Whatnot

Lead Systems Engineer

Whatnot$150K — $200K *
Technical Services
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience, including 2+ years in a team lead or leadership role
  • Bachelor's degree in a related technical field or equivalent experience
  • Deep understanding of infrastructure engineering and application development
  • Expertise in advanced Bash and Python scripting
  • Strong project management and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative mindset
  • Proven ability to drive strategic engineering outcomes independently
  • Experience in cloud-based infrastructure management and operations

Responsibilities

  • Lead technical initiatives for the Systems Engineering team, coordinating assignments and execution
  • Mentor engineers by providing guidance and promoting best practices
  • Contribute to strategic technical decisions that affect project outcomes and infrastructure direction
  • Oversee system lifecycle tasks to ensure quality and performance standards are met
  • Design, enhance, and integrate infrastructure solutions leveraging emerging technologies
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align engineering deliverables with project objectives
  • Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities across systems and workflows

Benefits

  • Generously subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance
  • 401(k) plan with up to 5% match
  • 15 days of paid vacation yearly, increasing to 20 days after one year
  • 5 days of paid sick leave and 13 paid holidays
  • 20 weeks of paid parental leave for birthing parents, 12 weeks for others
  • Tuition reimbursement for qualifying expenses
Full Job Description
Summary / Objective

The Lead Systems Engineer serves as the primary point of contact and coordination for system-related projects, providing both technical leadership and strategic guidance. This role leads a team of skilled engineers, driving innovation, operational excellence, and the development of solutions that support a robust and future-ready infrastructure. This is an individual contributor role that does not include direct people management responsibilities.

This role reports to the Manager, Systems Engineering

This is a hybrid position from our Bellevue, WA office.

What You'll Do
  • Serve as the day-to-day technical lead for the Systems Engineering team, coordinating work assignments and ensuring successful execution of team activities
  • Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and support to engineers• helping develop skills, reviewing work, and promoting best practices
  • Contribute to technical decisions that shape project outcomes, engineering workflows, and the direction of infrastructure improvements, escalating strategic items to management when needed
  • Oversee the delivery of system lifecycle tasks from design and implementation to deployment and operational support to ensure solutions meet quality and performance standards
  • Design, build, and enhance infrastructure solutions; implement system improvements; and integrate emerging technologies that strengthen operational capabilities.
  • Maintain and evolve infrastructure to be reliable, scalable, secure, and aligned with organizational requirements
  • Promote a collaborative and innovative engineering culture, supporting the development of tooling and automation that improve system reliability and developer experience
  • Work closely with cross-functional technical teams and project stakeholders to ensure engineering deliverables align with project objectives and organizational priorities
  • Lead and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities for optimization and implementing enhancements across systems, workflows, and operational processes
  • Demonstrate and reinforce Identity Digital's core values through leadership, communication, teamwork, and daily interactions
  • Other duties as assigned

Who You Are / What You Bring
  • 7+ years of experience with 2+ years of experience in a leadership or team lead capacity
    • Will consider project leadership experience or Managers open to returning to an individual contributor role
  • Bachelor's degree in a related technical field or equivalent experience
  • Deep understanding of infrastructure engineering, systems design, and application development principles
  • Advanced Bash and Python scripting skills
  • An excellent understanding of Linux OS Architecture, Kernel operations, and the ability to analyze, troubleshoot, and optimize systems
  • Experience with open-source technologies and the ability to leverage them effectively in enterprise infrastructure
  • Strong project management, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate and negotiate across teams
  • Proven ability to work autonomously, make independent decisions, and drive strategic engineering outcomes
  • Expertise in cloud-based infrastructure management and modern application operational models
  • Excellent mentoring and teaching abilities, with a passion for developing talent and empowering team members
  • Indicate requirements that are job-related and consistent with business necessity
  • Ability to travel as needed
  • Ability to work across time zones as part of a global organization as needed
  • Reliable transportation to the workplace
  • A security-focused and quality-driven engineer that can balance efficiency, operational stability and risk as part of a Lead Systems Engineer
  • Ability to travel as needed
  • Ability to work across time zones as part of a global organization as needed
  • Reliable transportation to the workplace

Physical Requirements
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

Salary Range

The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $150,000 - $200,000 (flexibility based on experience) plus benefits as described below. In addition, the successful candidate will be eligible to receive other compensation from time to time in the form of discretionary and/or nondiscretionary bonuses and long-term incentive plan. Actual compensation will be influenced by a candidate's qualifications, internal employee equity considerations, and location. We will not ask for information about a candidate's current or past compensation for purposes of developing an offer of employment.

US team members (and their spouses, domestic partners, and/or dependent children) are covered by generously subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance which includes company contributions to a Health Savings Accounts. Team members are also covered by company-paid life and disability insurance and have the option of participating in employee-paid supplemental life, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, and accident insurance. In addition, team members can enroll in the company's 401(k) plan with up to a 5% match. You receive 15 days of paid vacation yearly, increasing to 20 days after one year. Additionally, you get 5 days of paid sick leave, 13 paid holidays, and 20 weeks of paid parental leave for birthing parents, 12 weeks for others. Also, there's an opportunity for tuition reimbursement for qualifying expenses.

Note: Benefits programs are subject to eligibility requirements and may vary in certain locations.

About Whatnot

Whatnot is a Los Angeles-based startup that creates a place where avid collectors could come together over shared interests. Whatnot is a marketplace to buy and sell authentic collectible items. Whatnot was founded in 2019, in California.

Whatnot Careers

Joining Whatnot presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a leading team in the marketplace, where innovation meets diversity and professional growth. Whatnot is renowned for its unique culture that fosters leadership and promotes career advancement through continuous learning and development.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whatnot is actively seeking talented individuals who are eager to drive innovation and lead in a dynamic environment. The company offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to professionals looking to make a significant impact in their fields. With positions ranging from technology to marketing, Whatnot ensures that every team member’s skills are harnessed effectively.

Experience Professional Growth

At Whatnot, growth is not just a possibility—it is an expectation. The company is committed to the professional development of its employees through robust training programs, including leadership development and diversity training. These initiatives are designed to enhance skills and prepare individuals for future challenges and opportunities.

Engage in Meaningful Work

Every position at Whatnot is designed to challenge team members while contributing to the company’s overarching goals of innovation and service excellence. Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their projects and drive results that influence the company’s trajectory and success.

Internship Programs

For those starting their career journey, Whatnot offers internship programs that provide a comprehensive learning experience. Interns at Whatnot gain hands-on experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and participating in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies.

Benefits and Culture

Whatnot is dedicated to supporting its team members not only in their professional lives but also in their personal growth and well-being. The company offers competitive benefits packages that address health, financial security, and work-life balance. Whatnot’s culture is built on a foundation of respect and inclusion, where diversity is celebrated and every voice is heard.

Join the Team

Whatnot is hiring! Explore open positions that match your skills and interests. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume and ready yourself for an interview where you can showcase your abilities and fit for the team.

Networking and Career Advancement

Whatnot believes in the power of networking to unlock new opportunities and insights. Employees are encouraged to engage with industry leaders and peers through various professional networking events sponsored by the company. These connections can lead to innovative ideas and collaborations that propel both personal and company growth.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Whatnot by following the company’s career blog. Gain insider perspectives, career tips, and industry-leading insights that you can apply to your professional life. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences.

Discover Whatnot

Whatnot invites you to explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await. Join a team where your career aspirations can be realized through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.
Learn more about Whatnot
Size
251 employees
Industry

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