Application Development Manager

Application Development ManagerFehr & Peers is a transportation planning and engineering firm that helps public and private clients make confident, well-informed decisions about transportation. We bring together data, technology, and community insight to design safer, more effective ways for people and goods to move.We are hiring an Application Development Manager to lead a three-person Application Development team within our 11-person IT group. This is a player-coach role for someone who still enjoys writing code, mentoring developers, solving technical problems, and bringing structure to how software gets built, reviewed, secured, and maintained.The tools your team builds will support employees across the firm and, at times, the project work we deliver for clients. That may include internal applications, enterprise system integrations, custom data tools, dashboards, and analysis platforms used by planners, engineers, data scientists, and project teams.You will also serve as a practical technology advisor across the firm, helping colleagues understand what is possible, make thoughtful choices about tools and AI-assisted development, and translate technical tradeoffs into clear guidance people can act on.This is a hybrid role based in either Roseville or Sacramento offices. You'll typically come into the office two days per week, with occasional travel to Walnut Creek (usually quarterly).Why This Role Is DifferentThis is not a traditional software manager role. You will stay close to the code, and help shape development practices in an environment where technology directly supports planners, engineers, data scientists, and project teams. You will have room to build structure, but you will also need to be practical, collaborative, and comfortable advising people who may not think like developers.What You'll DoLead A Small, Hands-On Development TeamLead, mentor, and grow a three-person team focused on application development, database engineering, enterprise applications, and internal toolingSet priorities and balance enterprise application support, custom tools, client-related project needs, and time-sensitive requests from across the firmCoach developers through hands-on technical guidance, not just delegationModel a leadership style rooted in fairness, openness, humility, problem-solving, and respect for people's lives inside and outside of workBuild And Support Tools That Help People Work BetterDesign, develop, and maintain internal applications, shared tooling, and system integrationsSupport custom data tools, dashboards, data processing pipelines, and analysis platforms used in project workSupport enterprise systems such as SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Esri ArcGIS, Deltek Vantagepoint, and BoxKeep database infrastructure reliable, secure, fast, and well documentedEstablish practical support standards for applications used by internal staff and project teamsAdvise Across The FirmAdvise colleagues on when to build, buy, integrate, automate, or use AI-assisted developmentPartner with leaders and project teams to understand needs, priorities, risks, and tradeoffsExplain development priorities, timelines, and technical decisions in plain languageProvide training and guidance that helps staff use technology more effectivelyUse AI-Assisted Development ResponsiblyUse tools such as Claude Code, ChatGPT Codex, or GitHub Copilot as part of your own development workflowModel responsible AI-assisted development practices for the teamCoach team members on how to use AI coding tools while continuing to build strong engineering fundamentalsGuide development of custom AI tools, such as Model Context Protocol servers and Retrieval Augmented Generation scriptsHelp staff outside the Application Development team use AI coding tools thoughtfully and safelyStrengthen Development Practices and GovernanceDevelop and refine software development life cycle processes so multiple developers can work effectively on the same codebaseDesign and implement code review processes for tools built with or without AI assistanceContinue rolling out our GitLab tiered governance model, including sandbox, internal, and production tiersMaintain coding, security, and deployment standards across our development ecosystemWork with IT Operations and cybersecurity colleagues to keep development, staging, and production environments appropriately segmented and securedWhat You'll BringMinimum Qualifications5+ years of experience in software development, DevOps, or a closely related field2+ years of experience in leadership, management, or senior technical mentorshipHands-on development experience, including writing code and building applicationsStrong proficiency in Python and JavaScript or TypeScriptExperience with modern development practices, including type hints, virtual environments, and dependency managementExperience with Flask or a comparable web application frameworkFamiliarity with deployment patterns such as WSGI, Gunicorn, and Nginx reverse proxiesComfort working in a Linux server environment, including Ubuntu and systemd service managementExperience with Git-based version control and repository governance, ideally GitLabExperience with relational databases and infrastructure that supports business-critical applicationsPractical experience using AI coding assistants or agentic AI tools, such as Claude Code or GitHub Copilot, in a professional development workflowDemonstrated success mentoring junior or mid-level developersStrong communication skills with both technical and non-technical colleaguesPreferred QualificationsExperience supporting enterprise business applications such as ERP systems, GIS platforms, or content and collaboration platformsExperience with platforms such as Deltek Vantagepoint, Esri ArcGIS, PostGIS, Leaflet, OpenStreetMap, SharePoint, Box, Microsoft 365, or Entra IDExperience designing code review, quality assurance, or governance processes for software built with AI assistanceExperience building or supporting client-facing tools or data deliverables in a consulting or professional services environmentExperience building internal developer platforms, shared component libraries, or design systemsFamiliarity with AI governance concepts, cybersecurity best practices, or professional services environmentsWhat Success Looks LikeIn your first year, the Application Development team has clearer priorities, stronger development practices, and more consistent code review and deployment standards. Internal tools are easier to support and maintain. Developers are growing their skills, staff across the firm know when and how to ask for technology guidance, and AI-assisted development is being used in ways that are useful, responsible, and sustainable.$190,000 - $210,000 a year Placement within the stated pay range will be determined based upon education, experience, and qualifications.Benefit Highlights:Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance.401(k) Plan with matching and profit sharing.Flexible Spending Accounts.Commuter Benefits.Paid Vacation, holidays and sick leave.8 weeks of Paid Parental Leave.Mentoring and Career Development programs.Research and Development group participation, and more.Full information about the benefits we offer can be found by visiting our careers page.EEO: Fehr & Peers is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We recruit, hire, develop, and promote employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.We value the unique experiences, perspectives, and contributions of our employees and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.Nondiscrimination: Fehr & Peers ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI