Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Software Engineer (IoT)

at Bird

🏢 About Bird

Bird is a pioneering company in urban micromobility, focusing on eco-friendly, dockless electric scooters that transform city transportation. Their mission-driven approach to reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion makes them unique, appealing to engineers passionate about sustainability and real-world impact through technology.

About This Role

This Senior Software Engineer (IoT) role involves designing and developing scalable backend systems for Bird's IoT ecosystem, including real-time data pipelines and device communication. It's impactful because you'll directly enhance the reliability and performance of systems that power thousands of electric scooters globally, supporting business growth and urban mobility solutions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve collaborating with product and hardware teams to design backend features for scooter fleets, coding in Golang or Java to optimize real-time data pipelines, and monitoring system health on AWS and Kubernetes. You'll also conduct code reviews, mentor junior engineers, and troubleshoot IoT device communications to ensure reliable service for users.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Bird Is Looking For

  • 10+ years of professional experience with a STEM background, including 5+ years specifically with Kubernetes and AWS for cloud infrastructure
  • Expertise in Golang and JVM-based languages (Java, Kotlin, Scala) for building scalable backend services, with strong object-oriented programming skills
  • Proven experience with IoT devices, real-time data pipelines, and communication protocols relevant to electric scooter fleets
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers, collaborate cross-functionally, and deliver system enhancements that improve performance or scalability quarterly

📝 Tips for Applying to Bird

1

Highlight specific projects where you used Golang and JVM languages to build scalable backend systems, quantifying improvements in performance or reliability

2

Detail your hands-on experience with Kubernetes and AWS in managing IoT device fleets or real-time data pipelines, mentioning tools like AWS IoT Core or similar

3

Emphasize cross-functional collaboration examples with product or hardware teams, especially in IoT or mobility contexts

4

Include metrics in your resume, such as reductions in system downtime or scalability achievements, to align with Bird's quantifiable goals

5

Tailor your application to mention Bird's eco-friendly mission, showing how your technical skills support sustainable urban transportation

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with IoT devices and real-time data pipelines, specifically how it applies to electric scooter or similar mobility systems', 'Examples of designing scalable backend solutions using Golang and JVM languages that improved system performance or reliability', 'Collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., product, hardware) to deliver technical solutions aligned with business needs', "Your passion for Bird's mission of eco-friendly urban transportation and how your skills contribute to reducing carbon emissions"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Bird's current IoT and technology stack: Research their app, scooter hardware, and any public tech blogs or case studies on their backend systems
  • → The company's mission and impact: Understand their sustainability goals, market position in urban mobility, and recent news on expansion or challenges
  • → Industry trends in IoT and micromobility: Look into competitors like Lime or Spin, and how technology is evolving in dockless electric scooter fleets
  • → Bird's engineering culture: Check platforms like Glassdoor or LinkedIn for insights into their team structure, remote work practices, and project focus areas

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Designing scalable backend systems for IoT devices: Discuss architectures for handling real-time data from thousands of electric scooters
2 Hands-on technical questions on Golang and JVM languages: Expect coding challenges or system design scenarios using these technologies
3 Experience with Kubernetes and AWS: Be prepared to explain how you've managed cloud infrastructure for high-availability IoT applications
4 Cross-functional collaboration: Describe how you've worked with product or hardware teams to implement solutions, with examples from past roles
5 System reliability and performance optimization: Discuss strategies for monitoring, reducing downtime, and improving scalability in IoT environments
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with a generic resume that doesn't highlight specific experience with Golang, JVM languages, Kubernetes, AWS, or IoT devices as required
  • Failing to demonstrate quantifiable achievements in system scalability, performance improvements, or downtime reduction in past roles
  • Neglecting to show interest in Bird's eco-friendly mission or how your skills align with urban transportation and IoT applications

📅 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 Bird!

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