The Engineering Manager role at Reverb is critical for driving the technical direction and fostering a collaborative environment within engineering teams. As an Engineering Manager, you will lead a team of talented engineers, guiding them through the complexities of product development while ensuring alignment with Reverb's mission to connect musicians with the gear they need. This position combines technical expertise with leadership skills, making it pivotal in shaping the future of our platform and ensuring that the engineering efforts directly contribute to an exceptional user experience.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to work on innovative projects that impact a global community of musicians and gear enthusiasts. You will engage with cross-functional teams, including product management and design, to ensure that the engineering team is set up for success in delivering high-quality products. The challenges are multifaceted, including scaling the platform, enhancing user engagement, and maintaining the reliability of our systems. This makes the Engineering Manager position not only impactful but also exciting, as you will be at the forefront of technology and creativity at Reverb.

As you prepare for your interview, be aware that the questions you encounter will be representative of the types typically asked at Reverb but may vary according to the specific team you are interviewing with. The goal here is to illustrate patterns of questioning rather than providing a rigid memorization list.

Technical / Domain Questions

This category assesses your technical knowledge and expertise relevant to the engineering team's work.

• What technologies have you worked with in your previous roles?
• Can you describe a technical challenge you faced and how you addressed it?

Preparation is key to succeeding in your interview for the Engineering Manager position at Reverb. You should focus on understanding the company’s culture, the specific challenges facing the engineering team, and how your experiences align with the role’s demands.

Role-related knowledge – This criterion assesses your technical skills and understanding of relevant technologies. Interviewers will evaluate your ability to lead technical discussions, mentor team members, and make informed decisions.

Problem-solving ability – This evaluates how you approach complex challenges. You should demonstrate a structured thought process and the ability to think critically under pressure.

Leadership – Your ability to influence and guide your team is crucial. Show how you have successfully led teams, facilitated collaboration, and navigated conflicts.

Culture fit / values – Understanding and embodying Reverb's core values will be essential. Be prepared to explain how your work style and values align with those of the company.

The interview process at Reverb for the Engineering Manager role typically involves multiple stages, starting with a phone screen followed by technical interviews and behavioral assessments. Candidates can expect a rigorous evaluation that emphasizes collaboration, technical acumen, and cultural fit.

Throughout the process, interviewers will focus on assessing both your technical capabilities and your ability to lead and inspire a team. Expect to engage in discussions that not only explore your past experiences but also challenge your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

This visual timeline provides a clear overview of the various stages in the interview process. Use it to manage your preparation and energy levels effectively, ensuring you allocate time for each segment of the interview. Be aware that the process may vary slightly depending on your team or location.

Technical Expertise

Technical expertise is paramount for an Engineering Manager at Reverb. You will be evaluated on your knowledge of relevant technologies, software development practices, and architectural principles. Strong performance in this area means you can confidently discuss technical topics and guide your team through complex challenges.

• Software Development Practices – Familiarity with Agile methodologies and best practices.
• System Architecture – Understanding of scalable and reliable system design.
• Code Quality – Knowledge of testing practices and code review processes.
• Advanced Concepts – Familiarity with cloud services, CI/CD, and microservices architecture.

Example questions:

• How do you ensure your team adheres to coding standards?
• Describe your experience with cloud infrastructure and its impact on scalability.

Leadership Skills

Your leadership skills will be critical for managing a successful engineering team. Interviewers will assess your ability to inspire, mentor, and manage diverse personalities within the team. Strong candidates demonstrate emotional intelligence and adaptability.

• Team Building – How you cultivate a supportive team environment.
• Conflict Management – Your approach to resolving team disputes.
• Vision Setting – How you align the team with company goals.
• Advanced Concepts – Strategies for managing remote teams or cross-functional collaboration.

Example questions:

• How do you handle performance issues within your team?
• Can you share an example of how you aligned your team's goals with company objectives?