This “Meet the Trulian” features Trulia’s Lead Engineer for iOS products, Sofiane Oubraham. Sofiane joined Trulia last year to manage all of Trulia’s iOS product development. Read on to learn about Sofiane’s day-to-day at Trulia and how he got into this role.
What’s your role at Trulia?
I’m currently the lead on the iOS consumer engineering team. We’re responsible for building out the engaging consumer facing Trulia iOS products across all Apple’s platforms. My typical day starts with grooming our engineering product backlog and making sure the team’s priorities are set for the day and are trending accordingly. Throughout the day, I’m either reviewing code changes and merges with engineers or hosting a deep-dive white boarding session on larger architecture initiatives. I also attend many planning meetings with the product team and other stakeholders to make sure the innovation we’re building today aligns us with Trulia’s long-term roadmap and goals.
What inspired you to get into your role?
I’ve always been passionate about creating engaging user experiences. I started building immersive experiences with web and Java tools and then Flash/Flex. When Apple introduced iOS, it was a natural progression for me to start development on that platform as well.
When the opportunity presented itself at Trulia specifically, it felt like a great fit for a number of reasons. I was excited by the opportunity and challenge to build a world-class mobile app experience that will affect millions of people who are either starting their journey to home ownership or looking for that next great rental. Additionally, I’ve always wanted to move the West Coast (grew up in Jersey) to immerse myself into the booming tech startup scene so what better way?
What was your dream job growing up and why?
I actually wanted to be a chef growing up. I’ve always enjoyed helping my mom in the kitchen. I love the need for attention to detail when cooking a great dish, which I guess translates well to building high-quality software.
If you could have drinks with one tech luminary – dead or alive – whom would it be and why? And, what would your first question be?
I’m an Apple fan, so it would probably be Steve Jobs. I’ve always been intrigued by Apple’s “shippable” standards, so my first question would be: “How do you know if the product is ready both from design and function?”
What’s the one gadget or personal tech item you cannot live without and why?
These days I’d have to say my Apple Watch. I’ve been trying to be more active and healthy, and it’s become an essential tool for me to track my progress without having to worry about recording all my stats. I also enjoy the friendly reminders it sends me to take a break when I’m at work.
What’s your proudest accomplishment and why?
I’ve always been a believer in being healthy, so I’d say it’s when I lost 120 pounds six years ago. It had such a positive impact on my overall well-being. I’m not necessarily one for resolutions, but I’m determined to achieve that goal again.
If you could master one talent or skill that you don’t have now what would it be and why?
Might be surprising to some, but meditation would be on the top of that list. The more I read about the benefits, the more I’m hooked. I think it would be a great tool in stressful situations. I have to say, I’m a bit jealous of those who possess that mastery.
If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?
To pause or stop time, like the girl from the 80’s show, “Out of this World.” Life moves so fast – sometimes too fast – so it would be great to pause and adjust in real time.
If you could time travel, would you go into the future or past and why?
I would definitely go into the past. There are so many people I’d love to go back and speak with, including my mom. Sadly, she passed away after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer and I’d love to catch up with her. I mean, who wouldn’t want to go back to connect with people they admire?!
