Senior Software Engineer
Summary
Senior Software Engineer at Workforce.com, a workforce management SaaS company, building backend systems and API layers with Ruby on Rails while contributing across the full development cycle. Works on-site in Chicago five days per week, delivering in 8-week Shape Up cycles and mentoring less experienced engineers.
About the job
We're looking for a Senior Software Engineer with Ruby experience who's driven to ship high-impact work quickly. At Workforce.com, engineers move fast, solve real problems, and collaborate closely with other teams — including Sales, Product, and Customer Success — to ensure we're building the right things, the right way.
We use the Shape Up methodology by Basecamp, working in focused 8-week cycles to deliver meaningful value without the overhead of daily stand-ups or micro-management. You'll take on big, complex problems and help shape the solution — then work end-to-end to deliver it.
This role is on‑site in Chicago five days per week.
What You’ll Do
Full‑Stack Engineering with Ruby Focus
- Use your strong Ruby and Rails experience to build robust, maintainable systems.
- Own backend systems and API layers, with the flexibility to contribute to frontend or infrastructure when needed.
- Contribute across all stages of the development cycle: scoping, building, testing, and deploying.
Fast, Practical Problem Solving
- Turn months‑long ideas into tangible value within 8‑week delivery cycles.
- Collaborate closely with the Product team to scope projects that are ambitious but realistic.
Technical Leadership & Mentorship
- Review code deeply and give meaningful, constructive feedback.
- Mentor less experienced engineers and lead by example through clear thinking and strong delivery.
- Continuously improve the quality, structure, and clarity of the codebase.
What We’re Looking For
- Extensive Ruby experience required (5+ years)
- Proven ability to deliver large, complex features independently
- Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS, Docker, CI/CD pipelines)
- Strong system design skills and product thinking
- Clear communicator, comfortable collaborating across roles and functions
- Experience with Rails, PostgreSQL, Redis, and REST APIs is a plus
Bonus Points
- Familiarity with the Shape Up methodology (or interest in learning it)
- Experience working in a SaaS environment or workforce management tools
- Some frontend experience (React or similar) is helpful, but not required
Why Workforce.com
- Work on real problems used by real businesses — and see the impact of your work
- High‑trust environment with long‑form planning, deep work, and no daily stand‑ups
- Strong engineering culture built on autonomy, ownership, and quality
- Competitive compensation and a flexible work environment