Backend Engineer, Analytics Instrumentation (Golang)

About the Role

The role requires a deep understanding of backend systems, scalability, and reliability, particularly in managing the handling, transit, and quality of instrumentation data. The successful candidate will have a strong background in Go programming, experience with building and maintaining production services, and a keen eye for detail in ensuring data integrity.

As a member of the Data Engineering team, you will be part of a high-performance culture driven by core values of innovation, efficiency, and collaboration. GitLab's commitment to digital transformation and the use of AI as a productivity multiplier means that you will be working in an environment that values knowledge exchange and the application of cutting-edge technologies.

What You Will Do

• Design, build, and maintain a unified Go-based instrumentation service to consolidate instrumentation across the company.
• Manage the handling of sending, transit, and quality of instrumentation data, ensuring data integrity and reliability.
• Train and assist product development teams on how to instrument their features using the unified service, providing documentation and technical help.
• Participate in on-call duties for systems handling usage billing and instrumentation, ensuring system reliability and rapid response to critical issues.
• Collaborate with research and development teams and the enterprise data organization to identify requirements and deliver solutions.
• Make key architectural decisions balancing the needs of product teams and data consumers.
• Design and build APIs for other teams to integrate with, focusing on ease of use and reliability.
• Work on improving system reliability, performance at scale, data quality, and observability.
• Engage in cross-functional teams to solve complex problems and drive innovation.
• Contribute to the development of foundational infrastructure for application environments.
• Participate in knowledge exchange and contribute to the company's values and culture.

What We Are Looking For

• Proficiency in the Go programming language with experience in building and maintaining production services.
• Strong backend development experience with the ability to design scalable, reliable systems.
• Experience with infrastructure concerns such as system reliability, performance at scale, data quality, and observability.
• Ability to design and build APIs (REST, gRPC, or similar) for integration by other teams.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams with product teams, data consumers, and other stakeholders.
• Experience with instrumentation, analytics, data systems, or similar foundational infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of balancing system needs with data consumer requirements.
• Ability to work in a remote, flexible environment with high levels of autonomy.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies and version control systems like Git.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Ruby on Rails or comparable stacks.
• Knowledge of AI and machine learning principles and their application in software development.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, or Azure.
• Experience with data analytics tools and technologies.

Benefits and Perks

• Flexible, remote work arrangements with a stipend for home office setup.
• Competitive compensation package.
• Equity in a leading technology company.
• Generous PTO policy and parental leave.
• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Access to professional development opportunities, including conferences and training.
• Collaboration with a global team of talented professionals.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to open-source projects.

• Build a strong portfolio: Showcase your experience with Go programming and backend development, especially in analytics instrumentation and data systems.
• Emphasize cross-functional collaboration: Highlight your ability to work with diverse teams, including product development, data consumers, and other stakeholders.
• Develop a deep understanding of system reliability and data integrity: Be prepared to discuss how you ensure data quality and system performance in your previous roles.
• Stay updated on industry trends: Familiarize yourself with the latest developments in backend engineering, analytics, and AI to stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.
• Prepare for technical interviews: Review common backend engineering interview questions, practice coding challenges, and be ready to discuss your experience with Go and system design.
• Highlight your problem-solving skills: Showcase your ability to solve complex problems and drive innovation in your work.
• Research GitLab's culture and values: Understand the company's commitment to digital transformation, AI, and collaboration to demonstrate your fit with the company's culture.