Senior Engineer - Java [Hybrid]

Government Employees Insurance Company; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

GEICO is seeking a Software Engineer to join its AI-enabled insurance technology team in a fast-paced, startup-like environment. You will develop scalable Java-based backend services, collaborate across the full software lifecycle, and apply ML/AI techniques using Kafka, Spark, and cloud tools.

Ideal candidates combine strong programming in Java/Python with distributed systems experience, Docker/Kubernetes, and PostgreSQL optimization, plus a drive to innovate in a leading auto insurer setting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Java and distributed systems design.
• Strong knowledge of modern backend technologies and APIs.
• Experience with cloud platforms and AI/ML tooling is valued.

Responsibilities

• Scope, design, and build scalable distributed systems.
• Collaborate across the software lifecycle and mentor juniors.
• Develop data pipelines and integrate ML models in production.
• Work with Java, Python, JavaScript and containerized services.
• Optimize PostgreSQL design and implement reliable solutions.
• Support performance monitoring and security best practices.

Skills

Java

Python

SQL

C++

Education

BS in Computer Science or related

Tools

Kafka

Spark

PostgreSQL

Docker

Kubernetes

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

Why Join GEICO?

At GEICO, we offer a rewarding career where your ambitions are met with endless possibilities. Every day we honor our iconic brand by offering quality coverage to millions of customers and being there when they need us most. We thrive on relentless innovation to exceed our customers' expectations while making a real impact on local communities nationwide. Founded in 1936, GEICO is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and one of the largest auto insurers in the United States. When you join our company, we want you to feel valued, supported, and proud to work here. That's why we offer the GEICO Pledge: Great Company, Great Culture, Great Rewards, and Great Careers.

Position Summary

Join a team that's rewriting the rules of insurance technology through AI-driven innovation. You'll be at the forefront of our digital transformation, working with cutting-edge artificial intelligence, machine learning, and modern technologies while helping establish GEICO as a leader in insurance innovation. Leverage the power of AI to build intelligent systems that transform how customers interact with insurance, how claims are processed, and how risks are assessed in real-time.

Position Description

Our Software Engineer is a key member of the engineering staff working across the organization to provide friction-less experiences to our customers while maintaining the highest standards of protection and availability. Our team thrives in delivering high-quality Java-based technology products and services in a hyper-growth environment where priorities shift quickly. The ideal candidate has solid Java development skills, understanding of distributed systems concepts, and experience or strong interest in learning modern backend technologies including Apache Kafka, Apache Spark, microservices, Kubernetes, and PostgreSQL optimization. Exposure to learn AI technologies like SparkML, TensorFlow, and AI agents is highly valued.

Position Responsibilities

• Scope, design, and build scalable, resilient distributed systems with guidance from senior team members
• Build product definition and leverage your technical skills to drive towards the right solution
• Engage in cross-functional collaboration throughout the entire software lifecycle
• Participate in design sessions and code reviews with peers to elevate the quality of engineering across the organization
• Define, create, and support reusable application and database components/patterns from a business and technology perspective
• Utilize programming languages like Java, Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, and Container Orchestration services including Docker and Kubernetes, and a variety of Azure tools and services across the software development life cycle (task management, source code, building, deployment, operations, real-time communication) to perform Java application design and PostgreSQL database design, implementation, and maintenance
• Exposure to Flutter and ReactJS development is an advantage for cross-platform mobile and web application development
• Work with ML technologies including TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit-learn to integrate machine learning models into production Java applications
• Develop and maintain Agentic AI systems that automate business processes and enhance customer experiences
• Implement data pipelines using Apache Kafka and Spark for ML model inference and training
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing initiatives

Qualifications

• Fluency and specialization with at least two modern languages such as Java, C++, Python or C# including object-oriented design
• Proven understanding of micro-services architecture and extensible REST APIs
• Advanced understanding of DevOps Concepts and Cloud Architecture
• Experience building the architecture and design (architecture, design patterns, reliability, and scaling) of new and current systems
• Experience with PostgreSQL database design, implementation, and administration
• Experience with application monitoring tools and performance assessments
• Experience of Kubernetes, continuous delivery, and infrastructure as code
• Experience of developer tooling across the software development life cycle (task management, source code, building, deployment, operations, real-time communication)
• Knowledge of AI/ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn and understanding of machine learning model integration
• Exposure to Agentic AI systems and autonomous decision-making frameworks is a plus
• Experience with Flutter for cross-platform mobile development is an advantage
• Knowledge of ReactJS and modern frontend frameworks for web application development is beneficial
• Knowledge of security protocols and products: Understanding of Active Directory, Windows Authentication, SAML, OAuth
• In-depth knowledge of CS data structures and algorithms
• Advanced SQL scripting skills
• Strong problem-solving ability
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, startup-like environment
• Experience 4+ years of professional software development experience within Java frameworks with distributed systems.
• 3+ years of experience with system architecture, design patterns, and scalable backend development.
• 3+ years of experience with AWS, GCP, Azure, or another cloud service, preferably with AI/ML services.
• 2+ years of experience with big data technologies, real-time processing, or machine learning frameworks.
• 1+ years of experience with Apache Kafka, Spark, or similar distributed data processing technologies.
• Experience with AI/ML model integration in production environments (preferred)
• Education Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent education or work experience.
• Additional coursework or certification in AI/ML, data engineering, or distributed systems (preferred)

Annual Salary

#LI-JK1 Annual Salary $105,000.00 - $215,000.00 The above annual salary range is a general guideline. Multiple factors are taken into consideration to arrive at the final hourly rate/ annual salary to be offered to the selected candidate. Factors include, but are not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, the selected candidate’s work experience, education and training, the work location as well as market and business considerations. GEICO will consider sponsoring a new qualified applicant for employment authorization for this position.

GEICO Pledge

• Great Company: Protecting customers through life’s twists and turns with innovation and integrity.
• Great Careers: Personalized development programs, mentorship, and certification assistance.
• Great Culture: Inclusive and collaborative culture rooted in shared success.
• Great Rewards: Competitive pay, benefits, and flexibility to support your well-being and future.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The equal employment opportunity policy of the GEICO Companies provides for a fair and equal employment opportunity for all associates and job applicants regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law. GEICO hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. GEICO reasonably accommodates qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to receive equal employment opportunity and/or perform the essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship to the Company. This applies to all applicants and associates. GEICO also provides a work environment in which each associate is able to be productive and work to the best of their ability. We do not condone or tolerate an atmosphere of intimidation or harassment. We expect and require the cooperation of all associates in maintaining an atmosphere free from discrimination and harassment with mutual respect by and for all associates and applicants.

At GEICO,we offer a rewarding career where your ambitions are met with endless possibilities. Every day we honor our iconic brand by offering quality coverage to millions of customers and being there when they need us most. We thrive on relentless innovation to exceed our customers' expectations while making a real impact on local communities nationwide. Founded in 1936, GEICO is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and one of the largest auto insurers in the United States. Opportunities for Students & Grads Learn more about GEICO Benefits