Senior Backend Software Engineer

📋 Description

• • The Zebra, a four-time honoree as a Best Place to Work in Austin, is at the forefront of transforming how connected consumers research and purchase insurance. We are deeply committed to fostering diverse teams where everyone feels a sense of belonging, embodying our motto, "All Stripes Welcome." This commitment translates into valuing a wide spectrum of backgrounds and perspectives, both traditional and non-conventional. Our team members, known as Zeebs, are characterized by their passion for continuous learning, professional growth, and collaborative problem-solving.
• • We are actively seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join our dynamic herd. The ideal candidate will possess the flexibility to contribute across our product suite, with a primary focus on the back-end components of our codebase. This role offers the opportunity to engage in diverse projects, including expanding into new insurance verticals, enhancing our existing insurance line comparison experiences, developing and maintaining integrations with partners, and supporting our content and marketing initiatives aimed at driving site traffic and elevating The Zebra's brand recognition.
• • This position requires comfort and proficiency in working with both experimental, rapid-prototyping projects and the development of long-term, sustainable, and scalable solutions. Our software engineers are instrumental in guiding projects from initial specification through conceptualization and execution, delivering solutions that are characterized by high quality, creativity, simplicity, and sophistication.
• • The Zebra offers a flexible work environment, allowing employees to choose their work arrangement. You can opt for fully remote work within the U.S., join us in our Austin, Texas office, or adopt a hybrid model that blends the structure of office work with the convenience of remote flexibility. We support the work setup that best suits your individual needs and preferences.
• • Key responsibilities will involve assisting in the design, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of The Zebra's core comparison product, as well as other key products. This will be achieved using a modern technology stack including Python, Tornado, Django, ReactJS, and NodeJS, among others.
• • You will be responsible for delivering code that is focused, maintainable, and performs exceptionally well across various business domains. This includes adding new functionalities to existing cloud-hosted microservices and creating entirely new features to support our strategic expansion into new insurance lines.
• • A significant aspect of this role involves close collaboration with fellow engineers, designers, and engineering leadership. This partnership is crucial for the rapid development, iteration, testing, and deployment of new features and products, while simultaneously upholding the integrity and robustness of our codebase.
• • You will play a key role in improving and scaling our existing products and internal tools to effectively support our continuous growth and evolving business needs.
• • As a Senior Software Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader within the team, contributing to the growth and development of other engineers through exemplary work and mentorship.
• • We seek individuals who demonstrate a strong sense of ownership over their work, possess excellent communication and collaboration skills, and are committed to the principles of continuous improvement in all aspects of their professional endeavors.
• • The role requires a B.A., B.S., or M.S. in Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience demonstrating strong self-taught fundamentals. A minimum of 5-7 years of professional programming experience is expected.
• • A solid understanding and practical experience with at least one of the following programming languages are essential: Python, Ruby, Java, C++, or Go, with Python being the preferred language of choice.
• • Significant experience with both relational and/or NoSQL databases is required.
• • Proficiency in working with internal and external APIs, particularly within B2B application contexts, is a key requirement.
• • Exceptional and proven web development experience is necessary for success in this role.
• • Candidates should be eager to take full ownership of their tasks, actively collaborating with stakeholders and fellow developers throughout the entire product development lifecycle.
• • A demonstrated track record of delivering high-quality code in a timely manner, with a practical understanding of balancing perfection with pragmatic delivery, is highly valued.
• • Experience in coaching and mentoring junior engineers is a significant advantage.
• • Prior experience working with consumer-facing web products, in growth-stage startup environments, and/or leveraging A/B testing and data-driven decision-making for product development will be highly impressive.
• • Familiarity with Python, Tornado, Django, AWS, JavaScript, React, microservice architectures, and web API design principles will be considered a strong asset.
• • Experience with SEO technologies and best practices is also a plus.
• • The Zebra is committed to creating inclusive and healthy work environments. All employees are encouraged to join or initiate Employee Resource Groups, fostering community and shared interests.
• • The base salary range for this position is $140,000 - $170,000 per year. The final salary determination will be based on a comprehensive evaluation of factors including experience, acquired skills, internal equity considerations, and insights gathered during the interview process.