Senior Software Engineer (Labs & Prototyping) - Canada, Europe, Brazil

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Software Engineer (Labs & Prototyping) Company: Storyblok Location: Remote (Canada, Europe, Brazil) Job Type: Full-Time Category: Engineering / Software Development Date Posted: 2025-08-14 Experience Level: Senior (5-7+ Years) Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• This Senior Software Engineer role is embedded within Storyblok's Innovation Labs, focusing on forward-thinking product development and rapid prototyping.
• The position requires a strong blend of technical expertise in backend (Ruby on Rails) and frontend (Vue.js) development, coupled with a keen interest in emerging technologies like AI/ML.
• Success in this role hinges on the ability to translate abstract concepts into tangible, working prototypes at a high velocity, operating with significant autonomy.
• Collaboration with the Chief Innovation Officer and a dedicated team is crucial for brainstorming, validating, and iterating on new product ideas that could shape the future of the Storyblok ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: Although the input job title is "Senior Software Engineer," the description heavily emphasizes innovation, prototyping, and working closely with the Chief Innovation Officer. This suggests a role that bridges traditional software engineering with R&D and product incubation, demanding a strategic mindset beyond typical feature development. The focus on "Labs & Prototyping" and "emerging technologies" indicates a need for adaptability and a proactive approach to exploring new tech stacks and methodologies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, architect, and implement high-quality prototypes and proof-of-concepts (PoCs) to test and demonstrate innovative features and ideas, selecting the most appropriate technology stack for each challenge.
• Deeply engage with Storyblok’s core technologies, specifically Ruby on Rails for the backend and Vue.js for the frontend, to accelerate development and leverage existing platform capabilities; equivalent expertise in other technologies like Rust, Python, or React.js with a proven ability to pick up Storyblok's stack quickly is also valued.
• Proactively research, evaluate, and apply emerging technologies—such as Large Language Models (LLMs), vector databases, and generative AI—within the headless CMS domain to deliver enhanced customer value and explore new market opportunities.
• Collaborate intensely with the Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) and fellow team members in high-energy concept workshops to brainstorm, frame, and prioritize experimental projects, driving them from initial concept to a demonstrable Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
• Translate complex, abstract ideas and business requirements into tangible, functional software solutions that are robust enough for potential handover to long-term product teams upon successful validation.
• Actively participate in technical planning sessions, conduct thorough code reviews, and contribute to architectural decisions, providing strategic input on experimentation processes and overall technical direction for the innovation pipeline.
• Meticulously document processes, technical assumptions, key learnings, and outcomes to facilitate knowledge sharing, enable future development, and ensure transparency within the innovation lifecycle.
• Embrace a dynamic work environment characterized by short development cycles, a high degree of autonomy, and the creative ambiguity inherent in pioneering new solutions.
• Undertake regular travel, approximately every 6–8 weeks, to participate in in-person team workshops and offsite events that are instrumental in launching new phases of experimentation and ideation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a unique blend of deep technical execution and strategic innovation. The emphasis on "best-fit technology for each challenge" and "emerging technologies" implies a need for broad technical curiosity and the ability to make informed technology choices beyond just the core stack. The regular travel requirement for "Concept Workshops" suggests a collaborative and intensive in-person component to the innovation process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong academic foundation in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field is beneficial, complemented by a portfolio showcasing practical application of software development principles.

Experience: 5–7+ years of progressive, hands-on software engineering experience, demonstrating a consistent ability to build, iterate, and successfully ship robust software products or complex prototypes.

Required Skills:

• Software Engineering Expertise: Proven track record in designing, developing, and deploying high-quality software solutions.
• Backend Development: Strong proficiency in Ruby on Rails, with a solid understanding of its ecosystem and best practices for building scalable APIs and services.
• Frontend Development: Deep expertise in Vue.js, including component-based architecture, state management, and building dynamic user interfaces.
• Prototyping & Iteration: Demonstrated experience with rapid prototyping methodologies and fast iteration cycles, essential for the experimental nature of the Labs team.
• Technical Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a small, agile team, contributing to technical planning, code reviews, and architectural discussions.
• Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills to dissect complex challenges and devise innovative solutions.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a capacity for clear, concise documentation and effective presentation of technical concepts.

Preferred Skills:

• Emerging Technologies: Exposure to or hands-on experience with AI/ML frameworks, Large Language Models (LLMs), vector databases, or generative AI technologies.
• Alternative Technologies: Proficiency in Rust, Python, or React.js, coupled with a demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to new programming languages and frameworks.
• Innovation Environment Experience: Prior experience working in R&D labs, innovation teams, or fast-paced startup environments where rapid experimentation is the norm.
• Customer Focus: Understanding of how technical innovations translate into customer value and business impact within the SaaS or CMS industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "equivalent in other technologies (Rust, Python, React.js)" alongside strong Ruby on Rails and Vue.js skills indicates that Storyblok values adaptability and a broad technical understanding over strict adherence to a single stack. The emphasis on "creative ambiguity" and "short development cycles" points to a need for self-starters who are comfortable with evolving requirements and a high degree of autonomy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable Prototypes: Showcase a portfolio featuring several well-documented prototypes or proof-of-concepts, ideally demonstrating rapid development cycles and innovative problem-solving.
• Technical Depth & Breadth: Highlight projects that exhibit strong backend (e.g., API design, database interaction) and frontend (e.g., UI/UX implementation, component architecture) skills.
• Process Improvement Examples: Include projects where you identified inefficiencies or opportunities and implemented technical solutions, showcasing your ability to drive improvements.
• Technology Exploration: If possible, include projects that explore or integrate emerging technologies (AI, ML, novel databases) to demonstrate curiosity and forward-thinking capabilities.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Evidence of designing and documenting development workflows, especially those focused on rapid iteration and experimentation.
• Implementation & Automation: Examples of how you've implemented solutions, potentially including automation scripts or CI/CD pipelines that facilitate faster development cycles.
• Measurement & Analysis: Showcase how you've measured the success or impact of your prototypes or projects, including data collection and analysis methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Labs & Prototyping" nature of this role, a portfolio is likely critical. It should not just show finished products but also the process of innovation: how ideas were conceived, tested, iterated upon, and documented. Demonstrating proficiency with rapid iteration and the ability to quickly pivot based on feedback will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a senior-level role within an innovation-focused team and the company operates internationally, a competitive salary is expected. For a Senior Software Engineer with 5-7+ years of experience, especially with expertise in Ruby on Rails and Vue.js, and exposure to AI/ML, typical ranges in Canada and Brazil might fall between CAD $100,000 - $160,000 annually, and in Europe, it could range from €70,000 - €110,000 annually, depending heavily on specific country and local market conditions.

Benefits:

• Remote Work Stipend: Monthly allowance for home internet and electricity costs, supporting a productive remote work environment.
• Home Office Setup: Initial package including essential equipment like a laptop, keyboard, and monitor, with options for upgrades (furniture, soundproofing) or co-working space memberships after onboarding.
• Time Off: Generous leave policy including sick leave, parental leave, and 25 days of annual paid time off, in addition to local national holidays.
• Professional Development: Access to a personal development fund for courses, books, conferences, and other learning materials to foster continuous skill enhancement.
• Equity: Virtual Stock Option Plan (VSOP) participation, offering a stake in the company's growth.
• Team Engagement: Opportunities for connection through an annual international team-building trip and regular online social events (quarterly and monthly).
• Work-Life Balance: Commitment to flexible schedules as a fully remote organization, prioritizing employee well-being.

Working Hours: While the standard is likely 40 hours per week, the emphasis on flexible schedules as a fully remote company suggests a results-oriented approach where employees can manage their time effectively to meet project goals, with the understanding that occasional travel and intensive collaboration periods may require adjusted availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are extensive and tailored for a remote workforce, emphasizing support for home offices and professional growth. The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior software engineers in tech hubs across Canada, Brazil, and Europe, adjusted for the specified remote work arrangement and specialized skill set. The specific country within Europe or Canada can significantly impact the actual salary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Storyblok operates in the rapidly evolving SaaS market, specifically within the content management system (CMS) and digital experience platform (DXP) space, as a leading headless CMS provider. This context means the company is at the forefront of digital content delivery and developer-centric solutions.

Company Size: Storyblok is a growing company, likely falling into the mid-size to large-enterprise category based on its global reach and funding. This size offers a balance: enough structure and resources to support innovation, but still agile enough for individuals to make a significant impact and have visibility.

Founded: Founded in 2015, Storyblok has established itself as a significant player in the headless CMS market. This relatively young history suggests a dynamic, modern, and growth-oriented culture, likely embracing innovation and agility as core tenets.

Team Structure:

• The Innovation Labs team is described as "tight-knit," implying a small, focused group that works closely together, likely reporting directly to the Chief Innovation Officer (CIO).
• This team operates "separately from the main product squads," indicating a degree of autonomy and a different operational cadence, focused on exploration rather than immediate, large-scale product delivery.
• Collaboration is expected to be high within the Labs team, but also cross-functionally during "Concept Workshops," requiring engineers to engage with stakeholders from various departments to brainstorm and validate ideas.

Methodology:

• Rapid Prototyping: The core methodology revolves around quickly building and testing new ideas to validate concepts and gather feedback.
• Data-Driven Validation: While the focus is on innovation, the process of "validating" ideas implies a need for data collection and analysis to inform decisions about which prototypes to advance.
• Agile Innovation: The mention of "short development cycles," "high velocity," and "creative ambiguity" points to an agile approach to innovation, where flexibility and continuous learning are paramount.

Company Website: https://www.storyblok.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on a headless CMS and its growth trajectory suggest a culture that values developer experience, flexibility, and cutting-edge technology. The existence of dedicated "Innovation Labs" signals a strong commitment to R&D and future-proofing the product, making it an attractive environment for engineers who enjoy exploring new frontiers.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a "Senior" level within the engineering function, specifically within the specialized domain of innovation and prototyping. It requires substantial experience (5-7+ years) and a high degree of technical autonomy and strategic input. This level typically involves mentoring junior engineers, driving technical initiatives, and influencing architectural decisions.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Software Engineer will report directly to the Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) or a designated lead within the Innovation Labs. This direct line of communication to top leadership in innovation emphasizes the strategic importance of the role and the team.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role extends to shaping the future of Storyblok's product ecosystem. By rapidly prototyping and validating new ideas, this engineer will directly influence the company's innovation pipeline, potentially leading to new product features, entirely new product lines, or enhancements that drive significant customer value and competitive advantage. Success is measured by the ability to test hypotheses quickly and provide actionable insights that guide strategic product decisions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in cutting-edge technologies like AI/ML, LLMs, and novel developer tools, becoming a subject matter expert in these emerging fields.
• Product Incubation: Gain direct experience in the product incubation lifecycle, from ideation and rapid prototyping to validation and potential handover for full-scale development.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop leadership skills by collaborating closely with the CIO and potentially influencing product strategy based on experimental outcomes.
• Career Progression: Potential pathways to lead innovation projects, transition into product management for new initiatives, or move into more senior architectural roles within the core product teams after successful validation phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a unique career path for engineers who thrive in an R&D-like environment. It's less about maintaining existing systems and more about building the future. The direct reporting to the CIO is a significant indicator of the role's strategic impact and the potential for high-level mentorship and exposure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is fully remote ("Remote Solely"). Storyblok supports this by providing a monthly remote work stipend for home internet and electricity, and an initial home office equipment package. Employees also have the option to upgrade their home office setup or receive a membership to a local co-working space after their onboarding period, offering flexibility in their work environment.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the company operates globally with a significant presence in Europe. The specific remote locations mentioned are Canada, Europe, and Brazil. The team also engages in regular, approximately bi-monthly, travel for in-person "Concept Workshops" and team-building events, suggesting that employees should be open to travel to various locations for these concentrated collaboration sessions.

Workspace Context:

• The primary workspace is the employee's home office or a chosen co-working space, designed to foster productivity and comfort.
• The company provides essential equipment and stipends to ensure a well-equipped and conducive remote working setup.
• Collaboration is facilitated through digital tools and the aforementioned in-person workshops, ensuring team members can connect effectively regardless of their physical location.

Work Schedule: Storyblok emphasizes work-life balance and offers flexible schedules. This means while core hours might exist for team syncs, engineers likely have significant autonomy in structuring their workday to maximize productivity and personal needs, provided they meet project deadlines and are available for key collaboration periods and travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on flexible schedules and remote work support indicates a modern, trust-based work culture. The requirement for regular travel for intensive workshops is a key differentiator, suggesting that while daily work is remote, there's a strong emphasis on in-person collaboration for critical innovation phases. Candidates should be comfortable with this travel component.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess technical skills, relevant experience, and alignment with the role's innovative nature. Be prepared to highlight projects demonstrating rapid prototyping and problem-solving.
• Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth discussions about your experience with Ruby on Rails, Vue.js, software architecture, and your approach to tackling new technological challenges. You may be asked to discuss specific projects from your portfolio in detail.
• Prototyping Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise to assess your ability to quickly design, architect, and potentially code a solution to a given problem, simulating the pace of the Innovation Labs. This might involve presenting your approach and initial implementation.
• Cultural Fit & Collaboration Interview: Discussions focused on your ability to work autonomously, collaborate effectively with the CIO and team members, and thrive in an environment of creative ambiguity.
• Final Round: Likely with senior leadership, focusing on strategic thinking, long-term vision, and alignment with Storyblok's innovation goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 2-4 impactful projects that best showcase your skills in prototyping, rapid iteration, and exploring new technologies.
• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your approach, the technologies used, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the outcomes or learnings. Use diagrams or flowcharts for clarity.
• Showcase Innovation: If you have projects involving AI/ML, LLMs, or other emerging tech, make them prominent. Demonstrate your curiosity and ability to apply these tools.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success or efficiency gains achieved through your work, even for prototypes.
• Code Samples: Be ready to share links to GitHub repositories or provide code snippets if requested, especially for relevant projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Familiarize yourself with Storyblok's product and the headless CMS landscape. Think about potential areas for innovation.
• Practice Rapid Design: Simulate designing an MVP or prototype quickly. Focus on core functionality and user flow.
• Technology Agnosticism: Be prepared to discuss why you'd choose certain technologies for a given problem, even if they aren't Storyblok's core stack, demonstrating flexibility.
• Articulate Trade-offs: Show an understanding of the decisions made during prototyping, including the trade-offs between speed, completeness, and technical debt.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, testing both technical depth and the "innovation mindset." A strong, well-documented portfolio that demonstrates the process of rapid prototyping and problem-solving will be crucial. The practical challenge is a key opportunity to shine.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Backend: Ruby on Rails (core), potentially Rust, Python for specific prototyping needs.
• Frontend: Vue.js (core), potentially React.js for specific prototyping needs.
• Version Control: Git (likely GitHub or GitLab).
• Project Management/Collaboration: Tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Notion for task tracking and workflow management; Slack or Microsoft Teams for communication.
• Prototyping Tools: While not explicitly listed, tools like Figma, Sketch, or even interactive coding environments might be used for rapid UI/UX prototyping.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Metrics: Tools for tracking prototype performance, user engagement, and success metrics.
• Data Analysis: Potentially Python with libraries like Pandas, NumPy, or R for data analysis if prototypes generate significant datasets.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: While not directly involved, understanding how prototypes might integrate with or impact CRM systems (like Salesforce, HubSpot) could be relevant for broader business context.
• Automation: CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions) for streamlining build, test, and deployment processes for prototypes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core stack is Ruby on Rails and Vue.js, but the role explicitly encourages exploration of other technologies like Rust, Python, and React.js, especially for prototyping. Familiarity with modern DevOps practices (CI/CD) and collaboration tools is also a given for a remote, agile engineering team.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Curiosity: A deep-seated drive to explore new technologies and novel approaches to content management and digital experiences.
• Speed & Agility: A commitment to rapid development cycles, fast iteration, and quick validation of ideas.
• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing open communication, constructive feedback, and effective teamwork, both within the core team and during workshops.
• Autonomy & Ownership: Empowering individuals with the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their projects within the innovation framework.
• Impact & Value Creation: A focus on delivering tangible results and creating value for customers through forward-thinking solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with the CIO, and potentially product managers, designers, and other stakeholders during Concept Workshops to ensure alignment and shared understanding.
• Process Review & Feedback: An environment where prototypes and code are regularly reviewed, and constructive feedback is exchanged to refine ideas and implementations.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing learnings, best practices, and insights gained from experimentation to benefit the broader engineering organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture described is one of high energy, rapid movement, and continuous learning. The Innovation Labs team likely operates with a startup-like mentality within a larger, established company, balancing the need for speed with the rigor of technical execution and validation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working in an innovation space means dealing with uncertainty and evolving requirements. The challenge lies in maintaining focus and delivering results despite this ambiguity.
• Rapid Context Switching: The role may require jumping between different technologies, problem domains, and project phases quickly, demanding adaptability and efficient learning.
• Balancing Speed and Quality: Finding the right balance between moving fast to iterate and ensuring that prototypes are robust enough for meaningful validation is a constant challenge.
• Translating Ideas to Reality: The difficulty of taking abstract concepts and turning them into functional, demonstrable prototypes that clearly convey their value proposition.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cutting-Edge Technology Exposure: Direct exposure and hands-on experience with AI/ML, LLMs, vector databases, and other advanced technologies as they apply to the CMS industry.
• Product Incubation Lifecycle: Gaining end-to-end experience in bringing new product ideas from inception to a validated stage.
• Strategic Influence: The opportunity to influence the strategic direction of product development by identifying and proving the viability of new concepts.
• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to a personal development fund that can be used for relevant courses, certifications, and attending industry conferences to stay abreast of technological advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is ideal for engineers who are motivated by solving novel problems and pushing technological boundaries. The challenges are inherent to innovation, but the growth opportunities in terms of skill development and strategic impact are substantial.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Innovation Process: "Describe your process for taking a nascent idea and turning it into a functional prototype. What are the key stages, and how do you measure success at each stage?" (Prepare to discuss your methodology for rapid prototyping, validation, and iteration).
• Technology Exploration: "When faced with a new problem and a wide array of potential technologies, how do you decide which stack to use for a prototype? Can you give an example where you chose a less common technology and why?" (Demonstrate your technical decision-making process and adaptability).
• Collaboration in Innovation: "How do you collaborate with non-technical stakeholders or leadership (like a CIO) to brainstorm and refine ideas for new products or features?" (Prepare examples of effective communication and translating technical concepts for diverse audiences).
• Handling Failure: "Innovation often involves experimentation that doesn't yield the desired results. How do you approach projects that don't pan out, and what do you consider a 'successful failure'?" (Show resilience and a learning-oriented mindset).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Storyblok's mission and its position in the headless CMS market?" (Research Storyblok's value proposition and market impact).
• "How do you see emerging technologies like AI impacting the future of content management systems?" (Connect your technical interests to the company's domain).
• "Describe your ideal remote work environment and how you maintain productivity and collaboration without direct in-person supervision." (Highlight your self-management skills and preferred collaboration tools/methods).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the problem, your innovative approach, the execution, and the outcome/learnings.
• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, flowcharts, screenshots, or short video demos to illustrate your prototypes and technical solutions.
• Focus on Process: Emphasize the iterative nature of your work, demonstrating how you adapted based on feedback or new insights.
• Quantify Impact: Clearly state any measurable results or efficiency gains, even if they are from internal testing or early-stage prototypes.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a specific timeframe, focusing on the most relevant aspects for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely assess your ability to think creatively, execute technically under pressure, and articulate complex ideas clearly. Be ready to go deep on your portfolio projects and demonstrate a proactive, curious, and collaborative approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Storyblok careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your 5-7+ years of software engineering experience, specifically showcasing projects involving rapid prototyping, Ruby on Rails, Vue.js, and any exposure to AI/ML or emerging technologies. Prepare concise case studies for 2-3 key projects.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your technical proficiencies, project achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and any experience in innovation or R&D environments. Integrate keywords such as "prototype," "iterate," "AI/ML," "LLM," "Ruby on Rails," "Vue.js," and "agile development."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your thought process for technical challenges and prototyping scenarios. Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on the "why" and "how" behind your technical decisions and the outcomes achieved.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Storyblok's product, its market position, and its company culture. Understand their commitment to innovation and how this role fits into their broader strategy. Be ready to discuss your interest in the headless CMS space and emerging technologies.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.