Nine years in tech is no small thing – but at Levi9, it’s become something of a pattern. For the colleagues who stay, it’s rarely about habit. It’s about finding a place where growth never stops. We sat down with Žarko Bakurski, Lead Software Engineer, to talk about what nearly a decade at Levi9 has looked like from the inside.
A Strong First Impression That Only Got Stronger
When Žarko joined Levi9 in 2016, he already had a good feeling about where he was headed. “I had already heard from others that Levi9 was known for its strong engineering mindset, and my own experience quickly confirmed that,” he recalls. What drew him in was the company’s engineering focus, the positive culture, and the people he met during the interview process.
Nine years later, that first impression hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s deepened. “Over the years, this impression has only grown stronger through continuous support for growth, collaboration, and trust across teams and projects,” Žarko shares.
Growing Up at Levi9
One of the things that stands out about Žarko’s story is how naturally his career evolved within the company. What started as a junior developer role turned, step by step, into a position of Lead Software Engineer.
“Each transition came with new responsibilities and valuable lessons, especially learning from experienced colleagues along the way,” he says. But the milestone that clearly meant the most was stepping into a leadership role. “That was the moment I could start giving back – by supporting and mentoring others.”
Reaching major milestones on complex projects is something I especially value, as they reflect strong teamwork and shared effort.
Building Things That Matter – Before It Was Trendy
When it comes to projects he’s proud of, Žarko has more than a few to choose from. But a couple stand out for a reason that goes beyond technical achievement.
One of them was building a chatbot that functioned as a personal assistant for employees – and he did it long before AI became a mainstream conversation. “I’m also proud of being involved very early in a Natural Language to SQL project during the initial days of generative AI, as well as contributing to system architectures that are still widely used today,” he adds. These weren’t just interesting technical challenges. They were projects that shaped how the company thought about the future of software.
The People and the Tech: A Rare Combination
So what is it about Levi9 that keeps someone like Žarko engaged after nine years? His answer is straightforward.
“What makes Levi9 special for me is first and foremost the people – they are not only outstanding professionals but also fantastic individuals to work with.” But it doesn’t stop there. He also values the chance to work on projects using modern technologies. “It keeps the work challenging and exciting,” he says – and after nearly a decade, that still matters.
Staying Curious in the Age of AI
If there’s one thing that clearly energizes Žarko right now, it’s the rapid evolution of AI and what it means for software engineering. “AI has fundamentally changed how we think about software engineering and how software is designed and built,” he reflects. “That makes the work even more exciting.”
Also, he’s found a balance that keeps things fresh: sharing what he’s learned over the years, while continuing to learn from others. “That balance between teaching and learning keeps my work meaningful,” he says.
Making It Work: Life Beyond the Screen
Žarko is quick to credit Levi9’s hybrid work model when it comes to maintaining balance. “It has been a key factor in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, allowing me to work from home while staying fully engaged with my team,” he explains. Over the years, that flexibility has only become more valuable – giving him more time and energy for both work and personal life.
What's Next
Looking ahead, Žarko is excited about where Levi9 is headed – especially when it comes to AI and pushing the boundaries of what software can do. “I see myself having a significant impact by guiding and mentoring teams, sharing my experience, and helping to shape solutions that have real impact,” he says. But he’s also clear that this isn’t a one-way street. “I’m eager to keep learning from others and contributing to a culture of innovation and collaboration.”
Nine years in, Žarko’s story is a quiet testament to what happens when a company actually invests in its people. Cheers to many more, Žarko!
