Lead Software Engineer (C++/Dart, Onsite)

We are seeking a Lead Software Engineer who thrives on complex technical challenges and takes pride in building high-quality, scalable software systems. This is a hands-on leadership role with direct ownership of architecture, execution, and technical direction for critical product and manufacturing-facing software.

As a Lead Software Engineer, you will not only deliver robust software solutions but also set engineering standards, guide design decisions, mentor developers, and ensure disciplined execution across the development lifecycle. You will be expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, manage priorities effectively, and drive work forward without constant oversight.

This role has a direct impact on our newest products and manufacturing ecosystems, bridging software engineering with real-world hardware and production environments.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Ownership

• Serve as a technical lead for product and platform features, owning design, implementation, and long-term maintainability.
• Provide architectural guidance and establish implementation best practices across the team.
• Lead technical discussions, design reviews, and decision-making for complex systems.
• Mentor and coach junior and mid-level engineers throughout the development lifecycle.

Software Development & Architecture

• Design, implement, and maintain high-quality software using C++, Dart, and related technologies.
• Produce clear design artifacts such as class diagrams, sequence diagrams, and architectural documentation.
• Refactor and optimize code for performance, scalability, and extensibility.
• Develop and maintain shared libraries used across products and platforms.
• Implement reusable unit tests to ensure long-term product quality and stability.

Agile Execution & Tooling

• Lead or actively participate in Agile sprint planning, execution, and retrospectives.
• Own and manage work tracking using Azure DevOps (boards, backlogs, sprint planning) and GitHub (repositories, PRs, code reviews).
• Provide accurate technical estimates and collaborate with Product Management on scope, tradeoffs, and delivery timelines.
• Prepare software packages for deployment in accordance with defined release and deployment standards.

Manufacturing & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Test Engineering, Quality, and Product teams.
• Support software used in manufacturing, test, calibration, or production environments (strong plus).
• Troubleshoot issues that span software, hardware, and operational boundaries.
• Participate in occasional international travel to Asia to support manufacturing partners.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of experience designing and implementing production-grade software.
• Demonstrated experience in a technical lead or senior ownership role.
• Proficiency in C++ and Dart; familiarity with Java required. Experience with Swift or C# is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of software architecture, design patterns, and best practices.
• Experience with multithreading, memory management, and performance optimization.
• Hands-on experience using Azure DevOps and GitHub for work tracking, source control, and collaboration.
• Solid understanding of the full software development lifecycle.

Preferred / Nice to Have

• Experience supporting manufacturing systems, factory software, or production tooling.
• Development experience on computer vision–based solutions for calibration, alignment, inspection, or automated test systems using tools such as OpenCV.
• Background in consumer electronics or embedded systems.
• Experience with transport technologies such as USB and BLE.
• Familiarity with functional and system-level testing.

Soft Skills & Leadership Traits

• Proven self-starter who can operate with minimal direction.
• Comfortable owning ambiguous problems and driving them to resolution.
• Ability to lead small teams of engineers and influence without authority.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of leading design reviews and technical training sessions.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and ability to juggle multiple priorities effectively.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and able to integrate seamlessly into an existing team.

We’ve Got You Covered

At Cricut, we take care of our people. Enjoy competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, a 401(k) match, generous PTO, tuition reimbursement, and a yearly lifestyle stipend to support your wellness and passions. You’ll also receive exclusive employee discounts—and best of all, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most talented, creative, and curious minds out there.

A Quick Note Before You Apply…

Cricut is in an exciting chapter of transformation. We’re evolving fast—refining our strategy, growing our teams, and raising the bar across everything we do. This is an incredible opportunity for the right kind of person—but it’s not for everyone.

We’re looking for A-players—people who thrive in dynamic environments, turn challenges into momentum, and consistently deliver their best work. If that sounds like you, read on.

Here’s what makes someone a great fit for this role (and for this moment at Cricut):

• You move with urgency. You don’t wait for perfect clarity to act—you start, learn, and adjust.
• You set high standards. You take ownership, deliver quality, and hold yourself accountable.
• You stay focused when things move fast. You prioritize what matters most and tune out the noise.
• You collaborate like a pro. You elevate others, communicate clearly, and bring a low-ego, high-output energy.
• You embrace AI as part of your toolkit. From idea exploration to data analysis and creative problem-solving, you leverage AI to accelerate innovation and amplify impact—because technology and creativity go hand-in-hand here.

One More Thing (It’s a Big One)

This role is in-office at least 4-5 days per week. We believe real collaboration, innovation, and culture are built face-to-face. If you’re energized by working alongside smart, kind, creative people—and love those hallway conversations that spark the next great idea—you’ll feel right at home.

If you’re looking for a fully remote role, this may not be the right fit. But if you’re excited by challenge, purpose, and building something better—let’s make something amazing together.

Relocation Statement:

• This position is eligible for relocation assistance.

What to Do Next: Please attach your resume, cover letter and/or include links to your portfolio or other social presence. If you want to show your super powers in other ways – include that information too. You can be sure that Cricut® is an employer who values individuality, equality and diversity, so tell us what you’re all about. If you are a Maker or a DIY enthusiast, whether you think you are a good one or not, we would love to hear about it when you send us your information.

Cricut® is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. This position is contingent on successfully completing a Criminal Background Check upon hire. Cricut participates in E-Verify.