Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Backend Engineer

at Via Transporation

🏢 About Via Transporation

Via Transportation is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and social impact, transforming global transportation systems into efficient, affordable, and sustainable networks. Unlike typical tech companies, Via's mission directly addresses environmental challenges and urban mobility, offering engineers the chance to build software that affects tens of thousands of daily riders worldwide while reducing humanity's collective environmental footprint.

About This Role

As a Senior Backend Engineer on Via's Platform team, you'll design, build, and maintain scalable backend systems that form the robust foundation of Via's operations. This role involves owning backend features end-to-end while defining infrastructure standards across engineering teams, directly contributing to cloud infrastructure, Kubernetes clusters, and CI/CD systems that power Via's development and production environments.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves collaborating with the Platform team on Kubernetes cluster optimizations, designing scalable backend services for Via's transportation platform, and working with other engineering teams to implement infrastructure standards. You might spend the morning debugging a production issue affecting rider matching, then transition to designing new API endpoints before reviewing infrastructure-as-code changes in Terraform.

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🎯 Who Via Transporation Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years experience specifically with distributed systems, API development, and database architectures in production environments
  • Demonstrates hands-on expertise with Via's mentioned tech stack: Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, and cloud platforms in scalable applications
  • Can show experience in both building backend systems AND defining infrastructure standards for other engineering teams
  • Has worked on platforms with real-world impact where system reliability directly affects end-users (like transportation or similar high-availability systems)

📝 Tips for Applying to Via Transporation

1

Highlight specific experience with Kubernetes and Terraform in production environments, not just theoretical knowledge

2

Quantify your impact on previous backend systems (e.g., 'improved API response time by X%' or 'scaled system to handle Y concurrent users')

3

Mention any experience with transportation, logistics, or real-time systems since Via's platform handles dynamic routing and scheduling

4

Address the hybrid NYC requirement upfront if you're local or willing to relocate

5

Show how you've contributed to infrastructure standards or developer tools in previous roles, not just feature development

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with scalable backend systems that handle real-time data (relevant to transportation routing)', 'Specific examples of owning features end-to-end from architecture through deployment and maintenance', "How you've previously defined or improved infrastructure standards for engineering teams", "Why you're drawn to Via's mission of sustainable transportation transformation specifically"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Via's specific technology blog posts or engineering articles about their platform architecture
  • → How Via's platform differs from competitors like Uber or Lyft (focus on shared rides and sustainability)
  • → Recent news about Via's expansion into new cities or transportation verticals
  • → The Platform Group's public contributions or open-source projects if available

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Designing a scalable backend system for real-time ride matching and routing optimization
2 Debugging and performance optimization scenarios for high-traffic distributed systems
3 Kubernetes cluster management and container orchestration at scale
4 CI/CD pipeline design and implementation for microservices architecture
5 How you would approach defining infrastructure standards for multiple engineering teams
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on feature development without showing infrastructure or platform experience
  • Not addressing the hybrid NYC requirement or appearing unaware of it
  • Using generic cloud experience examples without specifics about Kubernetes, Docker, or Terraform implementation

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Via Transporation!

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