What It's Like to Be a Software Engineer at Whatnot
As a Software Engineer at Whatnot, you'll be building the platform that is redefining e-commerce through live shopping. Whatnot is a fast-growing marketplace where collectors and enthusiasts can buy and sell everything from sneakers to trading cards. The engineering team at Whatnot is at the heart of the company's success, and you'll be working on a product that is used by millions of people every day. You could be working on anything from improving the live streaming experience to building new features for the Whatnot marketplace or developing new tools for sellers.
The tech stack at Whatnot is modern and includes technologies like Go, Python, React, and a variety of cloud services. The company has a strong engineering culture that values speed, innovation, and a commitment to building a great user experience. The day-to-day life of a Software Engineer at Whatnot is a mix of fast-paced development, collaborative problem-solving, and engaging with the Whatnot community to understand their needs. You'll be part of a team that is building the future of e-commerce, and you'll have the opportunity to make a big impact.
Salary & Compensation
Whatnot offers competitive compensation packages to attract and retain top engineering talent. The company is well-funded and is known for paying at or above market rates. The compensation package for a Software Engineer at Whatnot typically includes a base salary, stock options, and a comprehensive benefits package.
| Level | Base Salary | Total Comp (incl. equity) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (L1-L2) | $130K–$170K | $170K–$230K |
| Mid (L3-L4) | $170K–$220K | $230K–$300K |
| Senior (L5+) | $220K–$280K+ | $300K–$440K+ |
Interview Process
The interview process at Whatnot is designed to be fast-paced and to assess your technical skills, your product sense, and your cultural fit. The process typically consists of 4-5 rounds.
- Recruiter Screen — A 30-minute call with a recruiter to discuss your background and your interest in Whatnot.
- Technical Phone Screen — A 60-minute interview with a Whatnot engineer where you'll be asked to solve a coding problem.
- Onsite/Virtual Loop — A series of interviews with members of the engineering and product teams. You can expect to have a mix of technical and behavioral interviews, as well as a system design interview.
- Values Interview — An interview with a member of the leadership team to discuss your alignment with Whatnot's values.
- Final Round — A final interview with a co-founder or senior leader.
How to Stand Out
To stand out in the Whatnot interview process, it's important to show that you are not only a talented engineer but also that you are passionate about the company's mission of building a community-driven marketplace. Here are a few tips:
- Be a Whatnot user: The best way to understand the product is to use it. Download the app, watch some live streams, and be prepared to talk about your experience.
- Show your passion for e-commerce: Be able to talk about why you are excited about the future of e-commerce and how Whatnot is changing the game.
- Be a great communicator: Whatnot is a fast-moving company, and strong communication skills are essential.
- Be a product-minded engineer: Show that you are not just a coder but that you are also passionate about building great products.
- Be a lifelong learner: The world of e-commerce is constantly evolving. Show that you are passionate about learning and that you are always looking for new ways to improve your skills.