Lead architecture and implementation of scalable, secure software systems. Mentor engineers, translate product requirements into technical specs, drive SDLC and CI/CD, perform code reviews, solve complex engineering problems, and optimize processes for reliable production delivery.
We are seeking a high-caliber Technical Lead to guide our engineering team through complex architectural challenges and drive the execution of our product roadmap. In this role, you will balance deep hands-on technical expertise with strategic leadership, ensuring our systems are scalable, maintainable, and built to the highest standards.
As a bridge between product vision and technical implementation, you will mentor engineers, define best practices, and make critical decisions on the technologies that power our platform.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Architecture & Design: Lead the design and implementation of robust, scalable, and secure software systems. Conduct thorough code reviews and provide architectural oversight to ensure long-term code health.
- Team Leadership & Mentorship: Guide a cross-functional team of engineers. Act as a technical mentor, fostering a culture of continuous learning, psychological safety, and high performance.
- Strategic Planning: Partner with Product Managers and stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical specifications. Estimate timelines, identify potential risks, and manage technical debt.
- Execution & Delivery: Drive the software development lifecycle (SDLC) from ideation to deployment. Ensure the team meets sprint goals and maintains a consistent delivery cadence.
- Process Optimization: Implement and refine engineering best practices, including CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and agile methodologies.
- Hands-on Development: Remain active in the codebase, tackling the most complex "Level 3" problems and setting the standard for quality and efficiency.
Technical Requirements
- Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge in modern backend and/or frontend frameworks (React)
- Infrastructure: Significant experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
- System Design: Proven ability to design distributed systems, microservices architectures, and RESTful/GraphQL APIs.
- DevOps Mindset: Solid understanding of monitoring, logging, and performance tuning in a production environment.
Soft Skills & Leadership
- Communication: Ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders clearly and persuasively.
- Problem-Solving: A pragmatic approach to engineering that balances perfectionism with the need to deliver business value.
- Adaptability: Comfortable navigating ambiguity and leading through change in a fast-paced environment.
- Decision Making: Confident in making tough technical trade-offs under pressure.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading remote or hybrid engineering teams.
- Contributions to open-source projects or a strong presence in the technical community.
- Deep understanding of security protocols and data privacy compliance.
Compensation, Benefits and Duration
Minimum Compensation: USD 48,000
Maximum Compensation: USD 168,000
Compensation is based on actual experience and qualifications of the candidate. The above is a reasonable and a good faith estimate for the role.
Medical, vision, and dental benefits, 401k retirement plan, variable pay/incentives, paid time off, and paid holidays are available for full time employees.
This position is available for independent contractors
No applications will be considered if received more than 120 days after the date of this post
Photon Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
11 East Adams Street Suite 1100, Chicago, IL, United States, 60603
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