Ruby Engineer
Talent Definition

Category #1:

Core Language
& Frameworks

• Engineers with this competency:

• Good Practices
  & Patterns

  • Consciously apply established practices and patterns
  • Produce code that is easy to maintain and develop for future enhancements

• Proficiency
  in Ruby

  • Possess a solid knowledge of Ruby (e.g., can perform operations on Array, Hash)
  • Comprehend code that utilizes metaprogramming techniques
  • Develop readable and transparent metaprogramming code
  • Explain the inner workings of metaprogramming within the Ruby interpreter and the implications of its usage

• Writing Automated
  Tests

  • Are skilled in creating various types of automated tests (unit, integration, functional)
  • Understand and explain the roles of different test types within the test pyramid
  • Collaborate with other programmers and testers to make and justify decisions on the scope of test automation in different contexts (business, technical, human)

• Frameworks Knowledge

  • Possess knowledge of popular frameworks (e.g., RoR, Sinatra), their features, and optimal applications/use cases

Category #2:

Development Process & Tools

• Engineers with this competency:

• Solutions
  Aligned with Needs

  • Propose solutions that address current business and technical needs
  • Demonstrate flexibility by not restricting themselves to a single solution, architecture, or tool (maintaining a healthy detachment from individual approaches or tools)
  • Identify the pros and cons of various solutions/approaches within different contexts (business, technical, human)
  • Understand and explain the impact and significance of non-functional requirements in choosing the most suitable solution

• OS & Network Understanding

  • Understand fundamental concepts related to operating systems and network communication, and explain their impact on the development of backend solutions
  • Are proficient in using containerization solutions, such as Docker

• Git Proficiency

  • Demonstrate proficiency in using the Git version control system
  • Are familiar with various Git workflows and can recommend one based on different contexts (business, technical, human). Can implement the chosen workflow in the project
  • Understand the influence of the selected workflow on the CI/CD process

• Software Development Process

  • Understand the software development process using agile methodologies
  • Are capable of identifying and reporting issues related to the currently implemented process or methodology

• CI/CD Implementation

  • Are able to optimally configure the CI/CD pipeline in a manner that aligns with the chosen solution architecture, Git workflow, and deployment method on cloud computing platforms (or other server resources)

Category #3:

System Architecture & Management

• Engineers with this competency:

• Solving Technical Problems

  • Effectively diagnose technical problems within a solution or project
  • Propose appropriate solutions for the identified issues

• Cloud Computing Skills

  • Propose an approach for implementing a Ruby backend solution on a chosen cloud computing platform
  • Explain how the selection of cloud computing and its utilization influences code creation and future development of the solution or project
  • Configure Ruby-based solutions for a specific cloud computing platform

• Database Solutions Knowledge

  • Make informed decisions when selecting a database solution, justifying their choice while highlighting potential risks associated with the selected option, especially when choosing between relational and non-relational databases

• Infrastructure Management

  • Understand best practices related to deployment, monitoring, and debugging of a solution deployed in a production environment
  • Can implement and manage an application in production at a basic level

• Message Broker Knowledge

  • Understand the purpose of message broker solutions (e.g., RabbitMQ, Kafka)
  • Can determine whether the use of a message broker is warranted in the developed solution or current project

• Security Requirements Implementation

  • Are knowledgeable about and able to apply strong security practices
  • Can effectively implement security requirements in practice
  • Mitigate both software-related and social engineering threats (e.g., spam, suspicious emails, and questionable attachments)

Category #4:

Requirements
& Analysis

• Engineers with this competency:

• Business Requirements Comprehension

  • Can pinpoint areas within business requirements that need further clarification
  • Are adept at translating business requirements into technical requirements, proposing suitable solutions and planning their implementation

• API Expertise

  • Comprehend the purpose, functionality, and usage of REST APIs
  • Can explain the differences between REST APIs and GraphQL APIs, and identify the factors that determine which type of API is more suitable in a specific situation

• Researching Unknown Solutions

  • Are capable of investigating unknown or previously unused solutions or tools
  • Can present the advantages, disadvantages, or risks associated with the use of the analyzed solution, and recommend a decision regarding its implementation

