Autoscaler ignores queue depth
Your async job system processes webhooks via SQS + a worker fleet that autoscales on CPU. A burst of inbound webhooks (a partner did a backfill) pushes the SQS `ApproximateNumberOfMessagesVisible` from a few hundred to 1.2M. Queue age climbs to 40 minutes and downstream partners start complaining about delayed callbacks, but the worker autoscaler barely adds capacity — worker CPU sits around 35% because each job spends most of its time waiting on an external HTTP call. How do you triage and clear the backlog?
What a strong answer looks like
Stop the bleeding first (mitigate), then form hypotheses from real signals. Separate root cause from symptom, communicate status as you go, and close with what prevents a repeat.
0:00 of about 35 min
Which questions mattered is sealed until you submit. Telling you now would just be handing over the edge cases.
Run or narrate your approach, then ask the coach.