Software Engineering Lead

About the role

Promises is seeking an Engineering Lead to guide the technical vision and team behind our Payment Plans platform. This platform is the backbone of our business, providing flexible, interest-free installment options to residents, helping them avoid penalties while enabling utilities and governments to recover revenue more effectively.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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 turn complex challenges into 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.

Qualifications

• Experience in payments, civic tech, or public infrastructure is a plus.

Skills

• Strong technical leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with backend systems, system design, and secure architecture.
• Ability to balance technical vision with practical implementation.
• Experience with AI and automation to improve efficiency.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Benefits

Promise offers equity for all full-time employees, 100% paid health coverage, hybrid work, and flexible time off. The company also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, pregnant individuals, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs.

Pay

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Details will be shared during the interview process.

Schedule

The role is full-time and based in our San Francisco office. Occasional travel may be required.