Engineering Team Lead

As the Engineering Team Lead at HomeBuddy, your main responsibilities include acting as a functional lead for software developers, managing the performance and professional growth of your team, overseeing software architecture, and ensuring the technical excellence of our product. You will be instrumental in hiring and onboarding new team members, monitoring team performance metrics, and collaborating closely with the Head of Development to align on technical strategies. This role involves regular engagement with cross-functional teams, conducting code reviews, and leading initiatives that optimize our software development processes.

To excel in the Engineering Team Lead role at HomeBuddy, you should have a minimum of 7 years of experience in software development, with at least 3 years in a leadership position such as Development Lead or Engineering Manager. Proficiency in programming languages like PHP and JavaScript, along with expertise in frameworks such as Laravel and Symfony, is essential. Additionally, you should have experience with software development tools like Git, Jira, and Confluence, and a strong understanding of software architecture principles and OOP.

Yes, HomeBuddy offers an exciting opportunity for the Engineering Team Lead to work remotely! We're committed to providing our team with the flexibility to work from anywhere, allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance while being available during agreed-upon working hours. This hybrid approach creates an environment where your contributions can be felt, regardless of where you're based.

At HomeBuddy, we pride ourselves on fostering a positive and collaborative work culture. As an Engineering Team Lead, you will be part of a team that values teamwork, trust, and initiative. We encourage sharing feedback and appreciate input from all team members, creating a dynamic where your efforts are recognized and rewarded. Our supportive environment aims to empower you to take ownership of challenges while driving continuous improvement in everything we do.

HomeBuddy believes in investing in our employees' growth, especially for our Engineering Team Lead. You will have access to various professional development opportunities, such as training courses, workshops, and conferences to enhance your skills. Additionally, you'll be working on complex and stimulating tasks that will expand your expertise and provide ample opportunities for mentorship and collaboration with skilled professionals in the field.

As an Engineering Team Lead, I believe in fostering an environment of open communication and collaboration. I prioritize setting clear expectations while encouraging feedback from my team. Regular one-on-ones help me understand team members' professional goals, which allows me to tailor support and resources effectively. My approach combines coaching with accountability, ensuring every team member knows they play a critical role in our success.

Sure! My experience with software architecture principles revolves around implementing scalable, maintainable systems that follow OOP, SOLID, and Design Patterns. I have led projects where I designed architecture for high-traffic applications, ensuring robust performance under varying loads. By prioritizing a strong foundation during the architectural phase, I've helped my teams avoid common pitfalls and made it easier to adapt and evolve our products as user demand grows.

I focus on several key performance metrics like code quality, team velocity, and cycle time. Code quality is assessed through regular code reviews and static analysis tools to ensure maintainability. Team velocity gives insight into how quickly we’re completing stories or tasks, while cycle time helps us identify bottlenecks in our process. By reviewing these metrics regularly, I can identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions to enhance our team's productivity.

Managing remote teams has been a rewarding experience for me. I emphasize clear communication, using tools like Slack and Zoom, and ensure everyone has access to up-to-date project management platforms. Establishing a culture of trust is paramount, so I encourage team members to share their challenges openly. I implement regular check-ins to maintain engagement and ensure that goals align, which helps in building a cohesive remote team dynamic.

Conflict resolution is crucial in maintaining a positive team environment. I address conflicts directly and promptly, facilitating open dialogue between involved parties. My goal is to create a safe space for individuals to express their concerns while steering the conversation towards collaborative solutions. I believe that addressing disagreements constructively can often lead to stronger relationships and increased understanding among team members.

To ensure code quality, I advocate for pair programming, code reviews, and the use of static code analysis tools. By establishing clear coding standards and conducting regular review sessions, we maintain a consistent quality level. Additionally, I encourage my team to engage in refactoring when needed and promote a mindset where everyone takes ownership of the codebase, significantly enhancing our product’s reliability and maintainability.

My approach to technical decision-making involves gathering input from team members and stakeholders while prioritizing data-driven reasoning. I often consult with my team during brainstorming sessions to harness diverse perspectives. I also analyze the alignment of potential solutions with our long-term product strategy. This approach not only leads to more informed decisions but also fosters buy-in from the team, promoting a sense of ownership.

Mentoring junior developers is one of my favorite responsibilities. I begin by assessing their skills and career goals, allowing me to tailor guidance effectively. I pair them with more experienced developers for project work to facilitate knowledge sharing. Additionally, I hold regular career development conversations and provide constructive feedback, encouraging them to take on challenges that stretch their abilities while being there for support whenever needed.

I have extensive experience with agile methodologies, particularly the SAFe framework. I’ve led teams through agile transformations, focusing on iterative development and continuous feedback loops. I ensure that our processes remain adaptable, allowing teams to pivot when necessary. My experience includes facilitating sprint planning, conducting retrospectives, and improving team dynamics to ensure we meet our timelines and deliver value consistently.

I wish to work for HomeBuddy because I’m inspired by the mission to enhance homeowners' experiences through innovative technology. I value the company's focus on a collaborative work culture where transparency and feedback are prioritized. I see immense potential in joining a product-first company like HomeBuddy, where I can leverage my leadership experience to make a significant impact while continuing to grow and evolve alongside my team and the organization.