Staff Software Engineer

Kin Insurance; Remote; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A digital insurer is seeking a Staff Engineer to develop products and features in a Ruby on Rails environment. This role involves writing efficient code, mentoring team members, and leading projects while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Candidates should have extensive coding experience in Ruby on Rails as well as familiarity with Typescript, SQL, and scalable systems. The position supports flexible work arrangements and offers a comprehensive benefits program.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits program

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• 6+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• 4+ years experience coding with Ruby on Rails and Typescript/JavaScript.
• Strong understanding of SQL and RDBMS.
• Experience designing scalable, API-first systems.
• Experience with event-driven architectures.
• Experience in big data engineering is a plus.
• Ability to operate with little-to-no technical guidance.

Responsibilities

• Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code.
• Set standards for the Engineering team.
• Lead pair programming sessions.
• Drive advanced design or architectural tasks.
• Develop technical roadmaps.
• Participate in daily stands and weekly retros.

Skills

Ruby on Rails

Typescript/JavaScript

SQL and RDBMS

API-first systems

Event-driven architectures

AWS and/or Databricks

Mentoring

Startup adaptability

Job description

Kin is redesigning insurance to be smarter, faster, and centered on the customer. We use intelligent pricing, offer seamless bundling, and make every step (from purchasing, servicing to claims) simple and friction‑free, especially in the places traditional insurers often ignore.

We empower people to protect what matters most, starting with their homes and expanding to all they value, in a world where climate risks, rising costs, and outdated systems leave too many behind. Our approach has fostered amazing growth, attracted marquee investors, and earned us accolades, including being named to:

• Built In Chicago's Best Places to Work, Midsize Companies (2021–2025).
• Forbes' America's Best Startup Employers (2021–2024, Ranked #37 in 2024).
• Inc. 5000 Fastest‑Growing Private Companies.
• Forbes’ Fintech 50.

Simply put, our people are what make us great – we need forward‑thinking, inspired game‑changers like you to join us in our mission.

So, what’s the role?

As a Staff Engineer at Kin, you'll develop the products and features that make Kin operate. We're a Ruby on Rails environment with Typescript front‑end and PostgreSQL database, and we apply Agile methodologies to our product and software development processes. In your role, you will have the opportunity to work on more complex engineering problems while collaborating with peers in Dev, Product, Design and other cross‑functional teams. As your team’s technical lead, you'll mentor team members and lead projects.

A day in the life could include:

• Writing clean, maintainable, and efficient code in Ruby on Rails and Typescript
• Setting the standards for the Engineering team by example
• Leading pair programming sessions and providing mentorship to team members
• Driving and fostering advanced design or architectural tasks
• Developing technical roadmaps
• Participating in daily stands and weekly retros
• Working with Design, Product Management, and Customer Support partners to design and implement scalable solutions
• Providing subject matter expertise and support

I’ve got the skills… but do I have the necessary ones?

• 6+ years of professional software engineering experience
• 4+ years experience coding with Ruby on Rails and Typescript/JavaScript
• Strong understanding of SQL and RDBMS, with exposure to NoSQL
• Experience in designing and implementing scalable, API‑first systems
• Experience with event‑driven architectures
• Experience in big data engineering on AWS and/or Databricks is a plus
• Ability to articulate value of technical investments
• Ability to operate with little‑to‑no technical guidance
• Experience mentoring engineers
• Comfortable in a startup environment – we’re fast‑paced, self‑motivated, and determined to change the industry
• A fast learner, ready to bring previous knowledge to this position and continue developing along the way
• Location in Central or Eastern US time zones (CDT & EDT) strongly preferred
• At this time, we are unable to sponsor employment visas

Oh, and don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

This role is eligible for our comprehensive benefits program, which includes standard coverage and additional supplemental benefits.

Applications for this role are accepted on an ongoing basis.

About Kin

Kin is the only pure‑play, direct‑to‑consumer digital insurer focused on the growing home insurance market. We make policies convenient and affordable through a technology platform that delivers a seamless user experience, customized options for coverage, and fast, high‑quality claims service. Kin is a fully licensed carrier that offers coverage through its reciprocal exchanges which are owned by its policyholders. To learn more, visit www.kin.com.

EEOC Statement

Kin is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff­irmative Action Employer. We don't discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Kin welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require accommodation, please contact us by sending an email to [e-mail]