Software Engineer, Backend
About The Position
Shepherd is rebuilding commercial insurance with software, data, AI, and underwriting expertise, initially focused on construction and energy. Its platform supports data collection, automated underwriting, and policy administration, turning complex project submissions into insurance coverage. The company works with established insurers to back its products. The Backend Software Engineer will lead major initiatives and own a significant area of the product experience, driving technical decisions for their domain. The role works across the stack and across disciplines, including underwriting, design, and product management. It contributes to product strategy and architecture as well as implementation, balances innovation with pragmatic delivery, and helps shape company culture by mentoring engineers as the team grows. The engineer will collaborate closely with product management, the CTO, underwriters, actuaries, and other insurance-team members.
Requirements
- At least 5 years of work experience, preferably as a full-stack engineer, with a track record of delivering high-impact products.
- Experience with JavaScript or TypeScript in backend and/or frontend development.
- Experience working in insurance, such as in a prior InsurTech or actuarial role.
- Ability to take ownership, deliver results, and maintain high technical and product quality.
- Strong communication skills, including explaining technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Experience leading or making a major contribution to significant projects, and willingness to mentor other engineers.
- Ability to work with ambiguity, wear multiple hats, and adapt ideas when presented with better solutions.
Nice To Haves
- Full-stack engineering experience.
Responsibilities
- Lead major initiatives and own a large area of Shepherd's product experience across its platform verticals.
- Drive technical decisions for the engineer's domain.
- Work across the stack and collaborate across disciplines, including underwriting, design, and product management.
- Contribute to product strategy and architectural decisions, in addition to implementation.
- Balance innovation and awareness of emerging technology with pragmatic delivery of quality products.
- Help build company culture and mentor other engineers as the team scales.
- Collaborate closely with product management, the CTO, underwriters, actuaries, and the wider insurance team.
- Take end-to-end ownership of features and systems, from conception through release.
Benefits
- 100% company contribution to health, dental, and vision coverage.
- Fertility benefits and family-building support.
- Flexible PTO.
- Daily lunches, dinners, and snacks.
- Offices in San Francisco, New York City, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
- Professional development, including access to premium coaching and leadership development.
- Competitive 401(k) plan.
- Dog-friendly office in San Francisco.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
