Senior Software Engineer, Back-End Focus - Kin

Quick Summary

Build scalable Ruby and TypeScript applications that power Kin’s insurance platform. Solve complex problems, mentor engineers, and ship high-impact features in a fast-moving environment.

Note: At this time, Kin is unable to sponsor employment visas for this role.
Hiring Locations: Eligible candidates must reside in one of 41 supported US states or Ontario, Canada, with a strong preference for Central or Eastern time zones (CDT/EDT).

Who We Are

Kin makes life simpler, more affordable, and better for homeowners — especially in the places where climate risks, rising costs, and outdated systems make it hardest. We start with smarter homeowners insurance and expand to everything homeowners need to thrive.

Using data, technology, and thoughtful human support, we’re building products that are clear, fair, and help homeowners feel confident. Founded in 2016, Kin is a remote-first employer with team members across more than 35 states, serving customers in 13 states (and counting).

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Senior Software Engineer to help us build and scale the products that power Kin’s insurance platform. As we continue to grow, we’re investing in strengthening our core systems while accelerating the delivery of new features that improve the homeowner experience.

In this role, you’ll tackle complex engineering challenges across our Ruby-based backend and TypeScript front-end systems. You’ll collaborate closely with Product, QA, and cross-functional partners to ship high-quality features using Scrum methodologies. Beyond delivery, you’ll play a key role in elevating engineering standards — mentoring junior engineers, contributing to architectural decisions, and helping ensure our systems remain reliable, maintainable, and scalable.

Your Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain scalable backend services in Ruby, with occasional contributions in Python and TypeScript.
• Develop and enhance front-end functionality using modern JavaScript frameworks and TypeScript.
• Lead and contribute to architectural and design discussions that improve long-term system maintainability.
• Ship large, complex features from concept through deployment with high quality and strong testing practices.
• Participate actively in Scrum ceremonies including daily standups, sprint planning, and retrospectives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, QA, PMO, and other engineering teams to align technical solutions with business goals.
• Mentor junior engineers through pair programming, code reviews, and technical guidance.
• Advocate for thoughtful technical investments and clearly articulate trade-offs to stakeholders.
• Contribute to improving development workflows, tooling, and engineering best practices.

Success in This Role

In your first 6–12 months at Kin, success is less about checking boxes and more about the impact you create:

• Feature Delivery: Successfully ship multiple complex features that deliver measurable value to customers or internal stakeholders.
• System Quality: Improve system reliability, performance, or maintainability through architectural contributions.
• Mentorship: Help junior engineers demonstrate growth and increased confidence through your guidance.
• Communication: Ensure technical trade-offs are clearly understood across cross-functional teams.

What You’ll Bring

Core Experience & Technical Skills

• Demonstrated track record of shipping large, complex software projects in production environments.
• Fluency in Ruby and experience working with Python or TypeScript.
• Experience with PostgreSQL or other relational databases.
• Experience contributing to architectural design and technical decision-making.
• Ability to articulate the value and trade-offs of technical investments.
• Experience mentoring engineers through code reviews, pairing, or informal leadership.
• Familiarity with modern JavaScript frameworks such as React, Vue, or Angular.
• Experience operating within Agile/Scrum development environments.

Working Style & Environment

• Comfortable in a fast-paced startup environment with evolving priorities.
• Ability to operate independently with limited technical guidance.
• Strong communication skills and cross-functional collaboration experience.
• Located in Central or Eastern US time zones (CDT or EDT) strongly preferred.

How We Support You

• Compensation & Retirement: Competitive salary, RSUs (equity), and a 401(k) with company match up to 4%.
• Health & Medical: Multiple medical plan options, dental, vision, company-funded HSA contributions, plus company-paid life and short-term disability insurance.
• Wellbeing: Supplemental insurance options, access to mental health support, flexible PTO (most take 15–20 days/year), and 8 company holidays.
• Parental Leave: Up to 14 weeks at 100% pay for birthing parents and 8 weeks at 100% pay for non-birthing parents.
• Growth: Professional development budgets for certifications, conferences, and learning.