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Staff Software Engineer (San Francisco)

Who we are:

Nirvana is on a mission to modernize commercial insurance and enable a safer world. Our technology platform delivers modern insurance & risk management to not only help our customers protect their businesses, but actually improve safety for everyone.

To start, we’re transforming the legacy, $750B+ commercial insurance industry through cutting-edge predictive models using real-time IoT data (~50B connected devices by 2030), automation to deliver instantaneous quotes & faster underwriting, & proactive, data-driven insights to help customers prevent accidents. 

Backed by top-tier VCs including General Catalyst & Lightspeed Ventures, Nirvana became the fastest insurtech EVER to launch in Jan 2022 and crossed >$10M run rate in under 6 months, more than 2x faster than best-in-class insurtechs. Our leadership team has helped scale multi-billion dollar companies from scratch including Samsara, Rubrik, Acko & Flexport, and includes industry veterans from Hiscox, AIG, The Hartford & RLI.

About the team:

The Pricing Engineering team is at the forefront of developing and managing both the pricing strategies and the dynamic Pricing Platform within Nirvana's solutions. Our platform not only supports new business lines but also enhances pricing accuracy and reproducibility for existing ones, all within a unified framework. In the commercial insurance industry, where pricing is predominantly influenced by anticipated future risks, we leverage 15B miles of telematics data as our differentiator alongside traditional factors, collaborating closely with the Data Science organization and business teams. To support business expansion, we facilitate controlled experiments to explore various risk scenarios, aiming to boost the top line while maintaining a healthy profitability. This approach empowers the business to offer more competitive quotes, ultimately propelling our financial success. We have ambitious plans to directly influence the company’s top-line growth.

Responsibilities:

  • Design and lead the implementation of scalable pricing strategies to help drive top line for the business. 

  • Architect Pricing platform to support launching experiments, analytics and tracking. 

  • Drive innovation: Navigate and resolve technical challenges, providing clear guidance and vision for team members to inspire and lead innovative solutions.

  • Guide cross-functional engineering efforts, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

About you:
You are a strategic thinker with a strong ability to architect, design, and lead the implementation of dynamic business requirements into innovative product solutions that drive top-line growth. Comfortable with ambiguity, you tackle complex technical challenges with precision, employing data and analytics to guide design decisions. Your ability to delve deeply into technical details while maintaining a clear articulation of the broader system architecture inspires and guides engineering teams. With a proven track record in delivering 0-1 projects, you excel at leading engineering efforts, ensuring technical alignment and fostering collaboration to achieve shared objectives. This position requires you to work from our SF office 2x/week.

Technical Expertise: 

  • Deep expertise in designing and implementing highly scalable, fault-tolerant, and distributed systems. 

  • Strong understanding of cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and cloud-native technologies (containers, serverless, etc.). 

  • Proficiency in Go, Java, or other programming languages. Experience with relational and NoSQL databases, data warehousing, and data streaming technologies. 

  • 8+ years of experience in system architecture and software development, preferably within the financial systems/lending/insurance sector.

Preferred skills:  

  • Experience in pricing engineering and/or insurance industry

  • Proficiency in analyzing real-time data to guide decision-making. 

  • Experience in building models to predict future risks and opportunities.

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary & equity

  • Medical, dental & vision insurance

  • 401k with company match

  • Unlimited PTO

  • Work from home friendly

We set our salary ranges using compensation data from companies similar to our stage and size For this role, the estimated base salary range for this position is $230,000 - $266,000. The actual base salary will vary depending on multiple factors unique to each candidate, including location, job-related knowledge, transferable skills, work experience and our assessment of your level during the interview process. Nirvana offers equity for all full-time employees, which is not included in the range listed above and will have an impact on your overall compensation.

Nirvana offers a wide range of best-in-class, comprehensive benefits including 100% employer paid healthcare plans, an up to 4% 401k match program, paid time off, parental leave, wellness reimbursement, work-from-home stipend and more. Nirvana is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you’re interested in this role, but do not meet 100% of the qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply. We'd like to consider you for this position and roles that may be a fit in the future.

