Front-end mapping engineer

The Organization

At Kettle, our mission is to balance risk in an era of rapidly changing climate. We harness deep learning and proprietary algorithms to disrupt  the (re)insurance industry with innovative products and superior underwriting. Our first product focuses on wildfire insurance, safeguarding businesses, homes, and livelihoods in California. 

To learn more, visit ourkettle.com.

Who we are/what we value:

• Passionate Problem Solvers: We’re all about tackling big challenges. We’re deeply committed to our mission and are driven to solve problems that others find too tough or too complex.
• Self-Starters: Passionate people don’t need someone watching over their shoulder. We take initiative and get things done.
• Data-Driven: With climate risks increasing every year, we let data lead the way. We trust the facts and avoid letting opinions or biases get in the way.
• Curious Mavericks: We’re in a centuries-old industry, but we’re not afraid to challenge the status quo . 
• Mission-Focused: We’re driven by a desire to make a real, positive impact on the world.

The Role

We are looking for a highly motivated, successful Front-End Engineer to join our team and help build intuitive, map-based applications. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a strong background in front-end development, particularly in creating geospatial interfaces using modern tools like React and Mapbox. You should have a passion for designing efficient, user-friendly systems that turn complex data into simple, actionable insights.

You will be working with React, Mapbox, Retool, and backend technologies like Tegola to create dynamic applications that deliver real-time geospatial insights.

We strongly encourage people from traditionally underrepresented populations in tech - such as women, People of Color, People with Disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people, etc - to apply!

Role Primary Responsibilities

• Design and build responsive and interactive map-based user interfaces using React and mapping technologies
• Evaluate the current front-end architecture and technology stack, identifying areas for improvement, refactoring, and optimization.
• Collaborate with underwriting teams to ensure a seamless and user-friendly experience for map-based applications.
• Plan and implement system improvements, ensuring scalability, maintainability, and performance optimization.
• Develop internal tools and dashboards using Retool for managing and visualizing geospatial data.
• Participate in code reviews, contribute to maintaining high-quality code standards, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in front-end and geospatial technologies.

Requirements

While the following list outlines the experience we’re seeking, you don’t need to check every box to be considered—we encourage all candidates who feel excited about this role to apply.

Essential Experience of a Successful Candidate

• Proven track record of building and maintaining robust front-end applications, especially using React.
• Hands-on experience developing map-based applications, particularly with Mapbox or similar mapping libraries.
• Ability to evaluate and refactor existing codebases to improve performance, maintainability, and scalability.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on delivering clean, efficient code.
• Comfortable working in cross-functional teams, collaborating with product managers and front-end users.
• A growth mindset with a passion for learning new technologies and adapting to evolving project needs.

Useful Experience

• Familiarity with geospatial technologies and data visualization frameworks such as Tegola or similar tools.
• Experience building internal dashboards or data management systems using tools like Retool.
• Understanding of API integration and working knowledge of backend technologies.
• Knowledge of performance optimization strategies, particularly in front-end development for large-scale applications.
• Background in handling large datasets and optimizing map rendering performance in data-heavy applications.

Compensation and location

This is a contractor position offering flexibility with a commitment of approximately 20-30 hours per week on an on-demand basis. The role pays $60-$100 per hour depending on experience. The position is fully remote.