Engineering Manager, Platform Services

El Toro • Louisville, KY

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

El Toro is seeking an Engineering Manager, Platform Services to lead architectural strategy for client and admin portals, backend APIs, and AI orchestration frameworks. This role involves designing and implementing full-stack applications, fostering high coding standards, and developing observability systems. The manager will also mentor engineers, manage the software development lifecycle, and ensure API design best practices. A key aspect is advocating for user-centered design and collaborating with stakeholders to define user personas and flows. The position is based in Louisville, KY, with a hybrid work model.

Requirements

• Extensive professional experience with React, TypeScript, and full-stack JavaScript/TypeScript ecosystems.
• Experience leading or mentoring engineering teams, with a focus on collaborative growth.
• Proven ability to architect complex full-stack applications end-to-end.
• Proficiency in Node.js backend development and RESTful or GraphQL API design.
• Familiarity with AI orchestration frameworks and the integration of Large Language Models into production environments.
• Experience with both relational (PostgreSQL) and non-relational (MongoDB) databases.
• Experience with a microservice architecture for Golang services in a Kubernetes environment
• Effective communication skills, specifically the ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experi ence with Next.js or internal developer portal frameworks (e.g., Backstage).
• Knowledge of AWS services and cloud infrastructure management.
• Understanding of data synchronization patterns and ORM management.
• Background in marketing technology, ad tech, or design-informed product development.

Responsibilities

• Champion architectural strategy for both the client and admin portals as well as the backend API that services them.
• Guide the technical discovery and implementation of AI orchestration frameworks and LLM integrations.
• Design and implement backend-for-frontend patterns and data synchronization layers to optimize performance.
• Architect and develop full-stack applications from initial concept through production deployment.
• Cultivate and maintain high coding standards and recommended patterns across the engineering teams.
• Develop observability systems to improve application health and reliability metrics (SLO/SLA).
• Provide technical mentorship through constructive code reviews and architectural guidance.
• Advocate for user-centered design and advise on technical trade-offs to ensure a seamless user experience.
• Collaborate on UI/UX evaluations, providing actionable feedback to maintain consistency and usability.
• Partner with stakeholders to define user personas and map user flows that drive engagement.
• Ensure API design follows recommended practices for our clients
• Support and develop a team of engineers, focusing on career growth and technical skill-building.
• Facilitate the full software development lifecycle, coordinating requirements, release schedules, and quality gates.
• Foster a collaborative team culture where diverse perspectives are valued and team needs are championed.
• Communicate technical roadmaps and constraints clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Lead sprint planning and task estimation to ensure sustainable and predictable delivery.

Benefits

• Competitive medical and health benefits plans
• 100% Company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability
• 401k plan with company contribution of 3%, once qualified
• 15 PTO Days per year, which increases to 20 PTO days after 3 years of full-time employment
• Vacation / Holiday Pay
• On-Site Gym & Showers for all employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree