Research Assistant Software Developer Jobs in Chester, VA

 Are you a software developer with a passion for coding, collaboration, and mentorship? Join Kinsale Insurance, a fast-growing and successful excess and surplus (E&S) lines carrier headquartered in Richmond, VA. We foster a highly collaborative technology environment where developers work side by side with product teams and business stakeholders in a dynamic, Agile setting where your contributions matter from day one.

 We're hiring across experience levels — from developers looking to deepen their architectural thinking to seasoned engineers ready to lead by example and influence architecture decisions.

 As a Software Developer / Senior Software Developer, you'll join one of our cross-functional Agile teams and contribute to the full lifecycle of enterprise applications, from design to deployment. You'll leverage generative AI tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude Code) in day-to-day development to accelerate coding, automate repetitive tasks, and improve code quality and productivity — and, depending on experience, help shape the vision and roadmap for your team's software solutions.

• Deliver high-quality, scalable code and solutions aligned with business needs and team objectives.
• Contribute to — or lead — the architecture and design of maintainable, enterprise-grade applications, aligning them with IT and business strategies.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend technologies and approaches to solve complex or evolving business challenges.
• Champion best practices in coding, testing, security, and Agile methodologies across the team.
• Identify opportunities to streamline code, reduce duplication, and improve system efficiency.
• Manage upstream and downstream dependencies across systems, teams, and environments to protect delivery timelines.
• Break down complex business and technical problems into well-defined components that support parallel development and incremental delivery.
• Collaborate closely with developers, product owners, and business stakeholders throughout the development lifecycle.
• Incorporate feedback from code reviews and design discussions to continuously grow technical depth and system understanding.
• Actively participate in Agile ceremonies, supporting continuous improvement, collaboration, and excellence.

 Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field — or bootcamp certification — preferred.
• Experience with Java (Spring, Spring Boot, Spring JPA, Docker, REST, SOAP, Hibernate) and Angular (v17+).
• Exposure to full-stack or enterprise applications with proficient knowledge in one or more areas.
• A curiosity for staying current on the latest trends and technologies, with an eye for practical opportunities to use them.
• Familiarity with technologies such as Java (Spring, Spring Boot, JPA, Docker, REST, SOAP, Hibernate), AWS SQS, AWS EKS, Python, Angular, Node.js, SQL, JSON, Kong, Confluent Kafka, and cloud technologies (preferably AWS) is a plus.
• Experience with tools such as SonarCloud, Git, GitLab, Maven, Visual Studio Code, and IntelliJ, plus CI/CD practices, is a plus.
• Familiarity with Agile software development practices and cross-functional team collaboration.
• Experience using AI coding assistants and LLMs (e.g., GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude Code) to enhance development and automation.

 Expected for senior level candidates:

• 3+ years of experience as a full-stack developer, with a strong foundation in enterprise application development.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience with AWS; AWS Certified Developer certification is a plus.
• Strong experience with Java, including Spring, Spring Boot, Spring JPA, Docker, REST, SOAP, and Hibernate.
• Proficiency leveraging AI coding assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Claude Code) and Large Language Models to optimize engineering workflows.
• Solid understanding of RAG systems and autonomous agent-based architectures using proprietary or open-source AI models.
• Preferred: Experience with event-driven architecture, serverless technologies, AngularJS/Angular, Node.js, SQL, SQS, Confluent Kafka, Kong, and DevOps tools such as Git, GitLab, Maven, and SonarCloud.

• Competitive Pay & Bonus Opportunities – Rewarding performance, initiative, and technical excellence.
• Comprehensive Benefits – Health, dental, and vision insurance with up to $3,600 (individual) or $7,000 (family) in HSA contributions per year.
• Work-Life Balance – Generous paid time off including 22 days of PTO and 10 paid company holidays.
• Career Growth – Clear promotion paths, mentorship, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Retirement & Security – Up to 6% matching 401(k) contributions on base salary and bonus, plus standard life insurance and disability coverage.
• Continuous Learning – Annual $3,000 reimbursement for educational training, conferences, and certifications.

Kinsale values strong financial responsibility. A credit check will be conducted as part of the selection process for roles that require sound judgment, trustworthiness, or access to sensitive information.

If you're a motivated, collaborative engineer who thrives on innovation and building solutions that make a real difference, this is your opportunity. Join Kinsale Insurance and grow your career in a company that rewards excellence, initiative, and continuous learning — whether you're deepening your craft or ready to lead.

Apply today and start building your future with us!