From Day One to Year One at SAFE: Software Engineer Finds a ‘Whole New Level of Ownership’

“I wanted to roll up my sleeves and dive into every aspect of architecture, not just follow the rulebook.”

By Akanksha Kumari

At the start of January 2024, I found myself at a crossroads in my career. Having spent years working with large organizations, I craved something different—something more dynamic, impactful, and flexible. I wanted to roll up my sleeves and dive into every aspect of architecture, not just follow the rulebook. That’s when I decided to explore opportunities with smaller startups and stumbled upon Safe Security—a name that was new to me but soon became my next big adventure.

From Curiosity to Commitment

Initially, SAFE was just another intriguing option on my radar, but a quick dive into its rapid growth and bold mission hooked me. The interview process was seamless. I spoke to Payal, who kept every step clear and transparent. In no time, the interviews were done, and I found myself gearing up for Day 1 at SAFE as a Software Development Engineer.

Excitement? Absolutely. Nervousness? Without a doubt. Having no prior experience in the cybersecurity domain, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But from the moment I started, SAFE’s structured onboarding process swept away my doubts. The thorough walkthrough of the product, its service flows, and the abundant learning resources were proof of how much the company invests in its people.

Breaking Free: The Joy of Making an Impact

Coming from large organizations, I was no stranger to delivering features end-to-end. But SAFE introduced me to a whole new level of ownership. Here, I could experiment, make design decisions, and truly shape the projects I worked on. It felt like stepping out of a procedural manual and into a world of creative possibilities.

The highlight of my work at SAFE? The direct and immediate impact. Hearing clients say that a feature I developed simplified their workflow—it’s a feeling like no other. From building design token pipelines and supercharging performance to evolving the product into a new version and crafting an asynchronous reporting engine, each project pushed me to learn, innovate, and grow.

Beyond the work itself, the collaborative culture has been a game-changer. I’m fortunate to work with leaders who are not just experts but also humble and supportive. They’ve trusted me to navigate ambiguity and experiment, which has only fueled my confidence further.

One Year, Countless Lessons

As February 2025 marks my first anniversary at SAFE, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey so far. The projects I’ve completed, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the impact I’ve made all fill me with pride.

What’s next? More innovation, more challenges, and more growth. The road ahead is full of opportunities to push boundaries, make a difference, and keep discovering what I’m capable of.

Here’s to a year of growth, fulfillment, and excitement—and to many more thrilling chapters at Safe Security.