Staff Back End Engineer (Data Platform)
Forma.ai · Toronto, ON
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- On site
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- Toronto, ON
Job highlights
- Lead backend development for a Spark-based data platform.
- Design and build complex, data-rich platform features.
- Focus on code quality, software design, and reliability.
- Collaborate with Product, Engineers, and Analytics teams.
- Contribute to product direction and development best practices.
About the role
About Forma.ai
Forma.ai is a Series B startup that's revolutionizing how sales compensation is designed, managed and optimized. We handle billions in annual managed commissions for market leaders like Edmentum, Stryker, and Autodesk.
Our growth has been fuelled by our passion for fundamentally changing and shaping how companies use sales intelligence to drive business strategy. We’re welcoming equally driven individuals who are excited about creating something big!
About The Team
Engineers on this team construct our rules-based calculating engine for processing sales commissions. This might sound simple if you have never been exposed to sales comp plans, it is not! We are low on meetings, high on accountability. Most of the team are in EST time zone but we have a few located in PST and Central as well. We are far from maintenance / progressive evolution in many areas, there is a lot of room to make a big impact in the overall design.
What You'll Be Doing
Reporting to the Manager of Data Platform, the Staff Back End Engineer will play a critical role in the evolution of our Spark based data platform. You'll lead development efforts for our complex, data-rich platform features while being an example to the team of code quality and thoughtful software design. You will be working on the most challenging code at Forma.
What Skills / Traits Are We Looking For
- Prior experience designing and building complex backend solutions. We use Python, but the language is less important than the skillset.
- Solid background in schema design and data modelling, SQL and ideally some NoSQL solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- History of reducing ownership cost and improve reliability and observability in a product.
- Deep appreciation for building end-to-end customer facing products with a strong sense of customer empathy.
- Interest in being involved in Forma.ai’s product direction along with establishing best development practices and processes from design to deployment, while maintaining our software solution.
- Thrive in a detail-oriented collaborative environment with Product, Engineers, and Analytics teams.
- Big plus if you have a background working with Spark, or other ETL tools / frameworks.
Technologies We Use
- Backend: Python, Django, Postgres
- Infrastructure: AWS, Docker, GitHub Actions
Additional Job Info
This position is for an existing vacancy.
What You Can Expect From Us
- Meaningful compensation. In addition to your base salary, you’ll join our employee stock ownership plan to further recognize your contributions to Forma.ai’s success.
- Healthcare coverage. We have a full benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, and a paid parental leave program.
- Learning and development. Access the resources you want to help you grow in your role by utilizing our $750 yearly training stipend.
- Growth. You’ll have a huge opportunity to build a career for yourself and gain the type of experience you’re looking for – whether that’s as an individual contributor or as a people leader.
Our Values
- Work well, together. We’re real. We have kids and pets. Mortgages and student loans. We’re in this together, so no matter how brilliant any one of us is, we always play nice with one another – no exceptions.
- Be precise. Be relentless. We believe complacency breeds failure, so we set new goals as quickly as we achieve them. We persist in the face of adversity, learn from our mistakes, and push each other to continuously improve. The status-quo is kryptonite.
- Love our tech. Love our customers. Our platform solves a very complex problem in a currently underserved market. While everyone at Forma isn’t customer-facing, we’re all customer-focused. Maybe even slightly customer-obsessed.
Use of AI for Recruitment
Currently, Forma.ai does not use artificial intelligence as part of our recruitment process, specifically but not limited to the screening, filtering and shortlisting of applicants.
Our Commitment To You
Forma is a proud equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Every effort to accommodate candidates for accessibility will be made upon request. Information received related to accommodations will be addressed confidentially. We know that applying to a new role takes a lot of effort. You're encouraged to apply even if your experience doesn't precisely match the job description. There are many paths to a successful career and we’re looking forward to reading yours. We thank all candidates for their interest however only qualified applicants will be shortlisted.
Key skills/competency
- Staff Backend Engineer
- Data Platform
- Python
- Spark
- SQL
- NoSQL
- AWS
- Docker
- Schema Design
- Data Modelling
Skills & topics
- Staff Backend Engineer
- Data Platform
- Python
- Spark
- SQL
- NoSQL
- AWS
- Docker
- Schema Design
- Data Modelling
- Backend Development
- ETL
- Software Engineering
- Full-time
- Engineering
- Developer
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight backend development, Python, Spark, SQL, and data modeling experience.
- Showcase impact: Quantify achievements in reducing ownership costs and improving reliability.
- Demonstrate leadership: Emphasize experience in designing complex backend solutions.
- Research Forma.ai: Understand their mission to revolutionize sales compensation and their values.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss schema design, data modeling, and system architecture.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the typical career progression for a Staff Backend Engineer at Forma.ai?
- At Forma.ai, a Staff Backend Engineer on the Data Platform team has significant opportunities for growth. You can deepen your expertise as an individual contributor, focusing on complex technical challenges and architectural leadership. Alternatively, there are pathways to move into people leadership roles. Your impact on the product direction and establishing best practices will also be key factors in your career development.
- Does Forma.ai use AI in its hiring process for the Staff Backend Engineer role?
- No, Forma.ai explicitly states that they do not use artificial intelligence for recruitment processes, including screening, filtering, and shortlisting applicants for the Staff Backend Engineer position. Your application will be reviewed by humans.
- What is the expected impact of a Staff Backend Engineer on the Data Platform at Forma.ai?
- As a Staff Backend Engineer, you will play a critical role in evolving the Spark-based data platform. You'll lead development for complex features, setting an example for code quality and software design. Your work will involve tackling the most challenging code, directly impacting the platform's capabilities and reliability.
- What specific technical skills are most valued for the Staff Backend Engineer (Data Platform) role at Forma.ai?
- Forma.ai highly values prior experience in designing and building complex backend solutions. Key skills include a solid background in schema design and data modeling, proficiency in SQL, and ideally some NoSQL experience. While Python is their primary backend language, the underlying skillset is more important. Experience with Spark or other ETL tools is a significant plus.
- How does Forma.ai support the learning and development of its Staff Backend Engineers?
- Forma.ai supports continuous learning and development for its engineers through a $750 yearly training stipend. This allows you to access resources that help you grow in your role, whether it's through courses, conferences, or other professional development opportunities.
- What is the work environment like for the Data Platform team at Forma.ai?
- The Data Platform team at Forma.ai is described as having low meeting frequency and high accountability. They value a detail-oriented, collaborative environment where team members work closely with Product, Engineering, and Analytics teams. While many team members are in the EST time zone, there's flexibility with some team members in PST and Central time zones.