability.

I approach mentoring by sharing my knowledge and encouraging junior engineers to take on challenges. I provide them with constructive feedback, designate pair programming sessions, and recommend resources for their personal development. I foster an open environment where questions are welcomed.

I am excited about SoundCloud’s innovative spirit and commitment to empowering artists and fans. Being part of a company that values diversity and fosters a collaborative culture really resonates with me. The opportunity to work on impactful projects while contributing to the music community is incredibly motivating.