Overview of the role

We’re on a mission to modernize insurance, making it simpler, more accessible, and customer-first. The insurance industry is a $1T market that’s remained largely untouched by the digital revolution, and PolicyMe is here to change that. As a remote-first, Toronto-based startup with big ambitions, we’re building the future of insurance in Canada and beyond.

We’re building a groundbreaking new product line that will transform the insurance broker experience through AI and machine learning. As an AI-Driven Full Stack Engineer, you’ll be part of a team charting new territory – designing and implementing intelligent systems that automate manual processes and unlock powerful data-driven insights.

You will work across the stack, contributing to front end, back end, and AI/ML initiatives, while also participating in architecture discussions, release planning, and company-wide engineering initiatives. Our core stack includes Python, React, Redux, PostgreSQL, n8n, LangChain/LangGraph and AWS, and we are always open to adopting new tools and technologies that help us deliver better results

What you’ll be doing:

Leading the design and development of full stack features for our AI-powered web application using Python, React, Redux, PostgreSQL, and AWS
Defining the technical vision and architectural principles for AI/ML systems
Driving innovation by researching and prototyping cutting-edge AI technologies
Ensuring security, scalability, and observability best practices across cloud architecture
Work within a cross-functional environment partnering closely with product, design, and business teams to communicate technical designs/strategies
Serve as a role model for engineering standards and bring consistency across systems and processes while mentoring junior and intermediate engineers
Help drive sound technical decision-making across ambiguous, system-spanning problems

What we are looking for:

A strong technical background with 5+ years of experience in fullstack web development and production AI/ML systems
Deep expertise in AI/ML domains like NLP, computer vision, recommendation engines etc.
Proficiency with cloud infrastructure, distributed systems, microservices
Proven ability to architect and lead end-to-end AI projects, including security best practices
Exceptional technical communication and knowledge sharing abilities
Track record of managing ambiguity and delivering innovative solutions
An appreciation for fast-paced startup environments and experience building foundational systems
Demonstrated ability to take ambiguous technical challenges and drive them to resolution with cross-functional teams
Strong development skills in React, Python, and Node, or equivalent technologies with the ability to ramp up quickly

Why join us:

Generous PTO – 20 vacation days
A comprehensive benefits plan with premiums paid in full by PolicyMe
Investment in your professional development, including an L&D budget, AI tooling budget, performance reviews twice a year and ongoing feedback to ensure you reach your highest potential
An extremely high performing, low-ego, remote-first team that is truly disrupting an old industry
Option to work from home or our Toronto-based office (bonus: we cover the costs to bring all our employees in-person twice a year for experiential socials!)
Access to stock options based on performance
Compensation: The total target cash compensation for this role is $160,000 – $195,000 CAD, based on experience. We’ll walk through the details together during the interview.

About PolicyMe

At PolicyMe, we are Canada’s leading digital insurance solution, offering straightforward and affordable financial protection for families from coast to coast. Our product suite includes Life Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, and Health & Dental Insurance, all tailored to Canadians’ evolving needs. We also offer B2B2C solutions, partnering with organizations to provide seamless digital insurance options. Founded by a team of insurance experts and technology entrepreneurs, PolicyMe is committed to making insurance simpler and more accessible. Since our launch in 2018, we have grown exponentially, selling over $10 billion in insurance coverage to Canadians.

We are proud of the team we’ve built and are excited for those that are yet to join us. We operate with a remote-first culture, attracting top talent from across Canada. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, collaborative environment, working alongside incredibly ambitious yet humble humans, we may be the right place for you! To learn more, visit www.policyme.com.

Additional Notes

– Job Vacancy: This role reflects growth in our team and expanded operational scope. We’re hiring to support increasing demand and continue delivering an exceptional customer experience.