Nirvana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics or any other basis forbidden under federal, state, or local law. Nirvana considers all qualified applicants in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

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Average salary estimate

$248000 / YEARLY (est.)
min
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$230000K
$266000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Staff Software Engineer (San Francisco), Nirvana Insurance

At Nirvana, we’re on a mission to revolutionize the commercial insurance industry, and we're looking for a talented Staff Software Engineer to join our dynamic Pricing Engineering team in San Francisco. As part of this innovative team, you’ll be tasked with designing and implementing cutting-edge pricing strategies that not only drive our top-line growth but also enhance the pricing accuracy of our products. Our technology platform is sleek and modern, leveraging real-time IoT data and predictive models. You’ll have the chance to architect a pricing platform that supports analytics, experimentation, and tracking, all while navigating technical challenges that inspire creative solutions. Collaborating closely with Data Science and business teams, you'll help facilitate experiments that explore various risk scenarios, empowering us to provide competitive quotes while ensuring profitability. If you love tackling complex technical problems, thrive on ambiguity, and have a knack for leading engineering efforts, Nirvana is the place for you. You’ll get to bring your expertise in cloud platforms, programming languages like Go or Java, and systems architecture to a forward-thinking environment. Plus, with our awesome benefits such as competitive salary, equity options, and the flexibility to work from home, you’ll have everything you need to succeed. Come help us improve safety for everyone while transforming the insurance landscape!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Staff Software Engineer (San Francisco) Role at Nirvana Insurance
What are the responsibilities of a Staff Software Engineer at Nirvana?

As a Staff Software Engineer at Nirvana, key responsibilities include designing and leading the implementation of scalable pricing strategies, architecting a dynamic pricing platform, and driving innovation by resolving technical challenges. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with strategic objectives, all while focusing on boosting the company's top-line growth.

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What qualifications are needed for the Staff Software Engineer role at Nirvana?

The ideal candidate for the Staff Software Engineer position at Nirvana should have over 8 years of experience in software development, specifically within the financial systems, lending, or insurance sectors. Proficiency in cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, or Azure is important, along with expertise in Go, Java, or similar languages, and a proven ability to design scalable and fault-tolerant systems.

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What technical skills should a Staff Software Engineer possess to succeed at Nirvana?

A Staff Software Engineer at Nirvana should have deep expertise in distributed systems design, strong understanding of cloud-native technologies, and experience with both relational and NoSQL databases. Familiarity with data streaming technologies and the ability to analyze real-time data is also essential in guiding strategic pricing decisions.

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What kind of work environment can a Staff Software Engineer expect at Nirvana?

Nirvana fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. Staff Software Engineers are expected to work from the San Francisco office 2 days a week, allowing for both in-person collaboration and the flexibility of remote work to accommodate a healthy work-life balance.

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What are the growth opportunities for a Staff Software Engineer at Nirvana?

At Nirvana, a Staff Software Engineer can look forward to significant professional growth opportunities. As the company scales, you will be contributing directly to strategies that influence top-line growth, with the chance to take on leadership roles in cross-functional teams. Nirvana encourages continuous learning and career advancement through collaboration and innovation.

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Common Interview Questions for Staff Software Engineer (San Francisco)
Can you describe your experience in developing scalable systems?

When answering this question, focus on specific projects where you designed and implemented scalable systems. Highlight the technologies used, the challenges faced, and the impact of your work on the organization’s goals, especially within the insurance or financial sectors.

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How do you approach designing a pricing platform?

Discuss your methodology for platform design, including gathering requirements, considering scalability, and ensuring fault tolerance. Emphasize your experience with various architectures and how you tackle challenges based on data-driven insights.

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What is your experience with cloud platforms like AWS or GCP?

Share your specific experiences with cloud platforms, detailing projects where you implemented services, configured environments, or ensured security and scalability. Highlight any certifications or training relevant to cloud technologies.

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Describe a situation when you had to lead a cross-functional team.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to outline a specific project. Focus on your leadership role, how you ensured collaboration, and the successful outcomes of the team's efforts, showcasing your ability to guide diverse groups toward common objectives.

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How do you stay current with industry trends in software engineering?

Mention specific resources you use to keep informed, such as thought leaders, blogs, webinars, and courses. Highlight an instance where you applied a new trend or technology in your work that positively impacted your projects.

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What programming languages are you proficient in, and how have you applied them?

Be specific and discuss the programming languages you excel in, including Go and Java. Provide examples of projects where these languages were pivotal, emphasizing how you leveraged unique features for scalability and performance.

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How would you handle a technical challenge during implementation?

Talk about your problem-solving process. Emphasize the importance of thorough investigation, collaboration with team members, and leveraging data and analytics to make informed decisions. Share an example where you successfully navigated a technical hurdle.

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Can you give an example of an innovative solution you've developed?

Describe a specific challenge you faced and the innovative solution you devised. Focus on creativity, technical execution, and how this solution benefited the overall project or organization.

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How do you ensure alignment of your projects with business objectives?

Discuss your approach to project management, including regular communication with stakeholders, understanding business goals, and adjusting technical strategies based on feedback and insights. Highlight an instance where your project directly contributed to achieving business outcomes.

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What motivates you as a Staff Software Engineer in the insurance sector?

Share your passion for technology and how it can positively impact industries like insurance. Talk about the thrill of solving real-world problems and your commitment to continuous improvement in both processes and products.

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Nirvana is on a mission to modernize commercial insurance and enable a safer world.

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Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
March 7, 2025

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