Track: SDE-2

SDE-2 at Zeta (Directi)

Overview

The SDE-2 role at Zeta is designed for engineers with 2-4 years of experience, focusing on intermediate to advanced problem-solving in DSA, system design (HLD and LLD), and project deep dives. Candidates are expected to demonstrate practical implementation skills, architectural thinking, and adaptability to feedback. The role may occasionally be downleveled from SDE-3 based on performance, particularly in design rounds.

Round Breakdown

1. Technical Round (DSA - 1 hour)

Focus: Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) Format: 1-hour session with two medium-level questions. Evaluation Criteria:

• Problem-solving approach and thought process.
• Accuracy and efficiency of the solution.
• Ability to handle follow-up questions and optimizations.

Questions Asked:

1. Dynamic Programming: A medium-level problem requiring optimization using DP techniques (e.g., knapsack variants, coin change, or pathfinding).
2. Graphs: A medium-level problem involving BFS traversal, shortest path, or cycle detection in a graph.

Source: LeetCode Discussion

2. Technical Round (Project Deep Dive - 1 hour)

Focus: Current project and system architecture Format: 1-hour deep dive into the candidate’s past or current project. Evaluation Criteria:

• High-level understanding of the system architecture.
• Ability to explain trade-offs in tech stack, distributed systems, and concurrency.
• Familiarity with Java callbacks, distributed cache, and consistency models.

Key Topics Covered:

• System architecture and high-level design.
• Tech stack and rationale behind choices.
• Distributed cache and consistency mechanisms.
• Concurrency and Java callbacks in real-world scenarios.

Source: LeetCode Discussion

3. System Design Round (Low-Level Design - 2 hours)

Focus: Designing scalable and testable systems Format: 2-hour session to design a Stock Brokering system with REST API implementation. Evaluation Criteria:

• Ability to break down requirements into use cases.
• Design of class relationships, design patterns, and SOLID principles.
• Implementation of threads, concurrency, and Java callbacks.
• Testability via Postman and completeness of the design.

Key Requirements:

• Design a system with REST API endpoints for core functionalities.
• Incorporate concurrency and thread safety.
• Use design patterns (e.g., Singleton, Factory, Observer) and SOLID principles.

Outcome: The candidate provided a design but could not complete a running implementation.

Source: LeetCode Discussion

4. Managerial Round (1 hour)

Focus: High-Level Design (HLD) and REST API Design Format: 1-hour session with a VP to assess fitment. Evaluation Criteria:

• Ability to design scalable systems (e.g., YouTube).
• Proficiency in REST API design for core functionalities (video upload, search, comments, retrieval).
• Understanding of MVC architecture and system scalability.

Key Topics Covered:

• REST API design for video upload, search, comments, and retrieval.
• High-Level Design (HLD) for YouTube.
• REST MVC architecture and scalability considerations.

Source: LeetCode Discussion

Compensation and Growth

• Compensation: Matched to the SDE-3 band despite the role being downleveled to SDE-2.
• Growth Potential: Candidates may receive a promotion to SDE-3 within a few months based on performance and contributions.

Preparation Tips

• DSA: Focus on medium-level problems in Dynamic Programming and Graphs.
• System Design: Practice Low-Level Design (e.g., designing a Stock Brokering system) and High-Level Design (e.g., YouTube, REST APIs).
• Project Deep Dive: Be prepared to explain your system architecture, trade-offs, and real-world challenges in detail.
• Managerial Round: Brush up on REST API design, scalability, and MVC architecture.