• Visual Documentation Skills

  • Are capable of creating diagrams that visually represent the developed solution, including system diagrams, process diagrams, flowcharts, and more

• Recruitment Candidate Assessment

  • Can conduct interviews with candidates to verify their technical competencies
  • Can present and justify their recommendations regarding the employment of a particular candidate

Category #1

Interpersonal Skills

• Engineers with this competency:

• Effective Communication

  • Communicate observed issues and proposed changes in a balanced, neutral, and prejudice-free manner (avoiding judgment, self-aggrandizement, or mockery)
  • Express their own needs and challenges within the project (especially encountered difficulties) while maintaining a non-demanding attitude
  • Engage in discussions in a way that fosters conversation
  • Guide discussions towards decision-making or defining a plan of action
  • Actively listen to others in conversations or discussions and navigate the conversation towards a better understanding of the other party’s needs
  • Explain and discuss technical matters with non-technical individuals

• Helpfulness
  and Mentoring

  • Proactively support other team members in completing their tasks (including being open to pair programming)
  • Mentor less experienced team members by identifying areas for improvement/development, sharing knowledge and best practices, and reviewing others’ work
  • Provide neutral feedback that includes clear instructions, encourages changes, and promotes further development
  • Effectively motivate team members and foster a positive working atmosphere

• Transparency

  • Are willing to admit mistakes and not conceal their consequences
  • Can acknowledge ignorance or inexperience and display an attitude focused on acquiring knowledge in areas where it is lacking
  • Do not hide their intentions and objectives (if they impact their work within the team or project)
  • Can openly communicate factors that influence their effectiveness and motivation to work

• Flexibility

  • Can adapt their work style, methodology, and communication to the current team’s needs without compromising effectiveness
  • Adjust the scope of tasks performed according to the team’s requirements (while being able to communicate if the scope or frequency of changes negatively affects their effectiveness and motivation to work – see Transparency)
  • Remain open to the ideas of others (i.e., listen to suggestions, commit to implementing them)
  • Understand the broader context of business needs, technical capabilities, and human potential, and how they impact the team’s functioning

• Responsibility

  • Complete tasks assigned to them
  • Do not evade responsibility for their actions and the consequences that follow
  • Feel accountable for the created solution and openly communicate the risks related to decisions or actions taken on the developed solution (e.g., its quality, security, maintainability)

Category #2

Self-management Skills

• Engineers with this competency:

• English Communication Skills

  • Possess sufficient fluency in English to effectively communicate their needs, observed issues, and ideas
  • Can engage in English conversations on non-technical topics

• Insight

  • Can thoroughly analyze a technical problem and accurately diagnose its cause
  • Can comprehensively analyze a selected solution, approach, or tool and present the method, opportunities, and risks associated with its implementation

• Commitment
  and Proactivity

  • Proactively identify the need to change a solution or its implementation approach
  • Openly signal observed issues and risks in the team or project

• Efficiency

  • Effectively execute assigned tasks (either independently or by involving other team members)
  • Openly and promptly communicate threats (risks), dependencies, and problems that may hinder their ability to carry out tasks efficiently

• Work Organization

  • Complete assigned tasks or duties promptly (including openly communicating the inability to meet agreed deadlines), especially when the work of others depends on them
  • Can prioritize tasks, taking into account the needs of other individuals or the entire team
  • Communicate with other team members during established working hours
  • Are well-prepared for meetings or discussions

AI Tooling

• The engineer with AI tooling competencies:

• Code completion and suggestion

  • Knows tools that use AI to analyse code and suggest code snippets, functions, and variables based on the context in which the user is coding (examples include GitHub Copilot and TabNine).

• Code analysis
  and review

  • Knows tools that use AI to analyse code and provide feedback on code quality, security, and performance (examples include CodeGuru, CodeClimate, and Snyk).

• Testing and debugging

  • Knows tools that use AI to help developers create tests, find bugs, and debug code (examples include: Applitools, Functionize, and Diffblue Cover).

• Enhanced
  Security

  • Knows AI-driven security tools that use machine learning to monitor software for potential vulnerabilities and threats (examples include Darktrace and Snyk).