BigCommerce is the SaaS e-commerce platform competing with Shopify — used by 60K+ stores and many enterprise brands. The interview emphasizes multi-tenant SaaS, store customization, and the realities of being the runner-up to Shopify in a competitive market.
Process
Recruiter screen → 60-minute coding phone (DSA medium) → onsite virtual: 2 coding, 1 system design, 1 craft deep-dive, 1 behavioral. Cycle: 3–4 weeks.
What they actually ask
- Design multi-tenant catalog and storefront system
- Design a flexible theme/template engine
- Design a payment integration framework supporting multiple processors
- Coding: medium DSA, often with multi-tenancy framing
- Behavioral: customer focus, ownership, navigating mature SaaS
Levels and comp (2026)
- SE II: $135K–$170K total
- Senior SE: $200K–$260K
- Staff: $290K–$380K
- Principal: $400K–$520K
Prep priorities
- Be fluent in PHP (legacy core) and Node.js/TypeScript (newer services)
- Understand multi-tenant SaaS architecture
- Brush up on e-commerce protocols and payment processing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BigCommerce remote-friendly?
Hybrid in Austin (HQ), Sydney, San Francisco. Many engineering roles remote within US.
How does BigCommerce compare to Shopify?
Shopify is the dominant SMB platform; BigCommerce wins more enterprise deals. Shopify engineering pays meaningfully more on equity. BigCommerce comp is mid-tier; benefits and culture solid.
What is the engineering culture?
Mature SaaS — predictable, customer-focused, healthy work-life balance. Less competitive than Shopify but stable.