Manager, Software Engineering (Data)

As a Manager of Software Engineering at Firstup, you'll mentor and grow a team of distributed engineers, fostering collaborative best practices. You'll guide them through creating solutions for intricate technical challenges related to scaling and automation while iterating quickly based on data-driven insights. Your role will also involve developing performance management strategies for team members and contributing to engineering-wide plans in the management team.

To qualify for the Manager, Software Engineering role at Firstup, you'll need a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. Additionally, you should have over 5 years of experience managing a data engineering team and possess strong knowledge of modern data architecture, ETL/ELT processes, and data modeling best practices. Proficiency in SQL, Python, Ruby, and TypeScript is also essential.

Preferred experience for the Manager, Software Engineering position at Firstup includes a proven track record of leading data engineering teams through large-scale challenges, particularly within SAAS organizations. Familiarity with AWS infrastructure and tools such as Sagemaker, MSK, MWAA, Glue, and Redshift will be beneficial, as will experience with Kubernetes, Docker, Helm, and machine learning techniques.

The culture at Firstup is built around empowerment, collaboration, and growth. As a Manager of Software Engineering, you’ll be encouraged to foster teamwork, communicate openly, and share knowledge across product teams. We embrace an Agile methodology and promote an environment where taking chances and learning from failures is celebrated, making it a dynamic and supportive place to work.

At Firstup, the base salary for the Manager, Software Engineering position typically ranges between $175,000 to $200,000. The starting pay may vary depending on various factors, including the candidate's education, training, geographical location, and relevant experience.

When mentoring a distributed engineering team, I focus on building strong communication channels and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. Regular one-on-ones, transparent feedback mechanisms, and providing resources for professional growth are key to creating a supportive environment where every engineer feels valued and empowered.

In a previous role, we encountered a significant challenge with data pipeline scalability. I led my team by conducting a thorough analysis of our architecture, brainstorming innovative solutions collaboratively, and implementing an agile approach to test and refine our strategies in real-time.

Promoting Agile best practices involves regular stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives to encourage continuous improvement. I advocate for the use of user stories and adaptive planning to ensure alignment with our goals while allowing teams the flexibility to pivot as needed.

To ensure software quality, I emphasize the importance of testing at every stage of development, from unit tests to integration tests. I also prioritize code reviews and pair programming to catch issues early while cultivating a culture of accountability among the engineering team.

Data plays a crucial role in my decision-making process. I rely on key performance indicators, team metrics, and customer feedback to inform our strategies on resource allocation, engineering priorities, and the effectiveness of our solutions.

Effective communication in a remote team is maintained through regular updates, the use of collaborative tools, and encouraging an open-door policy. I also emphasize the importance of establishing norms that allow for candid discussions and quick responses in various formats, whether via chat, video, or email.

Key qualities of a successful Manager of Software Engineering include strong leadership skills, excellent communication, a deep understanding of technical processes, and the ability to inspire teams. Empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to fostering a positive team culture are equally important.

I handle conflict within my engineering team by addressing issues promptly and openly. Encouraging dialogue between team members helps clarify misunderstandings, while mediation may be needed to facilitate resolutions that align with our collective goals.

My experience in startup environments has taught me to prioritize agility and adaptability while maintaining a focus on quality and innovation. I'm comfortable navigating the unique challenges of resource constraints while motivating my team to thrive under pressure.

Career development planning involves assessing individual strengths and aspirations, offering tailored learning opportunities, and setting clear paths for advancement. I work closely with each engineer to create a professional development roadmap that aligns with both personal goals and the needs of the team.