– Commitment to Equal Opportunity: PolicyMe is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and provide fair consideration regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

– Accessibility Statement: We are committed to providing an accessible hiring experience. If you require accommodations during the application process, please indicate this in the “Additional Information” section of your application.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Career Guide for AI-Driven Full Stack Engineer at PolicyMe

Job Overview

The AI-Driven Full Stack Engineer will work at a remote-first startup aiming to modernize the insurance industry through innovative technology solutions. This role involves developing features for an AI-powered web application and ensuring the integration of AI/ML systems to enhance customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

Feature Development: Design and build full-stack features for the web application using Python, React, and PostgreSQL.
Technical Vision: Define the architectural principles for implementing AI/ML systems.
Research and Innovation: Prototype new AI technologies to drive innovation in the insurance space.
Security and Scalability: Implement best practices for cloud architecture to ensure security and scalability.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with product, design, and business teams for effective technical communication.
Mentorship: Serve as a mentor for junior engineers and promote engineering standards.
Problem Solving: Drive technical decision-making in complex challenges.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Technical Skills

Programming Languages: Proficiency in Python, React, and Node.js.
AI/ML Expertise: Experience in NLP, computer vision, or recommendation engines.
Cloud Infrastructure: Knowledge in AWS and distributed systems.
Database Management: Familiarity with PostgreSQL and microservices architecture.

Soft Skills

Communication: Exceptional ability to convey technical information clearly.
Problem-Solving: Proven track record of delivering innovative solutions amidst ambiguity.
Collaboration: Ability to work within cross-functional teams effectively.

Tools and Technologies

Frameworks/Libraries: React, Redux.
Databases: PostgreSQL.
Cloud Services: AWS, n8n, LangChain/LangGraph.

Certifications or Training

Consider certifications in cloud computing (AWS Certified Solutions Architect) or AI/ML (TensorFlow Developer Certificate) to enhance your profile.

Interview Preparation

Common Interview Questions

What inspired you to work in AI/ML?
- Share your passion for technology and its applications in real-world scenarios.
Describe a challenging project you’ve worked on.
- Highlight your problem-solving skills and teamwork.
How do you ensure code quality?
- Discuss testing frameworks and code reviews.
What is your experience with AWS?
- Be specific about services you have used and their applications.
Can you explain a complex technical concept to a non-technical person?
- Demonstrate your communication skills and ability to simplify complexities.
How do you stay updated with technology trends?
- Mention resources, courses, or communities you engage with.
What are the challenges in implementing AI/ML systems?
- Discuss the need for data quality, model training, and real-time processing.
Describe your experience working in a remote team.
- Share insights on collaboration tools and maintaining communication.
How do you prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment?
- Mention methodologies like Agile or your personal time management strategies.
What is your approach to mentoring junior engineers?
- Explain your mentoring style and how you foster growth.

Important Topics to Review

Full-stack development principles, particularly in Python and React.
AI/ML fundamentals and their application in product development.
Best practices for cloud architecture and security.

How to Increase Your Hiring Chances

CV Improvement

Highlight relevant experience and projects prominently.
Use action verbs to describe accomplishments.
Tailor your CV for each application by aligning skills with job requirements.

LinkedIn Profile Optimization

Keep your profile up-to-date, showcasing skills and experiences pertinent to the role.
Engage with industry-related content and join relevant groups to enhance visibility.

Portfolio or Project Ideas

Build a small project that utilizes AI/ML in web applications.
Contribute to open-source projects in areas related to insurance technology.

Learning Recommendations

Take courses on platforms like Coursera or edX in full-stack development and AI/ML.
Participate in hackathons to gain practical experience.

Career Growth

Starting as an AI-Driven Full Stack Engineer, you could progress to positions like:

Lead Engineer: Overseeing development teams and strategic planning.
AI/ML Architect: Specializing in AI technologies and system architecture.
CTO or Technical Manager: Moving into leadership roles to shape technical direction and drive innovation.

By building a strong foundation of technical skills and industry experience, you can achieve meaningful career advancement while contributing to a transformative company like PolicyMe.