Culture

The JetBrains Fit Test: Is This the Right Workplace for You?

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to work at JetBrains, this post is for you.

We could tell you about our products, our offices, or the number of developers who use our tools, but the truth is, the real story of JetBrains is about the people who build those tools, the way they think, and what drives them.

This isn’t a traditional “why you should join us” piece. It’s more of a fit test – a look inside the mindset, values, and rhythm that shape daily life here. Because we believe that finding the right workplace isn’t just about skills, it’s about resonance. It’s about whether you’ll feel at home with our way of working.

So let’s see if you do, together. At JetBrains, everything we do is shaped by a few simple yet powerful ideas; these principles guide how we build, grow, and work as a team.

Built by developers, for developers – and everyone who shares that mindset

JetBrains was founded by developers who wanted to make software creation more productive, logical, and human-focused. “By developers, for developers” isn’t just a slogan. It defines how all of our teams think and build – not just our engineers.

We create tools we use ourselves. We test them on real projects, feel the same pain points our users do, and fix what doesn’t work. Something that’s know also as dogfooding.

This constant loop of using, improving, and learning keeps us close to the people we build for.

And while our roots are in software development, this mindset goes far beyond code – it’s shared by designers, marketers, recruiters, writers, and every JetBrainer who approaches their craft with the same curiosity, precision, and care.

“Every feature, every product we create is made with love for people like us, people who care about doing things right”,

as our CEO, Kirill Skrygan, put it.

That closeness to our users also explains our independence. We’re privately owned, and that’s deliberate. Without external investors, we can focus on real value instead of chasing hype or short-term profit. It’s what allows us to take our time, build with care, and stay loyal to our craft.

If that kind of depth and autonomy excites you, you’ll probably feel right at home here.

The relentless pursuit of getting it right

We care deeply about details. When you build tools for some of the smartest and most demanding users in the world, “good enough” simply isn’t going to work for us.

Every role at JetBrains, from designers to developers, from lawyers to technical writers, carries that same sense of precision and pride. Titles matter less than skill, curiosity, and craftsmanship.

Here, decisions are made by doers, by people who know the work inside out. We ask hard questions, challenge assumptions, and don’t cut corners. It’s a place where excellence attracts excellence: Great people want to work with others who raise the bar.

That’s why our feedback culture can feel intense at first. JetBrainers are direct and deeply invested in quality. But the goal is always to make our work, and each other, better.

If you find joy in perfecting something, if you feel satisfaction when a system works beautifully because you made it that way, you’ll probably enjoy this environment.

Freedom to forge

Autonomy is one of the defining traits of JetBrains. We trust capable people to lead themselves.

But autonomy is not for everyone. For some, it is energizing. For others, it can feel disorienting. Not everyone feels comfortable without clear direction, and that is okay.

Here, you won’t be handed a step-by-step plan. You will not get detailed instructions for every move. Instead, you are given trust and the space to figure things out. To question the default. To experiment. To choose a better path when you see one.

As Kirill once said,

“JetBrains is not the best place for people who want everything predictable and perfectly structured. It is the place for people who see something broken and just fix it.”

If you see a better way forward, you are empowered to take it. That kind of freedom can be thrilling, but it also means you own the outcome. Accountability is part of the deal.

If you feel at home in a flat structure, enjoy experimenting, and are motivated by trust and autonomy, JetBrains is a good fit for you.

Your career’s best move

People often join JetBrains for a role, but they stay for a career. Our attrition rate is less than half the industry average, and that’s not a coincidence.

Growth here doesn’t follow a straight corporate ladder. It’s more like a map you design yourself. Some deepen their expertise; others move into leadership, switch domains, or build something entirely new.

Teams are intentionally small, so every person’s work leaves a visible mark. When you contribute, you see the impact immediately: on products, users, and your colleagues.

Recognition here isn’t performative; it’s real. We take care of our people, and our top performers know their contribution is valued, both in recognition and in compensation.

“When you give smart people the space to grow, they push boundaries of what’s possible, and of who they can become,” said Kirill.

If you’re someone who’s motivated by growth, ownership, and the freedom to keep evolving, this is a place where your career can keep expanding without having to start over every few years.

What kind of people thrive at JetBrains?

There’s no single “JetBrainer type”. But the people who thrive here share a certain mindset, one that shapes how they work, grow, and collaborate every day.

They raise the bar.
They don’t just get the job done; they elevate the standards for everyone around them. They bring real skill, a thoughtful approach, and an eye for the details that matter.

They care deeply about the “why”.
They’re driven by the opportunity to solve hard problems and build something that truly matters, not just to deliver, but to make an impact.

They don’t settle for “good enough”.
They dig in, challenge assumptions, and find new paths forward because they care about getting it right.

They’re proactive and accountable.
They make decisions, take ownership, and lead from wherever they are, regardless of their job title or position in the hierarchy.

They value independence, matched with integrity.
They hold themselves to high standards not because someone’s watching, but because their work matters to them.

They act with intent.
They move quickly when it counts, focusing on impact over “looking busy”, progress over noise.

And above all, they care: about the craft, their colleagues, and doing things properly.

A place for builders, believers, and doers

If there’s one phrase that captures the essence of working at JetBrains, it’s this: We’re a company led by doers. Here, decisions are made by people who know their work inside out and who aren’t afraid to take initiative. We’re looking for process shapers  – people who believe in what they build and want to see it come to life. 

This is not the easiest place to work. But for the right person, it might be the most fulfilling.

If you’re the kind of person who feels restless when things could be better, who starts tinkering, fixing, creating, and improving, you’ll find your people here.

Thinking of applying?

Do you want to do your best work and be surrounded by people who do the same? If your answer is yes, you might just fit right in. Check out our careers page to learn more.