The posting
Symetra is seeking an AVP of Engineering to lead technology strategy, software development, delivery, and engineering operations for our Stop Loss division.
About the role
Reporting to the SVP of Engineering and partnering closely with business leadership, you'll oversee multiple engineering teams responsible for the platforms and applications that support a critical and growing business segment. This role combines technology leadership, organizational development, strategic planning, and delivery execution.
You'll have the opportunity to shape the future of our technology ecosystem, build new platforms, high-performing teams, and drive solutions that directly impact customers, partners, and business results.
What You will Do
- Technical Leadership Define and execute the technology strategy for the Stop Loss division. Partner with executive leadership to align technology investments with business priorities. Lead solution build efforts, architecture decisions, and technology roadmaps. Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities to improve scalability, efficiency, security, and customer experience. Foster a culture of engineering excellence, innovation, continuous learning, and accountability.
- Delivery & Execution Lead engineering teams responsible for designing, building, supporting, and enhancing business-critical applications. Establish clear priorities and ensure delivery of high-quality solutions on time and within budget. Drive continuous improvement across engineering processes, tools, and development practices. Manage operational risk and ensure system reliability, performance, and availability. Balance short-term business needs with long-term technology strategy. Leverage the latest AI software development practices to accelerate delivery.
- People Leadership Build, develop, and retain high-performing engineering leaders and teams. Coach managers and senior technical talent while creating clear succession and development plans. Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-accountability environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation. Lead workforce planning, talent acquisition, performance management, and employee development activities. Manage a large third-party vendor engagement and resources, fostering accountability.
- Business & Relationship Management Develop trusted partnerships with business stakeholders and executive leaders. Influence decisions through data, technical expertise, and strategic insight. Align technology capabilities with evolving customer and market needs. Communicate technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. Partner across functions to improve operational effectiveness and business outcomes.
What Success Looks Like
- Establish strong partnerships with business and technology leaders across the organization.
- Improve engineering delivery predictability, quality, and operational efficiency.
- Deliver on the established product roadmap and meet commitments.
- Strengthen leadership capabilities across the engineering organization.
- Build an engaged, high-performing team aligned to business goals and future growth.
Why Work at Symetra
Here’s what some of our employees have to say about why they work at Symetra:
“I truly believe there’s something for everyone at Symetra. No matter what your passion is, if you enjoy being part of something bigger than yourself and want to make a meaningful difference, this is the place for you. We’re more than just an insurance company—we’re a community with purpose.” - Joanne S., AVP Compliance
“We're big enough to make an impact on the country, but small enough to care and know who you are and what you're contributing to the organization. All new ideas are welcome!” - Stephanie F., VP Customer Service & Operations
What we offer you
Benefits and Perks
We don’t take a “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to our employees. Our programs are designed to make your life better both at work and at home.
- Flexible full-time or hybrid telecommuting arrangements
- Plan for your future with our 401(k) plan and take advantage of immediate vesting and company matching up to 6%
- Paid time away including vacation and sick time, flex days and ten paid holidays
- Give back to your community and double your impact through our company matching
- Want more details? Check out our Symetra Benefits Overview
Compensation
Salary Range: $188,000 - $314,000 plus eligibility for annual bonus program and long-term incentive plan
Who You Are
- 15+ years of progressive technology leadership experience, including leading software engineering organizations.
- 7+ years of people leadership experience with responsibility for managers and/or engineering leaders.
- Experience leading multiple engineering teams delivering enterprise-scale applications and services.
- Experience leading application modernization, cloud transformation, or digital transformation initiatives.
- Experience overseeing both custom-developed and vendor-supported technology solutions.
- Strong understanding of technology governance, cybersecurity, and risk management practices.
- Demonstrated success aligning technology strategy with business objectives.
- Experience managing large technology initiatives, budgets, and complex cross-functional programs including third party development.
- Strong understanding of modern software development practices, Agile delivery models, DevOps, and cloud technologies.
- Proven ability to influence and collaborate with executive stakeholders.
- Experience building inclusive, high-performing teams and developing future leaders.
- Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and change leadership skills.
- Demonstrated experience enhancing engineering practices and transforming SDLC with AI.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field required or combination of education and relevant experience.
- Experience leading engineering organizations within insurance, financial services, healthcare, or other highly regulated industries a plus.
- Knowledge of Stop Loss, Group Benefits, Healthcare, or claims administration platforms preferred.
- Ability to travel periodically as needed.
Travel:
Required Training & Professional Development All newly hired people leaders with direct reports are required to complete a comprehensive leadership development program within their first year. This program includes both virtual and in-person training. The in-person sessions will take place at Symetra’s corporate headquarters in Bellevue, Washington. Symetra covers all travel and accommodation expenses.
Reasonable Accommodations Symetra is committed to providing equitable access to all job-related responsibilities, including required travel. If reasonable accommodations are needed for travel, Symetra’s HR department will work to provide appropriate solutions in alignment with individual needs and company policies.
We empower inclusion At Symetra, we aspire to be the most inclusive insurance company in the country. We're building a place where every employee feels valued, respected, and has opportunities to contribute.
Inclusion is about recognizing our assumptions, considering multiple perspective, and removing barriers. We accept and celebrate diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives, because lifting each other up fuels thought and builds a stronger, more innovative company. We invite you to learn more about our efforts here.
Creating a world where more people have access to financial freedom Symetra is a national financial services company dedicated to helping people achieve their financial goals and feel confident about the future. In our daily work, we're guided by the principles of Value, Transparency and Sustainability. This means we provide products and services people need at a competitive price, we communicate clearly and openly so people understand what they're buying, and we design products--and operate our company--to stand the test of time. We're committed to showing up for our communities, lifting up our employees, and standing up for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Join our team and help us create a world where more people have access to financial freedom.
For more information about our careers visit: https://symetra.eightfold.ai/careers
Work Authorization Employer work visa sponsorship and support are not provided for this role. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at hire and must maintain authorization to work in the United States throughout their employment with our company.
Please review Symetra's Remote Network Minimum Requirements:
As a remote-first organization with a cameras-on culture, reliable internet connectivity is important to how we connect, collaborate, and serve our customers. To support a positive experience for both employees and customers, Symetra has the following standards for employees' internet connection:
- Minimum Internet Speed:100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, in alignment with the FCC's definition of "broadband."
- Internet Type:Fiber, Cable (e.g., Comcast, Spectrum), or DSL.
- Not Permissible:Satellite (e.g., Starlink), cellular broadband (hotspot or otherwise), any other wireless technology, or wired dial-up.
When applying to jobs at Symetra you'll be asked to test your internet speed and confirm that your internet connection meets or exceeds Symetra's standard as outlined above.
Identity Verification
Symetra is committed to fair and secure hiring practices. For all roles, candidates will be required (after the initial phone screen) to be on video for all interviews. Symetra will take affirmative steps at key points in the process to verify that a candidate is not seeking employment fraudulently, e.g. through use of a false identity.
Failure to comply with verification procedures may result in:
- Disqualification from the recruitment process
- Withdrawal of a job offer
- Termination of employment and other criminal and/or civil remedies, if fraud is discovered
