Team Lead (Compute Team)

The Team Lead at Neon is responsible for leading a group of talented engineers focused on core PostgreSQL functionality, ensuring that the database seamlessly operates on the Neon cloud platform. This includes combining technical expertise with project management to guide the team's success, collaborating with other teams, and mentoring team members to nurture their growth and skills.

To qualify for the Team Lead role at Neon, candidates should have a minimum of two years of experience in a technical leadership position and at least five years of development experience working on complex projects. A strong understanding of systems engineering, specifically with low-level components, along with excellent emotional intelligence and mentoring skills, is essential.

While not mandatory, beneficial experiences for a Team Lead candidate at Neon include contributions to PostgreSQL or its extensions, participation in open-source projects, and hands-on experience with running 24/7 production services. Experience as an Engineering Manager and working with PostgreSQL or similar OLTP databases would be advantageous as well.

Neon offers a fully remote working environment for the Team Lead position. We facilitate all necessary arrangements to ensure you can work comfortably from your home, maintaining regular communication through distributed team practices while fostering a sense of community through our team offsites.

As a Team Lead at Neon, you'll receive a competitive benefits package that includes stock options, unlimited vacation days, paid parental leave, and access to top-tier equipment. We prioritize the well-being of our employees and encourage a healthy work-life balance while providing the support you need to thrive.

A good starting point is to emphasize collaboration, openness, and empowerment. As a Team Lead at Neon, I believe in guiding my team through mentorship and fostering an environment where team members feel valued and encouraged to share ideas.

I prioritize tasks based on urgency, impact, and alignment with company goals. I encourage team input in planning, ensuring everyone understands priorities and how their work contributes to our larger mission at Neon.

I have substantial experience working with PostgreSQL, specifically in developing extensions and performance tuning. I also stay informed on the latest updates and community practices to ensure our use of PostgreSQL is efficient and adheres to best standards.

Open communication is key. I believe in addressing conflicts directly but tactfully, facilitating discussions to understand different perspectives and working together to arrive at a mutually agreeable resolution.

I motivate my team by recognizing and celebrating achievements, providing opportunities for professional growth, and ensuring everyone has a clear understanding of their contribution to our goals at Neon. Creating an enjoyable and inclusive environment also enhances motivation.

One notable project involved optimizing database performance for a large client. I led a cross-functional team, coordinating efforts across multiple stakeholders, ensuring we met project deadlines while achieving measurable improvements in efficiency.

I promote a culture of ongoing education by encouraging attendance at workshops, conferences, and tech meetups. Weekly knowledge-sharing sessions within our team also foster an environment of continuous improvement and learning from one another.

I favor agile methodologies, allowing for iterative improvements and adaptability. Regular stand-ups and retrospectives help maintain alignment and identify areas for necessary adjustments, ensuring we remain focused and responsive to project needs.

Success can be defined through several KPIs—timely project delivery, quality of work, team morale, and individual growth. Regular feedback loops and performance reviews help ensure everyone is on track and aligned with our goals.

I am drawn to Neon’s mission of innovation in the PostgreSQL space and its commitment to the open-source community. Leading a dedicated team that creates impactful solutions aligns perfectly with my professional passions and expertise.