About Temporal
What is Temporal?
"Temporal is an open source programming model that can simplify code, make applications more reliable, and help developers focus on the important things like delivering features faster. We are on a mission to be the reliable foundation of every developer's toolbox."
The about page is blunter: "At Temporal, we've cracked the code to revolutionize backend software engineering. As passionate open-source technologists, we're dedicated to programming languages, distributed systems, and cloud services." The core project is "built in the open" under the MIT license. Founders Samar Abbas and Maxim Fateev co-created Cadence at Uber, the workflow engine Temporal grew out of.
Where will I work?
Temporal publishes its model under "Remote-First Workforce": "We embrace a remote-first culture with flexible schedules, allowing you to balance work and life on your terms. Work from your home office or one of 150+ WeWork locations worldwide. If there's no WeWork near you, we cover alternative co-working spaces." A Travel to Coworking stipend covers the commute.
Openings bear that out: most are listed as a "Remote Opportunity" in the US or US/Canada, with a smaller set tied to San Francisco, Seattle, London, Berlin or Paris. Remote does not mean never travelling: "Temporal is a globally distributed, collaborative team that values opportunities for in-person connection. Occasional travel may be required for company events and team offsites."
What is the Temporal team like?
Four values are published. "Unlock possibilities": "Each challenge is an opportunity: to better understand the user, to get to the root cause." "Reliable as gravity": "Reliability isn't just what we deliver, it's how we operate." "Feedback that fuels": "Clear is kind. We give direct, solution-oriented feedback, listen to learn, and assume positive intent." And "Fly together": "No silos, no bystanders." Postings sum it up as "curious, driven, collaborative, genuine and humble".
Work-Life Balance
Temporal uses the word unlimited explicitly, under a heading it calls Flexible Time Off: "We encourage you to take the time you need to maintain balance and stay refreshed... In addition to unlimited flexible time off, we offer 12 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays (US)." Every live posting repeats the line "Unlimited PTO, 12 Holidays + 2 Floating Holidays".
Hours are flexible rather than reduced: Temporal advertises "flexible schedules" and "flexible hours", and nothing on its site or board mentions a shortened or compressed week. Parental leave is strong by US standards: "up to 20 weeks of fully paid leave" for birth parents, up to 12 weeks for non-birth parents, plus support through fertility planning. One caveat outside the US: "Paid Time Off (PTO) and Benefits outside the United States vary by country, and are issued in partnership with Remote.com."
Perks and Benefits
- Unlimited PTO, 12 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays (US)
- 100% of medical, dental and vision premiums from day one
- Disability and life insurance, 100% of premiums from day one
- Empower 401(k) plan, pre-tax or after-tax contributions
- 20 weeks fully paid leave for birth parents, 12 weeks for non-birth
- Support through fertility planning
- Home office and internet stipends, plus WFH meals
- 150+ WeWork locations, or a covered alternative co-working space
- Professional enrichment stipend for courses and certs
- Lifestyle spending account, free Calm access, EAP
- Equity plan participation alongside salary