Head of Engineering, TeenVoice

Job Description

THE ROLE: Head of Engineering – TeenVoice, Inc 

We are expanding our TeenVoice and EvolveMe product platforms and are seeking a Head of Engineering to scale our technology and engineering capabilities. This leader will:

• Own end-to-end software delivery across products
• Build and scale a high-performing engineering function
• Improve delivery speed, reliability, and cost efficiency
• Establish strong technical processes and governance
• This role combines strategic leadership and hands-on engineering and will report to the Chief Operating Officer. You will define technical vision and architecture while actively contributing to development. You will oversee architecture, QA, release processes, monitoring, incident response, vendor management, and security. You will also develop and execute a plan to bring work in-house and/or offshore to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• The ideal candidate also has deep practical knowledge of AI, large language models (LLMs), and machine learning, with a strong focus on using AI to accelerate development and reduce operating expenses.

What You’ll Do:

Technical Leadership & Architecture

• Own and evolve the full-stack architecture across frontend, backend, infrastructure, integrations, and data systems
• Architect scalable solutions using modern front end and backend technologies and cloud platforms (AWS or Azure)
• Establish and enforce engineering best practices (code reviews, CI/CD, DevOps, testing, security reviews)
• Improve performance, scalability, reliability, and time to recovery
• Own maintenance, dependency upgrades, and technical debt reduction
• Establish AI governance for security, privacy, quality, and IP protection
• Hands-On Development Actively contribute high-quality, maintainable production code
• Help design and build scalable digital platforms from the ground up
• Implement AI-enabled engineering workflows (code assistance, automated testing, documentation generation, debugging, incident triage)

Team Building & Management

• Hire, manage, coach, and retain a high-performing engineering team
• Build internal capability and reduce dependency on agencies over time
• Develop and manage offshore resources where appropriate
• Partner with leadership on headcount planning, budgets, and organizational design
• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement

Delivery & Execution Manage the full software development lifecycle

• Build predictable delivery systems (backlog hygiene, sprint management, release planning, quality gates, post-release reviews)
• Implement structured vendor operating rhythms (weekly status updates, risk tracking, change control, acceptance criteria). Ensure milestones, scope, and budgets are met

Vendor & Partner Management Manage external development and design agencies

• Oversee contracts, negotiations, scope, timelines, and quality standards
• Improve cost efficiency and predictability
• Orchestrate integration efforts across partners

Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner closely with product, UX, design, business stakeholders, and vendors

• Translate user needs into intuitive, high-performing solutions
• Advocate for modern UX and user-centered design
• Strategic Technology Direction Evaluate and select frameworks, tools, and third-party services
• Identify AI/ML opportunities that drive measurable product or operational value
• Establish documentation standards (architecture, deployment runbooks, incident response)

About You:  

Personal Attributes

• High ownership and autonomy
• Organized and process-oriented without being bureaucratic
• Strong communication skills and cross-functional collaboration ability
• Ability to align technical decisions with business goals
• Self-driven, versatile technical leader who thrives at the intersection of engineering, product, and people.
• Lead from the front — actively coding while driving technical direction
• Build clean, scalable systems and modern applications
• Hire, mentor, and grow high-performing teams
• Operate comfortably in ambiguity and fast-moving environments
• Balance speed and quality without sacrificing technical excellence

Leadership & Experience 

• Bachelors degree in computer science, engineering, or data science.
• 3+ years of people management experience in a technical environment
• 7+ years of full-stack development experience building web platforms
• Demonstrated ability to hire, manage, and scale engineering teams
• Experience managing agencies and transitioning to in-house and/or offshore teams
• Strong project and program management skills

Technical Expertise 

• Strong knowledge of modern SDLC and engineering best practices
• Experience with AI/ML/LLMs, especially applying AI to accelerate development
• 3+ years of experience with modern frontend (Nuxt)/ backend frameworks
• Strong database experience (SQL and NoSQL)
• Cloud experience (AWS, Azure, or equivalent)
• Proficiency with CI/CD, DevOps, and cloud deployments
• Strong testing and troubleshooting skills
• Domain Experience (Preferred)
• Experience with community or content platforms
• Moderation workflows, trust & safety, or youth-focused products
• Analytics, experimentation, and product measurement
• AI-driven automation (content classification, personalization, workflow automation)

Current Technology Stack Includes:  AWS, eCommerce: Magento / Adobe/Stripe, CRM: HubSpot, CMS: Strapi and Directus, Analytics: Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager.

Salary Range: $160,000 – $227,000

TeenVoice is committed to fair and transparent pay. In determining compensation, we consider a variety of job-related factors, including prior experience, certifications and licenses, skills and expertise, geographic location, and internal equity.

We take a total compensation approach, meaning we look beyond salary alone to support, reward, and recognize the whole individual. Depending on role eligibility, your offer may also include a bonus, retirement plan participation, generous paid time off, and comprehensive health and life insurance benefits. As a result, final offer amounts may vary from the salary range listed in the job posting. Join our mission-driven organization to enjoy these perks and benefits as well as investment in your growth, contributions, and future.