Job Description

Toast is recruiting on behalf of this company that is transforming how electrical engineers design cutting-edge products, from drones to satellites. Building on its success as the leading platform for electrical engineers, they are launching an AI-powered tool leveraging a proprietary dataset of over 10 million components. They are seeking a hands-on Lead Principal Engineer to spearhead their software engineering efforts.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will drive product velocity, customer satisfaction, and engineering excellence. This is a player-coach position, blending technical leadership with hands-on development. The right candidate will thrive on innovation, mentor a high-performing team, and contribute to an engineering culture of excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Development

Own all software engineering products across monoliths and microservices.
Code, troubleshoot, and design architecture using PostgreSQL, Python, Django, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
Optimize cloud-based infrastructure (Heroku, Azure, AWS) for scalability and reliability.
Identify and address infrastructure challenges, including scaling, API optimization, and performance improvements.
Plan and execute development sprints collaboratively.
Write and review technical specifications as needed.
Track, analyze, and improve engineering and performance metrics.

Management

Recruit, onboard, and develop a high-performing engineering team.
Mentor and advise developers on architecture and best practices.
Foster a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and continuous improvement.
Drive performance through KPIs, OKRs, and sprint planning.
Serve as the primary point of contact for all software engineering efforts.

Long-Term Planning

Own the roadmap for infrastructure and architecture evolution.
Proactively identify and mitigate software challenges.
Align engineering initiatives with broader business objectives.

Requirements

Who You Are

High Horsepower – Quick learner who thrives in fast-paced environments.
Energetic & Team-Oriented – Brings enthusiasm and fosters collaboration.
Clear Communicator – Direct, effective, and responsive.
Humble – Prioritizes team success over personal ego.
Proven Leader – Strong track record of technical and leadership achievements.
Resourceful & Resilient – Thrives in ambiguity, finds creative solutions, and executes with determination.
Product-Obsessed – Deeply empathetic toward users and passionate about delivering exceptional experiences.
Results-Driven – Seeks continuous improvement and is open to feedback.

Qualifications

5+ years of software engineering experience, building and maintaining robust applications.
5+ years of experience leading and scaling engineering teams.
Expertise in back-end development with Python, Django, and PostgreSQL.
Proficiency in front-end frameworks like Vue or React.
Experience with RESTful APIs, microservices, and cloud platforms (Heroku, Azure, AWS).
Strong background in designing scalable architectures and optimizing infrastructure.

Nice to Haves

Experience in desktop application development.
Familiarity with AI technologies and computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Background in electronic circuit design or electrical engineering.

Benefits

Competitive compensation packages.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, including for dependents.
401(k) plan.
Hybrid work environment (three days in-office per week).
Catered lunches.
Career growth opportunities and a chance to impact a groundbreaking product.
A culture of innovation and creativity.