Meet Jose Luis- Backend Engineer

Can you introduce yourself?

Hey there! I'm Jose Luis, and I'm 28 years old. Currently, I work as a Backend Engineer at the Sparkers Spanish office located in Las Rozas de Madrid. I completed my degree in Software Engineering at Complutense University. Want to know what led me to choose software? Well, it all started when I accidentally broke my computer at the age of 14. I remember spending countless days and nights trying to fix it. The moment I finally managed to repair it, I had an epiphany—I knew right then and there that I wanted to be a part of the exciting world of software.

Can you explain your role at ✨Sparkers ✨?

As I mentioned earlier, I work as a backend engineer, and I have a funny story to share about when I first joined. Initially, I was told that I would be working with 'Ruby' and 'Rails', but it turned out to be 'Groovy' and 'Grails'. However, it wasn't a problem for me at all, and I was able to adapt without any issues. In my role, I focus on designing and developing APIs that can be used by frontends or accessed directly by users. I'm fortunate to be part of an amazing team called Audiences. Our main objective is to gather data from various streaming platforms, perform some magic tricks to transform it, and present the information through either a web application or an API.

What does a normal day for you look like?

Every day, I have a routine that I follow. It starts with making a cup of tea and turning on my computer to see what tasks await me for the day. The rest of the day varies from one day to another, but it always revolves around backend work and the project itself. Some days are filled with unexpected meetings to address urgent issues or to collaborate with the design team and product owner on frontend page designs. Other days are more technically focused, where I immerse myself in designing and implementing APIs or engaging in discussions with colleagues about the latest advancements in software. Overall, my daily activities are diverse and dynamic, allowing me to stay engaged and adaptable in the ever-evolving realm of software development.

Overall, my daily activities are diverse and dynamic, allowing me to stay engaged and adaptable in the ever-evolving realm of software development.

Why do you like ✨Sparkers✨?

This is my first experience working for an international company, and I must say it has exceeded my expectations. The company truly values its employees as individuals, not just numbers on a spreadsheet. They foster a culture of understanding and support, where any problem or issue you may encounter can be openly discussed. There is no rigid hierarchy when it comes to communication, so you can reach out to anyone naturally to discuss any topic. One thing I truly appreciate about this company is their aversion to micromanagement. They place a tremendous amount of trust in each employee, empowering us to take ownership of our work. Additionally, being surrounded by colleagues from diverse backgrounds and cultures has provided me with a broader perspective on the world. Last year, I had the opportunity to visit the company's office in Brussels along with other colleagues from Spain. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to meet face-to-face with teammates I had previously only interacted with online through Teams.

There is no rigid hierarchy when it comes to communication, so you can reach out to anyone naturally to discuss any topic. One thing I truly appreciate about this company is their aversion to micromanagement.

What are your favorite video games & hobbies?

Ever since I was a young child of 2 or 3 years old, I've had a handheld console or controller in my hands, so I've gained extensive experience with video games over the years. I've played a wide variety of games across different genres, ranging from action-platformers and multiplayer shooters to management simulations and story-driven adventures. However, the game that has given me the most enjoyment is World of Warcraft. I have fond memories of gathering with my friends on the night a new expansion was released and playing together until the early hours of the morning. Apart from video games, I've also been playing table tennis since I was 8 years old, as a member of a club. However, I must admit that I'm not as skilled as you might think, hehe. Additionally, I have a keen interest in series, anime, and constantly learning new things. As an example, during my free time, I took up learning Japanese out of boredom and managed to achieve N2 proficiency level in 2022, which is roughly equivalent to a C1 level.