Finding a job you love so much that it annoys your friends can be hard to find. In Austin tech, however, companies are regularly one-upping one another to earn that coveted best workplace reputation.
Through challenging work, the encouragement to think freely, and of course, perks, these eight local companies are ready to roll out the red carpet for their employees. Take a look at how they’re transforming their industries, who they’re looking to hire and what they have to offer.
Through its experimentation platform, Optimizely gives companies the ability to test different digital experiences in order to determine which approach leads to the most customer engagement. The company launched in 2009 from San Francisco.
We value people who come to the table with unique ideas, solutions and collaborate to get things done.”
Why you want to work here: Like most fast-growing tech hubs, the commute to work can get rough. With that in mind, Optimizely softened the commuter woes by nearly doubling their commuter and parking benefits for Austin Optinauts. The company also offers a variety of global development programs, 17 weeks parental leave, team volunteer opportunities, daily catered lunches and flexible time off.
Word on the street: “We value people who come to the table with unique ideas, solutions and collaborate to get things done,” said Sandi Lurie, global senior director of recruiting. “In our culture of experimentation, we look for people who take ownership and who are curious with a strong sense of urgency.”
WP Engine’s service and digital experience platform helps brands build out and customize their web presence on WordPress. Its solutions, which include agility, performance, intelligence and integration tools, prepare brands to get up and running online quickly and with better results.
We are committed to being the ‘Workplace of Choice.’”
Why you want to work here: Not only will you be covered under WP Engine’s health insurance plans, but so will your pets. The company also offers employees commuter benefits, four months of paid family leave for primary caretakers, generous time off, training and development programs, lunch provided Monday through Thursday, and stock options.
Word on the street: “We are committed to being the ‘Workplace of Choice,’ known for fostering a flexible, empowering, and inclusive environment for all,” said Annette Alexander, chief people officer.
Since its launch in 2012, DISCO has uploaded more than 900 TB — that’s right, terabytes — of legal data for more than 400 law firms. Its e-discovery platform automates and simplifies error-prone tasks like the often monotonous process of legal document review.
Our job is to supply a continuous stream of hard problems that our people can grow on.”
Why you want to work here: Free daily lunch? Yes, please. Onsite fitness center to burn off said daily lunch? Affirmative. DISCO employees can also take advantage of other perks like flexible PTO, paid-volunteer days, and a never-ending stream of cold brew and Topo Chico.
Word on the street: “DISCO employees are inspired by our value of the inventor’s spirit. They work to see things as they should be and pursue new and better ways. We encourage all of our employees to embody this, regardless of role,” said CEO and co-founder Kiwi Camara. “Our job as a company is to supply a continuous stream of hard problems that our people can grow on.”
Shipwell makes it possible for businesses of all sizes to ship freight as easily as Amazon does. Its automated logistics platform supports carriers, shippers and brokers through a streamlined freight experience that provides transparency into the shipping process and keeps all parties updated.
We look for candidates who aren't afraid to build an office chair a couple times a year while also building the future of freight.”
Why you want to work here: Rack up the reimbursements as a Shipwell employee. The company offers commuter reimbursements, partial cell phone reimbursements and entertainment reimbursements for subscriptions like Hulu, Spotify and Audible. Plus, save on your gym membership with an employee discount, enjoy two catered meals weekly, and take time off from work guilt-free with Shipwell’s unlimited PTO policy.
Word on the street: “Shipwell looks for people who demonstrate integrity, who are competitive, who are hungry to learn and always strive to be their very best,” said Kendal Lackey, people operations specialist. “We are a fast-paced startup run by a tenacious bunch who pitch in and help out wherever we can. Shipwell looks for candidates who are excited to grow with us, and aren't afraid to build an office chair a couple times a year while also building the future of freight.”
Bestow’s online application process for life insurance policies has made coverage more accessible for all. The company launched in 2016 and partners with top insurance carriers to offer affordable term life insurance.
Our successful candidates have a history of being so passionate about what they do, it annoys their friends.”
Why you want to work here: Bond with your coworkers at weekly team lunches and grow your knowledge with company-led lunch and learns. Bestow also cares for their own by offering 100 percent covered medical, dental and vision insurance, generous PTO and commuter benefits.
Word on the street: “Our successful candidates have a history of breaking through walls, building greatness from scratch, and being so passionate about what they do, it annoys their friends,” said Tannen Campbell, chief marketing officer.
TrustRadius’s review and rating platform provides B2B customers with an honest guide for software purchases. Since its launch in 2012, TrustRadius has published nearly 180,000 vetted reviews from verified users.
I want to work with people who are hungry, humble, and people smart.”
Why you want to work here: Make fond memories with your team at TrustRadius’s regularly scheduled company events including outings, volunteer opportunities, the biannual Olympics, running club and more. New parents can also expect paid parental leave as well as an in-office wellness room, and all employees can take ample time off through TrustRadius’s discretionary time-off policy.
Word on the street: “There are three intangible qualities I look for when hiring: I want to work with people who are hungry, humble, and people smart,” said Tom Sloss, VP of finance. “Beyond what's in the job description, these are important qualities for success within a high-growth startup.”
If you work in tech, then you likely know how quickly things can change, especially internally. Pingboard provides companies with a real-time, collaborative and interactive organization chart that guides workforce planning and keeps employees informed.
We believe work should be full of interesting challenges, constant collaboration and friendly people.”
Why you want to work here: Along with an open vacation policy, Pingboard gives employees fully-covered health and dental benefits, 401(k) plans, professional development conferences and courses, and volunteer opportunities. Other fun tidbits — Pingboard recently renovated its South Austin office and employees can get hands on limited tickets to various ACL Live tapings.
Word on the street: “We look for high-capacity people who want to grow as part of a supportive team,” said CEO and founder Bill Boebel. “We’re a close-knit company that believes work should be full of interesting challenges, constant collaboration and friendly people.”
Serving 800,000 people from organizations across the world, Redgate’s SQL Toolbelt for Microsoft’s data platform helps professionals run database provisioning more efficiently. Since the start of 2019, Redgate has already issued over 580 product releases, showing no signs of slowing down.
We love helping our customers remain competitive while protecting their data and ensuring compliance.”
Why you want to work here: Not only do Redgate employees have up to 20 days of vacation every year, they also have the option to buy or sell up to five days of vacation annually. Plus, as part of Redgate's annual prrofit share bonus, all employees receive the same bonus amount regardless of position. The amount varies year to year and is prorated based on employee start dated within said year.
Word on the Street: “Ideal candidates demonstrate high levels of intellectual curiosity, ambition, work ethic, and empathy,” said Leigh Koritke, sales enablement manager. “We love helping our customers respond quickly to market demands and remain competitive while protecting their data and ensuring compliance. Candidates that share our passion for solving complex problems with simple solutions are an ideal fit.”
