Front end job for a backend engineer
I was thinking of mixing things up and apply to an app based company, Uber, Lyft, Airbnb, etc. but I’m senior engineer 10 yoe in backend java services. Would I be laughed out of an interview when I say I’m great with leetcode, even better in architecting system designs, but I’ve never done objective C/Swift a day in my life, some scripting languages like python/JavaScript, etc. Do they simply value deep knowledge that can learn skills quickly or only immediate experience in the practical skills?
All the front end role interview I have done at fang were heavily concentrated on JavaScript questions plus few rounds of algorithms and system design. And I agree with ko8 that you can also do backend jobs at these companies; not all roles are user interface related. Personally I find backend job easier than front end. Others may feel differently.
Except when you have to deal with sql.
I was in a similar boat when applying. It's totally normal so feel free to apply. Do you want to do front end work ? might want to get the foot in the door using backend interview and pick a product team which supports that.
You wouldn’t have a problem transitioning to a junior android role.
Not at all. There's tons of backend only roles in app-based companies like that. When interviewing, they probably won't even ask if you know how to program apps.