Software Engineer, Backend

Shepherd is an MGU platform purpose-built to launch and scale commercial insurance products with speed, efficiency, and precision. Leveraging AI to eliminate administrative underwriting, we streamline workflows and drive faster decision-making, while differentiating through proprietary, industry-specific data that enhances risk selection.

We’re building a platform that incentivizes clients to adopt high-impact risk management tools—bridging the gap between available technology and its widespread underuse across construction and other commercial markets.

To date, Shepherd has raised over $20M from leading investors, including Spark Capital, Costanoa Ventures, Intact Ventures and several more.

About You

We're looking for a talented software engineer who's passionate about what we're building and ready to do the best work of their career. You thrive on ownership, drive results, and care deeply about both technical excellence and customer impact.

You would be our dream candidate if...

• You aren't afraid of ambiguity, and it may even excite you

• You enjoy shipping product every day (maybe multiple times a day) while maintaining high quality standards

• You enjoy wearing multiple hats while solving problems; as an engineer, product manager, and designer

• You take end-to-end ownership of features and systems, from conception through release

• You care about the built-world and how to improve construction safety and productivity

• You care about others' growth and welcome mentoring other engineers — you've led or been a major contributor on significant projects

• You have strong opinions, weakly held — you advocate for your ideas but adapt when presented with better solutions

• You communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

• You have some experience with insurance – either from a prior InsurTech role or actuarial role

• You have experience working with Javascript/Typescript (backend and/or frontend)

• You have at least 5+ years of working experience (preferably as a full-stack engineer) with a track record of delivering high-impact products

About the Role

Shepherd's platform consists of three primary elements: data collection, automated underwriting, and policy administration.

• You will lead major initiatives and own a large area of Shepherd's product experience, in each vertical while driving technical decisions for your domain

• You will work across the stack, even across different disciplines (e.g. underwriting, design, product management)

• You will play an integral role in building our culture as the company grows and mentor other engineers as we scale the team

• You will balance innovation with pragmatic delivery — staying current with emerging tech while shipping quality products

• You will contribute to product strategy and architectural decisions, not just implementation

• You will collaborate closely with PM, Mo (CTO) and the insurance team (underwriters, actuaries and more!)

Our Tech Stack

Frontend

• React & Next.js

• Typescript

• GraphQL w/ Apollo

Backend

• Node.js

• Postgres & Redis

• Typescript

• GraphQL APIs

Compensation

• The cash compensation range for this role is $170,000 - $220,000

• Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range(s) listed is just one component of Shepherd's total compensation package for employees. Other benefits include meaningful equity with significant upside potential, an unlimited paid time off policy, and 100% coverage on medical, vision and dental insurance.

Premium Healthcare 100% contribution to top-tier health, dental, and vision

Unlimited PTO Flexibility to take the time off, recharge, and perform

SF, NYC, or Dallas Fort Worth Offices Premium office spaces on both coasts with daily lunches provided

Professional Development Access to premium coaching including leadership development

401(k) Plan Competitive 401(k) plan offered