Software Engineering Lead

Promise is looking for an Engineering Lead to lead a high-performing engineering team, scaling our platform to meet the growing demand from cities, states, and utilities across the country. This is a role for someone who thrives at the intersection of technology, leadership, and mission impact-setting direction, building systems that last, and ensuring our work reflects Promise’s dignity-first values.

- Lead by doing: Roll your sleeves up and build alongside the team, know the ins and outs of the product.

- Own the roadmap: Partner with Product and Design to prioritize the right features—balancing usability, scalability, and measurable real-world impact.

- Build for scale & trust: Ensure the platform is secure, composable, and capable of supporting governments and utilities nationwide.

- Elevate the resident experience: Deliver features that make it easier for families to stay on track-like flexible installments, smart reminders, and personalized plans.

- Stay hands-on: Dive into technical details when needed, from debugging production issues to optimizing system performance.

- Automate what matters: Leverage AI and automation to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce operational overhead, and free teams to focus on what counts.

- Collaborate cross-functionally: Partner with Customer Success and Operations to ensure seamless deployments and reliable performance in the field.

- Raise the bar: Define and enforce standards for engineering quality, system reliability, and collaborative excellence.

- Technical leadership: 6+ years building and scaling production software, including at least 2 years leading teams or projects.

- Roadmap ownership: A track record of setting technical direction, aligning stakeholders, and delivering against ambitious goals.

- Systems expertise: Strong background in backend systems, system design, and secure architecture.

- Technical curiosity: Follows improvements in AI and other emerging technologies, and finds opportunities to turn new technology into useful technology.

- Integration mindset: Experience working with legacy or third-party systems (government, fintech, or regulated industries a plus).

- Problem-solving skills: Ability to address complex challenges with simple, scalable solutions.

- Adaptability: Comfort operating in a fast-paced, feedback-driven environment where priorities can shift quickly.

- Mission-driven energy: Belief in Promise’s vision that better systems create more equitable outcomes.

- Bonus points: Experience in payments, civic tech, or public infrastructure.