6+ years of experience in building and scaling production software
At least 2 years of experience in leading engineering teams or projects
Proficiency in backend systems, system design, and secure architecture
Experience integrating legacy or third-party systems, especially in regulated industries
Strong problem-solving skills for complex challenges
Comfort in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities
Passion for mission-driven work that fosters equitable outcomes
Responsibilities
Lead by doing and contribute hands-on while managing the engineering team
Own and prioritize the product roadmap in collaboration with Product and Design
Ensure the platform is built for security, scalability, and trust
Enhance the resident experience with user-friendly features and personalized options
Dive into technical challenges, from debugging to optimizing performance
Implement AI and automation to improve efficiency and reduce overhead
Collaborate with Customer Success and Operations for effective deployment
Set high standards for engineering quality and team collaboration
Benefits
100% paid health coverage
Generous PTO and sick leave
Complimentary lunches, snacks, and coffee
Company retreats
Opportunities for travel to witness the impact of work
Flexible hybrid work environment requiring at least 3 days in the office
Full Job Description
About the Role
Promise is looking for an Engineering Lead to guide the technical vision and team behind our Payment Plans platform-the engine of our business and a lifeline for families nationwide. Payment Plans empower residents with flexible, interest-free installment options, helping them avoid penalties while enabling utilities and governments to recover revenue more effectively. It's a product that creates a true win-win-and you'll be at the helm.
You'll lead a high-performing engineering team, scaling the platform to meet the growing demand from cities, states, and utilities across the country. This is a role for someone who thrives at the intersection of technology, leadership, and mission impact-setting direction, building systems that last, and ensuring our work reflects Promise's dignity-first values.
What You'll Do
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.
What Will Help You Succeed
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.
Who Thrives at Promise You'll love it here if:
You are energized by big, complex challenges and the opportunity to solve them.
You want your work to have a real, measurable impact on people's lives.
You take ownership and run toward problems, not away from them.
You value clear, candid, and constructive communication.
Promise is not for you if:
You prefer hierarchy and rigid structures. We operate with freedom and responsibility.
You are uncomfortable with change. We move fast, adapt often, and expect agility.
You want a typical corporate culture. We are mission-driven, ambitious, and direct.
You believe efficiency means "doing less." We believe efficiency means doing better.
How We Support Our People
100% paid health coverage
Generous PTO and sick leave
Lunch, snacks, and coffee provided
Company retreats
Opportunities to travel and see the impact of your work
Hybrid work: we deeply value in-person collaboration and are in-office at least 3 days a week, but are flexible on working from home
About Promise
Promise is a pharmaceutical company that focuses on developing and commercializing innovative medicines to address unmet medical needs. The company's pipeline includes treatments for a range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Promise is committed to improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for people around the world. The company is headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey.
