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Engineering Manager

About Playground

Playground is a VC-backed SaaS company revolutionizing child care management. Our platform helps child care providers streamline their operations and engage parents effectively. We’re growing fast, have a strong engineering foundation, and are seeking a visionary engineering leader to help us scale and shape the future of our team and technology.

Role Overview

We are looking for an Engineering Manager or Director of Engineering (depending on experience) to lead, inspire, and expand our engineering team as we scale rapidly. This role will set the technical and strategic direction of our product, grow our team 3x over the next year, and ensure Playground continues to attract and retain exceptional engineering talent. You’ll have the opportunity to define our engineering culture, mentor top-tier talent, and drive our mission forward.

Responsibilities

  • Leadership & Management

    • Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of full-stack engineers, fostering professional growth and development.

    • Establish and uphold high engineering standards for quality, performance, and reliability.

    • Maintain and enhance our fast-paced product development cadence while ensuring long-term scalability.

  • Team Growth

    • Build and scale the engineering team by hiring and retaining exceptional talent, with a goal to triple the team size within the next year.

    • Identify and plan for immediate and long-term team needs, including critical hires like a platform engineer, to support infrastructure scalability and product innovation.

  • Strategy & Direction

    • Collaborate with the CTO and leadership team to define and execute the technical roadmap.

    • Shape product development strategy, balancing rapid innovation with business priorities and scalability.

  • Technical Contribution

    • Provide technical oversight and input to ensure robust architectural decisions.

    • Support the team in delivering high-quality, scalable features across our web and mobile platforms.

What We’re Looking For

  • Proven experience in an engineering leadership role (Engineering Manager, Director of Engineering, or similar) at a rapidly scaling company.

  • Strong track record of building and scaling high-performing engineering teams, with demonstrated success in hiring top-tier talent.

  • Expertise in modern web and mobile development, particularly in TypeScript, React, and Node.js.

  • Experience managing teams delivering full-stack products with fast shipping cycles.

  • Ability to mentor engineers, foster a culture of learning and innovation, and inspire a team to achieve ambitious goals.

  • Strategic mindset with the ability to align engineering efforts with business objectives and long-term growth.

  • Prior experience in SaaS or fast-paced startup environments is highly preferred.

Compensation:

  • The annual salary range for this position is $200,000-$290,000, subject to standard withholding and applicable taxes.

  • Job level and actual compensation will be decided on factors including, but not limited to, individual qualifications objectively assessed during the interview process (including skills and prior relevant experience, potential impact, and scope of role), market demands, and specific work location. The listed range is a guideline, and the range for this role may be modified.

Why Join Playground?

  • Unparalleled Impact: Play a critical role in shaping the future of child care management software.

  • Incredible Team: Work alongside a talented and driven group of founders, engineers, and product experts.

  • Exponential Growth: Lead and grow a team in a rapidly scaling company with clear goals and a strong trajectory.

  • Modern Tech Stack: Work with cutting-edge technologies including TypeScript, React, Node.js, and mobile platforms.

  • Mission-Driven Culture: Join a company deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in the child care industry.

Location: This role is fully in-person and based in New York City.

How to Apply: If you’re excited about leading and scaling a fast-moving engineering team at a mission-driven company, we’d love to hear from you.

Average salary estimate

$245000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$200000K
$290000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Engineering Manager, PlayGround

Are you ready to make an impact in the childcare management sector? Playground, a revolutionary VC-backed SaaS company based in the heart of New York City, is seeking an Engineering Manager to join our growing team. At Playground, we’re all about streamlining operations for childcare providers while engaging parents in meaningful ways. As an Engineering Manager, you’ll lead, inspire, and nurture our talented engineering team, which is set to triple in size over the next year. You’ll take the reins on technical and strategic decisions that will shape our product’s future, while also ensuring high standards of quality and performance in our fast-paced environment. Your leadership will be key as you collaborate closely with our CTO and other stakeholders to define our roadmap, ensuring we balance swift innovation with long-term scalability. In addition, you’ll mentor your team members, foster a culture of learning, and drive forward our mission to improve childcare management practices. With expertise in modern web and mobile development, especially in TypeScript, React, and Node.js, you’ll have the chance to facilitate an agile development process while making critical architectural decisions. Join us on this exciting journey at Playground, where you’ll not only influence the direction of our technology but also engage in a mission-driven culture that is dedicated to making a real difference in the childcare industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Engineering Manager Role at PlayGround
What skills are essential for the Engineering Manager position at Playground?

