Lead Engineer - Consumer Lifestyle

Our client, a dynamic technology company, is seeking an exceptional Lead Engineer to join their team and help shape the future of their platform. This is a unique opportunity for a technically excellent engineer with strong leadership capabilities to build and scale systems from the ground up, with a clear path to growing into a Chief Technology Officer role as the company expands.

The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced startup environments, has hands-on experience building products from scratch, and possesses both the technical depth and emotional intelligence to lead cross-functional teams

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Architecture: Design, build, and scale robust full-stack applications using modern technologies; make critical architectural decisions that balance speed, quality, and scalability
• Team Development: Grow, mentor, and inspire a high-performing engineering team; foster a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and technical excellence
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with product, design, and business stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions; communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Hands-On Development: Write clean, maintainable code across the full stack; lead by example through active contribution to the codebase
• Platform Integration: Design and implement integrations with third-party platforms, particularly Shopify, ensuring seamless data flow and exceptional user experiences
• Cloud Infrastructure: Architect and manage AWS infrastructure to ensure reliability, security, and cost-effectiveness; implement DevOps best practices
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to technical roadmap planning and product strategy; position yourself to take on CTO responsibilities as the company grows

Requirements

• Frontend Expertise: Strong proficiency in React, Next.js, and TailwindCSS with a track record of building responsive, performant user interfaces
• Backend Proficiency: Solid experience with Python and Node.js; ability to design and implement scalable backend systems
• API Development: Demonstrated experience building and consuming GraphQL and/or REST APIs
• Cloud Infrastructure: Deep knowledge of Amazon Web Services (AWS), including hands-on experience with ECS, Cognito, S3, Lambda, and RDS
• E-commerce Platform Integration: Understanding of Shopify platform architecture and practical experience developing applications using Shopify's APIs
• Startup/Entrepreneurial Background: Previous experience building technology products from scratch in startup or entrepreneurial environments (not from large corporate backgrounds)
• Leadership & Mentorship: Proven track record of successfully growing and mentoring engineering teams; ability to provide technical guidance while fostering professional development
• Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional communication skills with high emotional intelligence; ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams and translate between technical and business stakeholders

• Problem-Solving Mindset: Strategic thinker who can balance immediate needs with long-term technical vision

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience scaling engineering teams from small to mid-size
• Previous experience in a technical leadership role with CTO aspirations or progression
• Contributions to open-source projects or active involvement in the developer community
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and modern DevOps practices
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies
• Track record of successfully launching and iterating on customer-facing products
• Experience with database design and optimization (SQL and NoSQL)

Benefits

• Salary Range: $180,000 - $200,000 per year (commensurate with experience)

• Full health, dental, and vision insurance coverage

• 401(k) retirement plan
• 15 days paid time off (PTO)
• Hybrid work environment (1 day per week in NYC office)

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

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Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.