What It's Like to Be a Software Engineer at Calm
As a Software Engineer at Calm, you'll be part of a product-focused engineering team dedicated to building and improving the app that millions of people use for meditation, sleep, and relaxation. The company prioritizes a "calm" engineering culture, focusing on a monolithic architecture to reduce complexity and maximize impact. The primary tech stack is JavaScript, with a gradual migration to TypeScript to improve code quality and reduce bugs. Engineers at Calm work on a variety of projects, from improving the content delivery network that serves the app's audio and video to developing new features for the mobile and web apps. The day-to-day involves a mix of coding, code reviews, and collaboration with product managers and designers to create a seamless user experience.
Salary & Compensation
Calm offers competitive compensation packages for its software engineers. The salary ranges vary based on experience and level.
| Level | Base Salary | Total Comp (incl. equity) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (L1-L2) | $120K–$150K | $160K–$200K |
| Mid (L3-L4) | $150K–$190K | $200K–$260K |
| Senior (L5+) | $190K–$230K | $260K–$350K+ |
Interview Process
The interview process at Calm for a Software Engineer typically consists of 4-5 rounds:
- Recruiter Screen — A 30-minute call with a recruiter to discuss your background, experience, and interest in Calm.
- Technical Phone Screen — A 60-minute technical interview with a software engineer, focusing on coding challenges and technical concepts.
- Onsite/Virtual Loop — A series of 3-4 interviews with different members of the engineering team, including a mix of coding, system design, and behavioral questions.
- Hiring Committee — A final review of your application and interview performance by a committee of senior engineers and managers.
How to Stand Out
- Show your passion for the product: Demonstrate a genuine interest in Calm's mission and product. Talk about how you use the app and what you'd like to improve.
- Emphasize your product-oriented mindset: Calm is a product-driven company, so highlight your experience working closely with product managers and designers to build user-facing features.
- Demonstrate your JavaScript expertise: Since Calm's primary tech stack is JavaScript, a strong understanding of the language and its ecosystem is crucial.
- Be a team player: Calm values collaboration and a positive work environment. Show that you're a supportive and communicative team member.
- Prepare for behavioral questions: In addition to technical skills, Calm looks for candidates who align with its values. Be ready to talk about your work style, how you handle challenges, and what you're looking for in a company culture.