Director of Engineering - job 1 of 3

As a Director of Engineering at Postscript, your responsibilities include leading an AI-focused engineering team, developing a strategic vision for the product engineering department, and overseeing the implementation of our technical roadmap. You will manage a team of 20 engineers, facilitate cross-functional collaboration, advocate for key technical work, and create processes for seamless product delivery. Your role also involves mentoring team members and fostering a culture of high autonomy.

To qualify for the Director of Engineering position at Postscript, you should have a proven track record in startup environments, extensive experience in managing engineering teams, and adeptness at navigating cross-functional projects. A solid technical foundation paired with strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and leadership capabilities are essential to effectively guide the product engineering department.

Postscript is committed to the growth of its employees, including engineers in leadership roles like the Director of Engineering. You'll have opportunities for mentorship, be encouraged to foster innovative ideas, and access resources that align with your career aspirations. Our culture emphasizes high autonomy and provides ample chances to impact outcomes, ensuring that you can continuously develop your skills.

At Postscript, the culture is centered around passion, innovation, and collaboration. As a Director of Engineering, you'll find a welcoming environment that values each team member's contributions while encouraging autonomy and accountability. We believe in maintaining a fun and supportive atmosphere where team members can thrive and have a meaningful impact on the company's direction.

Postscript offers a competitive salary range of $267,000-$304,000, along with equity opportunities and flexible paid time off. Our health benefits include dental and vision insurance, and we promote a work-from-home culture, allowing you the flexibility to achieve a balanced work-life integration. We value our employees and strive to provide a rewarding and fulfilling work experience.

In my experience as a Director of Engineering, my leadership style is characterized by fostering autonomy while maintaining key accountability structures. I believe in empowering my team to take ownership of their projects, while also providing guidance and support as needed. This approach encourages innovation and allows engineers to excel in their roles.

Absolutely! One challenging project I led involved coordinating a cross-functional team to implement a significant update to our product's architecture. It required detailed planning and collaboration across departments. We navigated ambiguities and technical challenges through regular sync-ups and clear communication, ultimately delivering a successful project that enhanced our user experience.

Staying current with technology trends is vital for a Director of Engineering. I regularly follow industry publications, participate in relevant webinars, and engage in professional networks. Additionally, I encourage my team to share insights on emerging technologies during our team meetings, creating a collaborative environment focused on continuous learning.

To recruit top engineering talent, I focus on highlighting our company culture, the impact they can make, and the opportunities for growth. I utilize a structured interview process that evaluates both technical skills and cultural fit, and I leverage networks and industry connections to reach passive candidates that align with our values.

Balancing technical work with leadership responsibilities requires a strategic approach. I prioritize my tasks by focusing on high-impact areas of the project that need my input. While I may not code directly, I stay engaged by participating in technical discussions and offering insights to guide my team effectively in challenging situations.

A memorable instance involves deciding whether to pivot an ongoing project when we discovered potential roadblocks that could hamper its success. I gathered all relevant data and held a team discussion to weigh our options. Ultimately, we decided to adjust our approach, which led us to a more feasible solution that aligned with our long-term goals.

To ensure effective cross-department communication, I advocate for regular touchpoints with all stakeholders involved in a project. Establishing clear channels for updates and feedback not only fosters collaboration but also aligns everyone toward common goals and prevents miscommunication, ultimately enhancing our project execution.

I track various metrics to gauge engineering team performance, such as project delivery timelines, quality of output (including bug counts), team satisfaction scores, and customer feedback. These metrics help identify areas for improvement and allow me to tailor support and resources where needed to optimize team performance.

My approach to problem-solving centers on thorough analysis and collaboration. I break down the challenges by investigating the root causes and involving relevant team members to brainstorm solutions. This nurtures a culture of collective problem-solving, ensuring that diverse perspectives contribute to a robust solution.

A successful Director of Engineering at Postscript is someone who possesses a blend of technical acumen, strategic insight, and exceptional leadership qualities. They should be passionate about customer-centric product development, excel at building high-performing teams, and be adaptable to our fast-paced startup environment while embedding a culture of innovation and accountability.