Staff Software Engineer – Data Platform

Summary Join Guidewire’s Data Platform and Analytics team, a group dedicated to

building and operating our enterprise-grade, cloud-native data platform that

powers mission-critical insights for the world’s leading P&C insurers. We thrive

on collaboration, innovation, and a culture that values curiosity and continuous

learning. Our team leverages the latest in big data and cloud technologies to

deliver scalable, reliable, and secure solutions that drive measurable value for

our customers. As a Staff Software Engineer – Data Platform, you will play a

pivotal role in designing and building next-generation, internet-scale data and

analytics SaaS services. We are seeking a hands-on technical leader with deep

expertise in distributed systems, big data, and cloud-native architectures. This

is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of Guidewire’s data platform,

solve complex engineering challenges, and mentor others while contributing to

our mission of delivering transformative innovation and operational excellence.

Job Description

What you’ll do Architect, design, and implement

high-performance, cloud-native data platform and analytics SaaS services that

process billions of real-time data points. Lead the development of large-scale,

distributed systems using modern big data technologies (Kafka, Hadoop, Spark,

Flink, Hive) and Java/Scala. Drive the design and build of real-time stream

processing systems and microservices, ensuring scalability, reliability, and

data security. Provide technical leadership and mentorship to multiple teams,

fostering a collaborative and innovative engineering culture. Own and resolve

complex code defects, and champion best practices in software development and

system design. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver solutions aligned with

Guidewire’s focus on AI, cloud, and data platform adoption. Emphasize team wins,

strong communication, and agile delivery in a fast-paced environment. At

Guidewire, we foster a culture of curiosity, innovation, and responsible use of

AI—empowering our teams to continuously leverage emerging technologies and

data-driven insights to enhance productivity and outcomes. Required Demonstrated

ability to embrace AI and apply it to your current role as well as data-driven

insights to drive innovation, productivity, and continuous improvement. 12+

years’ experience in software engineering roles focused on data platforms or

data engineering. Deep expertise in Java, with proficiency in designing and

building large-scale distributed systems. Design and development of Machine

Learning Platform. Strong understanding of distributed systems principles

(consistency, availability, durability, reliability, fault-tolerance, consensus

algorithms). Advanced knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and performance

optimization. Experience with Kubernetes, AWS, Docker, and

infrastructure-as-code tools (Terraform/CloudFormation). Proven ability to

design and develop microservices and API-driven systems. Excellent technical

communication and mentoring skills. Eagerness to learn new technologies and a

passion for innovation. Preferred BS or MS degree in Computer Science,

Mathematics, or related field (or equivalent experience). Experience building

data platforms using the modern Big Data stack (Kafka, Hadoop, Spark, Flink,

Hive) on public cloud. Familiarity with ELK, Debezium, and building SaaS/PaaS on

AWS/GCP/Azure. Experience with TeamCity-based CI/CD pipelines. Experience

developing in multiple programming languages and frameworks. Your Impact We

believe in clarity and setting you up for success. In your first six months,

you’ll lead the hands-on design and implementation of core components for

Guidewire’s next-generation data platform, collaborating with cross-functional

teams to deliver scalable, secure, and high-performing solutions. Your work will

directly support Guidewire’s mission to deliver operational excellence and

transformative innovation, accelerating AI, cloud, and data platform adoption

for our customers. As you grow in the role, your technical leadership and

mentorship will influence the direction of our platform and the success of teams

across the organization. What’s in it for you The people we employ give their

all, and in return, we offer flexibility wherever we can, such as: Flexible work

environment (hybrid in San Mateo) Health and wellness benefits Paid time off

programs, including volunteer time off Market-competitive pay and incentive

programs Continual development and internal career growth opportunities All new

hires participate in our in-person orientation process to ensure a strong start

and connection to our unique culture. The US base salary range for this

full-time position is $169,000 - $284,000. Your base pay will depend on your

experience, skills, education, training, and location among other factors. All

full-time positions or part-time roles working 30 hours or more a week at

Guidewire are eligible for benefits that support their health and well-being

including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a company

sponsored retirement plan. In addition, some roles may be eligible for the

annual company bonus plan, commissions, and/or long term incentive awards which

are contingent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, company

and employee performance. Disability Accommodations and Guidewire’s Appeals

Process. Guidewire provides accommodations to the hiring process to create a

fair opportunity for candidates with disabilities to contend for open positions.

Accommodation requests should be directed to [email protected]. If

things do not go as hoped, we invite you to use our appeals process. Guidewire

promises to independently review any denied accommodation and any decision not

to offer you the position. The appeals process is the same in either case.

Within five business days of receiving a notice of denial of an accommodation,

or receiving a notice of your non-selection for a vacancy, e-mail

[email protected] to make an appeal. Guidewire will assign a new

decision-maker to review the request and/or hiring decision, who will then

notify you in writing of a decision within 10 business days. About Guidewire

Guidewire is the platform P&C insurers trust to engage, innovate, and grow

efficiently. We combine digital, core, analytics, and AI to deliver our platform

as a cloud service. More than 540+ insurers in 40 countries, from new ventures

to the largest and most complex in the world, run on Guidewire. As a partner to

our customers, we continually evolve to enable their success. We are proud of

our unparalleled implementation track record with 1600+ successful projects,

supported by the largest R&D team and partner ecosystem in the industry. Our

Marketplace provides hundreds of applications that accelerate integration,

localization, and innovation. For more information, please visit

www.guidewire.com and follow us on Twitter: @Guidewire_PandC. Guidewire

Software, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action

employer. We are committed to an inclusive workplace, and believe that a

diversity of perspectives, abilities, and cultures is a key to our success.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color,

ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, marital status, age,

sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or

disability. All offers are contingent upon passing a criminal history and other

background checks where it's applicable to the position. We’re an extraordinary

blend of hungry self-starters, intrepid explorers, brainy experts, and loyal

allies. Combine all of this, and we make a glorious success story, loaded with

down-to-earth, helpful, and passionate people, all on the journey of cloud

innovation and best in class technology. Guidewire’s an adventure—and it’s yours

for the taking. At Guidewire, we are utterly committed to customer success. We

combine digital, core, analytics, and AI to deliver our platform as a cloud

service to the P&C Insurance industry. And with the largest R&D team, services

team, and partner ecosystem in the industry, we continually evolve and innovate

to meet our customers’ needs. We put our values of Integrity, Rationality, and

Collegiality first, harboring a culture of honesty and openness that our people

never want to lose. And we each bring a little quirkiness—and a little genius—to

the table. As the landscape of our industry continues to shift, we respond with

flexibility and skill. We’re braving uncharted territory, pushing past the

conventional with our products, partners, and people.