To thrive as an Engineering Manager at Playground, strong leadership and management skills are essential, alongside extensive experience in building and scaling high-performing engineering teams. Proficiency in modern web and mobile development technologies, particularly TypeScript, React, and Node.js, is crucial. Furthermore, candidates should have a strategic mindset to align engineering projects with business objectives, making this role a perfect fit for someone with a background in SaaS or high-paced startup environments.

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What responsibilities does the Engineering Manager at Playground have?

The responsibilities of an Engineering Manager at Playground include leading and mentoring a team of full-stack engineers, establishing high engineering standards, and overseeing product development to ensure quality and scalability. Additionally, you will play a key role in hiring talent to grow the engineering team and collaborating with the CTO to define and execute the technical roadmap for Playground's innovative platform.

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What is the growth plan for the engineering team at Playground?

At Playground, we have ambitious growth plans to exponentially increase the engineering team size. The Engineering Manager will be instrumental in scaling the team by hiring and retaining top-tier talent, with a goal to triple the team size within the next year. This growth is vital for supporting infrastructure scalability and fostering innovation in our product offerings.

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What technology stack will the Engineering Manager work with at Playground?

The Engineering Manager at Playground will work with an exciting technology stack that includes TypeScript, React, and Node.js. These modern technologies empower our team to deliver high-quality, scalable features for both web and mobile platforms, enabling us to stay at the forefront of childcare management software innovation.

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Why should I consider the Engineering Manager position at Playground?

Considering the Engineering Manager position at Playground is an opportunity to have an unparalleled impact in the childcare management sector. With a dedicated mission-driven culture, a talented team, and a rapidly scaling environment, you will play a vital role in shaping not just the engineering team but the future of our technology and product offerings. If you’re passionate about making a difference and thrive in a dynamic, supportive atmosphere, Playground is the place for you.

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Common Interview Questions for Engineering Manager
What is your leadership philosophy as an Engineering Manager?

When discussing your leadership philosophy, emphasize your belief in empowering team members and fostering a collaborative environment. Share examples of how you've previously inspired teams to achieve ambitious goals and facilitated personal growth, making sure to connect your approach to Playground’s mission of innovation.

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How do you ensure high engineering standards in your team?

To maintain high engineering standards, explain your methods of establishing clear expectations, implementing best practices, and conducting regular code reviews. Discuss how you encourage continuous learning through pair programming and mentoring, aligning your strategies with Playground's commitment to quality.

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Can you describe your experience with scaling engineering teams?

Detail your previous experiences in scaling engineering teams, including specific strategies you used for hiring, onboarding, and retaining talent. Make sure to mention how these experiences could directly benefit Playground's goal to triple its engineering team in the coming year.

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What strategies do you use to balance innovation with business priorities?

Talk about your approach to aligning engineering efforts with business goals. Discuss how you prioritize features and projects based on both user needs and company objectives, using examples from past roles where you directly contributed to product strategy.

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How do you mentor and develop engineers in your team?

Explain your mentoring approach, emphasizing one-on-one sessions, open communication, and personalized development plans. Share specific techniques you've utilized to foster a culture of learning and innovation, which resonates with Playground's values of professional growth.

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What is your experience with full-stack product development?

Provide insights into your experience with full-stack product development, detailing technologies you've worked with, project management techniques, and your role within cross-functional teams. Highlight any relevant experiences that show your expertise aligns with Playground’s tech stack.

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How do you handle conflict within your engineering team?

Discuss your conflict-resolution strategies, including fostering open dialogue and encouraging collaborative problem-solving. Reinforcing a strong team culture is vital, so mention how you've previously handled disagreements constructively while maintaining a focus on team cohesion.

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What trends do you see impacting the future of SaaS companies?

Share your insights on emerging trends in the SaaS space, such as increased personalization, integration with AI, or managing data privacy. Discuss how these trends could influence Playground's technology and product strategy in the years to come.

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How do you stay updated on industry advancements and technology?

Talk about your commitment to staying on top of industry trends through various channels such as webinars, tech blogs, and professional networks. Highlight any communities you engage with that align with Playground's focus on modern technology and innovation.

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Why do you want to work at Playground?

In your response, emphasize your alignment with Playground’s mission of revolutionizing childcare management. Express your desire to contribute to a company that is not only innovative but focused on making a positive impact, aligning your personal values with those of the organization.

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 15, 2025

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