Software Engineering Lead

Promise

Engineering Lead at Promise guiding technical vision and team for payment plans platform. Collaborating cross-functionally to elevate resident experience and ensure scalable solutions.

Posted 6/11/2026full-timeWashington, D.C. • Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $200,000 - $240,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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

What you’ll need

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

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equity for All: All full-time employees receive stock options to share in our company’s success.
100% Paid Health Coverage: We cover 100% of base medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and their dependents.
Hybrid Work: We collaborate in the office at least four days a week to stay connected and aligned as a team.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

backend systemssystem designsecure architectureAIautomationdebuggingsystem performance optimizationscalable solutionsproduction softwaretechnical leadership

Soft Skills

problem-solvingadaptabilitycollaborationmission-driven energystakeholder alignmentengineering qualitycross-functional collaborationleadershipusability focuscustomer-centric approach