Tech Lead Manager: Build Systems Engineering

Saildrone • Alameda, CA

15d • Hybrid

About The Position

Saildrone is seeking a Tech Lead Manager: Build Systems Engineering who will lead our Build and Release team. Reporting to the Director of Software, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining our software build systems using Bazel, ensuring efficient and reliable build processes for our software projects. As a Software Build Systems Engineer, you will collaborate closely with development teams, DevOps engineers, and other stakeholders to optimize and streamline our build systems, enabling faster and more efficient software development and release cycles. You will split your time between hands-on development and leading a small engineering team (1-2 ICs) to ensure successful execution of a roadmap in alignment with other software teams and business objectives.
This role is required to be onsite in Alameda, CA in the Bay Area 3 days per week - this is our hybrid model. This is not a remote position.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in software engineering, with hands-on experience designing or operating build systems.
• 1+ years of people leadership experience, including technical guidance, planning, and execution.
• Proven expertise with Bazel and modern build tooling in complex codebases.
• Strong understanding of software build processes, dependency management, and version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Proficiency in scripting or automation using Bash, Python, or similar languages.
• Experience with CI/CD systems and DevOps workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex technical systems in environments with ambiguity and time constraints.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts and tradeoffs to cross-functional partners.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, with on-site collaboration in Alameda, CA three days per week.

Responsibilities

• Bazel Architecture: Design, evolve, and maintain Bazel-based build systems to achieve industry-leading build speeds and reliability across the entire Saildrone software stack.
• Infrastructure Ownership: Own the performance and stability of build and release infrastructure, ensuring high developer productivity by eliminating bottlenecks through rigorous monitoring and optimization.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner with Software Engineering, DevOps, and TPMs to align on requirements and timelines, ensuring seamless integration of build systems with deployment workflows.
• Automation & Tooling: Execute day-to-day build automation and CI/CD pipeline management using Python, Bash, and modern DevOps tools in accordance with established engineering standards.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve complex technical blockers, including dependency management issues and compilation errors, implementing durable fixes to prevent recurrence.
• Standards & Documentation: Establish and document build standards, configurations, and best practices to ensure knowledge sharing and maintainable, high-quality code review processes.
• Strategic Communication: Provide technical guidance and roadmap updates to leadership, advocating for effective solutions that balance technical debt with business objectives.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave ensure you can rest, reset, and sustain performance over time.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents—providing security and peace of mind.
• Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation, allowing you to participate in the long-term value you help create through meaningful, operational work.
• Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long-term financial planning.
• Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.
• Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world’s best talent to our mission-critical locations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed