The posting
Symetra is seeking a Director of Engineering to lead Symetra's Digital Experience engineering organization, driving the technology behind customer, partner, and employee experiences.
About the role
This role is responsible for defining technology strategy, building and developing high-performing engineering teams, and delivering secure, scalable digital products that create measurable business value.
As a strategic technology leader, you will partner across Product, Architecture, UX, and business teams to modernize capabilities, accelerate delivery, and shape the future of Symetra's digital ecosystem. You will play a key role in fostering an engineering culture centered on innovation, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
What you will do
- Lead and develop a high-performing engineering organization, creating an inclusive culture that promotes collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous learning.
- Define and execute technology strategies aligned with business priorities, customer needs, and long-term organizational goals.
- Partner closely with Product, Architecture, UX, and business leaders to deliver modern digital experiences and enterprise capabilities.
- Drive large-scale modernization, cloud transformation, and digital product initiatives from concept through production delivery.
- Champion engineering best practices including Agile delivery, DevSecOps, CI/CD, automation, security, quality, and reliability.
- Oversee the design, development, and operation of secure, scalable, cloud-native solutions leveraging AWS and modern engineering frameworks.
- Build, coach, and retain exceptional engineering talent, including leaders, architects, and individual contributors.
- Establish strong partnerships with vendors and technology partners to support product delivery, platform evolution, and operational excellence.
- Balance innovation, technical debt reduction, risk management, and operational stability across the technology portfolio.
- Provide executive-level leadership, strategic guidance, and investment recommendations related to technology priorities and engineering resources.
Why 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
"Symetra will spoil you. There aren't many companies that will put as much effort into you being a success as Symetra. The culture will challenge you but simultaneously put you at ease. Failure is seen as integral to the learning process so there is less reason to be fearful of it." - Kerry S., Sr. Systems Analyst
What we offer you
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: $171,300 - $285,600 plus eligibility for the company annual bonus program.
Who You Are
- 12+ years of progressive experience leading software engineering teams and delivering enterprise technology solutions, including experience leading managers and senior technical talent.
- Proven success leading engineering organizations responsible for customer-facing digital products, platforms, or experiences.
- Strong track record of translating business strategy into technology roadmaps and successfully delivering complex, large-scale initiatives.
- Experience building and scaling cloud-native applications and platforms in AWS, including modern architecture and serverless technologies.
- Deep expertise in Agile development, DevSecOps, CI/CD, software delivery, platform reliability, and engineering operations.
- Demonstrated ability to attract, develop, and retain high-performing teams while fostering an inclusive and growth-oriented culture.
- Skilled at influencing and partnering with executives, business stakeholders, product leaders, and technical teams to drive alignment and results.
- Experience balancing innovation, operational excellence, risk management, and technology modernization efforts.
- Demonstrated experience enhancing engineering practices and transforming SDLC with AI.
- Strong business and financial acumen, including prioritization, resource planning, budgeting, and investment decision-making.
- Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills with the ability to inspire teams and drive organizational change.
- Experience within insurance, financial services, or another highly regulated industry preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of experience and a high school diploma.
- Relevant cloud or technology certifications are a plus.
- Ability to travel as needed to support the business.
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 committed to providing 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
