Manager, Engineering

The Manager, Engineering at LTK is responsible for overseeing a backend squad that focuses on notifications, ensuring the delivery of millions of notifications to consumers and creators alike. This role involves managing the day-to-day operations of the development team, contributing to product requirements, and maintaining technical design documents. The individual will also be instrumental in hiring and supporting team development, while actively participating in defining the technical vision and processes that align with LTK's goals.

To be successful as the Manager, Engineering at LTK, candidates should have a minimum of 2 years in leadership roles, with a strong track record of guiding developers. Additionally, a solid background in backend systems, particularly with languages such as Go, Python, C++, or Java, is essential. Candidates should also possess technical expertise in cloud environments, data architecture, and scalable systems. Leadership skills, a focus on team development, and a commitment to continuous improvement are equally important.

The Manager, Engineering position at LTK emphasizes developing leaders within the engineering team. This includes participating in the entire employee lifecycle, from recruiting and onboarding to ongoing performance management. The manager will also work on creating effective development plans to minimize retention risks, ensuring that each team member is equipped for their next career move while promoting a culture of growth and empowerment.

The ideal candidate for the Manager, Engineering role at LTK should have at least 6 years of experience with backend systems and architecture. Key technical skills include proficiency in various programming languages, experience with containerization technologies (Docker and Kubernetes), and familiarity with AWS services. Moreover, knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, building scalable APIs, and working with database technologies is crucial, allowing the manager to effectively lead the backend squad.

At LTK, the work culture is centered around innovation, collaboration, and remote-first productivity. Team members are encouraged to take initiative and spearhead projects while enjoying the flexibility of working from anywhere. LTK prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a supportive environment that strengthens the team. Employees also benefit from competitive compensation packages, comprehensive health insurance, and various perks like flexible PTO and summer Fridays.

When discussing your leadership style during the interview for the Manager, Engineering role, focus on the principles of servant leadership. Emphasize how you support your team by providing opportunities for professional growth, encouraging open communication, and fostering an environment where their ideas are valued. Share specific examples that reflect how your style has positively impacted team productivity and morale.

In your response, highlight your experience in utilizing Agile methodologies to prioritize tasks effectively. Discuss techniques such as regular sprint planning, backlog grooming, and stakeholder feedback to ensure that the team's efforts align with the company's strategic goals. Also, mention how you adapt to changing priorities while maintaining team motivation and focus.

Be sure to articulate your hands-on experience with cloud platforms, particularly AWS, and how you've applied these technologies in past projects. Discuss your familiarity with services like ECS, Lambda, or RDS, as well as your approach to building scalable architectures that leverage cloud infrastructure. This will demonstrate your technical fit for the role at LTK.

When addressing conflict resolution, emphasize the importance of addressing issues quickly and constructively. Describe your strategy for facilitating open discussions, encouraging team members to express their viewpoints, and guiding them towards mutually agreeable solutions. Sharing a real-life example can add credibility to your answer, showing that you are proactive and solution-oriented.

In your answer, focus on implementing regular retrospectives and team reviews to reflect on both successes and areas for improvement. Highlight your commitment to using data-driven metrics to track performance and encourage team input for developing better engineering practices. Discuss how you focus on fostering a culture of learning, where failures are seen as opportunities for growth.

When answering this question, choose a specific project that illustrates your leadership capabilities. Detail your role in defining objectives, coordinating resources, and driving collaboration among team members. Ensure to emphasize the challenges faced and how your actions led to a successful outcome, highlighting key takeaways that reflect your competencies as a Manager, Engineering.

Emphasize the importance of a structured onboarding process that involves not just technical training, but also integrating new hires into the company culture. Touch on strategies like mentorship, pairing them with experienced team members, and providing resources to help them ramp up quickly. Discuss how this holistic approach aids in retention and creates a positive start for new employees.

Identify key tools that enhance productivity and communication within engineering teams, such as project management software for Agile processes, code review tools, and CI/CD pipeline solutions. Discuss your familiarity with these technologies and how you've leveraged them in past experiences to optimize workflows. This answer should communicate your readiness to manage technology effectively at LTK.

Share your strategies for fostering a motivated team culture, such as implementing recognition programs for accomplishments, encouraging skills development, and creating opportunities for innovation. Emphasize the importance of regular check-ins and feedback sessions to ensure team members feel supported. Engage with examples where your initiatives led to improved team engagement.

Express your belief in the significance of work-life balance and discuss how you promote it within your team. Mention flexible work arrangements, the importance of respecting personal time, and encouraging breaks to recharge. Show that you understand the positive impact of a healthy work-life balance on productivity and overall team morale.