thoughtbot

We are a design and development agency, founded in 2003, specializing in web and mobile products. We offer services like product design and development, user experience design, product validation, product strategy, DevOps, Site Reliability Engineering, site maintenance, and team augmentation.

We guide clients from initial research through design and development, using an agile, human-centered approach. We build and modernize software, prioritizing reliability, compliance, and long-term maintainability. We work with clients at all business stages, from early-stage validation and MVP growth to team and process improvement. We also offer expertise in DevOps, cloud, and CI/CD for scaling.

Our technologies include Ruby on Rails, iOS, Android, and artificial intelligence, such as custom Generative AI applications using OpenAI’s ChatGPT to streamline our internal workflows. Since our founding, we’ve partnered with over 1,000 clients, including Harvard Business Review, Postmates, MoMA, and Disney.

We also provide resources like a Tech Leadership library, a Design Sprint Guide, Upcase for developer training, our documented Playbook, a blog, and the “Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots Podcast.”

Our team is guided by our purpose and values. We focus on continuous process improvement, strong client partnerships, and transparent operations. We believe in finding better ways to work and take initiative to improve ourselves, our company, and our community. We’re committed to creating a diverse, equitable, inclusive, fulfilling, and safe environment, led by a dedicated DEI council. Our work and culture are built on having a strong team and fostering a growth-oriented environment.

We operate with small teams of designers and developers who collaborate closely with clients. We have a team of 51-200 people. Our work environment is relaxed and educational, promoting a sustainable 40-hour work week. Employees get at least four weeks annually to invest in personal growth, the company, and the community. We foster an inclusive work environment that supports professional development and personal lives outside of work. Our teammates are located across the Americas, Europe, West Asia, and Africa. We try to align teammates and clients in similar timezones. Our Apprenticeship program, established in 2011, has mentored over 50 apprentices into developer or designer roles. Quartz recognized thoughtbot as a best company for remote workers in 2022.

We provide a range of benefits, including at least 20 days annually for continuous improvement activities like learning new tools, working on open-source projects, blogging, and volunteering. We cover 100% of expenses for employees speaking at conferences and 50% for attendees, plus 50% of costs for job-related training.

Paid time off includes four weeks (24 days in the UK) of annual vacation, in addition to company holidays and sick days. New parents receive at least 12 weeks of paid leave for birthing parents and 6 weeks for non-birthing parents, with the option to take up to 6 months of combined leaves.

Remote employees get a monthly stipend for internet and electricity costs, as well as a budget to set up their home workspace. In the U.S., we offer competitive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a 401k plan with matching. In the UK, benefits include supplemental private insurance and a group personal pension scheme. All employees work a sustainable 40-hour week.