Vice President of Software Engineering

Job Description

Job Description

Our nation's elections are being challenged like never before. As the first newcomer in the industry in the last 30 years, Clear Ballot rises to the challenge with a simple goal: Let's create technology that empowers our customers to improve democracy.

Elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, with the right to vote being one of our greatest freedoms. Great elections require secure and reliable tabulation equipment, full transparency of the process in which ballots are created and cast, and the ability to audit the results. Our mission is to surpass those expectations in a way that will raise the bar for the entire election technology industry.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced VP of Engineering to lead our engineering department and drive technical innovation. As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of engineering, including team leadership, strategic planning, project management, and technical oversight. You will play a crucial role in shaping our technical vision, ensuring the delivery of high-quality products, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Vision:

• Collaborate with the CEO, CTO, VP of Product, and other senior leaders to define the technical roadmap and align engineering goals with overall company objectives.
• Develop and articulate a clear technical vision, translating strategic objectives into actionable engineering plans.
• Analyze project scope, risks, opportunities, and resource requirements (technical infrastructure, certifications, budget, staffing) to provide comprehensive "how" answers.

Team Leadership & Management:

• Lead, mentor, and cultivate engineering teams, including performance management, career progression, and talent acquisition.
• Set clear objectives for direct reports and their teams, ensuring alignment with company goals.
• Monitor and report on key engineering metrics, ensuring consistent velocity and high-quality output.
• Proactively identify and remove obstacles, fostering a productive and collaborative work environment.
• Identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and manage the engineering department budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation.

Project Management & Execution:

• Oversee multiple engineering projects, ensuring timely delivery within budget and scope.
• Track project progress and performance, developing and monitoring KPIs to measure team effectiveness.
• Implement and maintain effective project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum, Kanban).
• Manage project risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Technical Oversight & Guidance:

• Provide technical guidance on design decisions, architecture, and best practices.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards and technical specifications.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends.
• Coordinate with our government relations, certification teams, and product management teams to monitor the evolving regulatory landscape for election technology at both Federal and state levels.
• Work with development teams and certification teams to design, build, and test products that meet regulatory requirements.

Budget Management:

• Develop and manage the engineering department budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication:

• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams (product, sales, marketing, finance, manufacturing) to ensure alignment on strategy and deliverables.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement:

• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the engineering team.
• Drive the adoption of new technologies and processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering (Software, Hardware, Mechanical, or related field).
• Extensive experience in engineering management roles, including leading large teams.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing engineering teams.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful technical strategies.
• Strong technical background in relevant engineering disciplines.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Experience with Agile methodologies and project management tools.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Strong commitment to incremental and continued investments in build and test automation (unit tests, integration tests, correctness tests, performance tests, etc.)
• Strong commitment to secure development and secure coding practices
• Understanding the design and development of accessible applications for users with vision impairments, physical limitations, etc.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences

Clear Ballot Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe everyone deserves to work in a welcoming, respectful and considerate environment. We live by our values and hire accordingly. Our talented team and driven investors share a passion for solving problems and restoring confidence in America's democratic process. We are looking for energetic professionals to join us in this mission.