Engineering Manager

Building the AI Infrastructure for ConstructionConstruction remains one of the largest real-world systems still operating on fragmented, manual infrastructure.Every project in the U.S. moves through permitting and pre-construction workflows spread across ~20,000 jurisdictions - each with inconsistent rules, systems, and levels of digitization.This creates one of the largest bottlenecks in the physical economy, delaying housing and infrastructure projects and costing billions in lost time and capital every year.PermitFlow is rebuilding this layer from the ground up - using modern software and AI systems to automate permitting end-to-end.We are still early, and the core systems are actively being defined.This is one of those rare moments where engineering decisions directly shape an emerging category.Role OverviewWe're looking for an Engineering Manager to lead and scale a high-performing engineering team building the core infrastructure behind PermitFlow.This is a builder-leader role. You will own both people leadership and technical execution in a fast-moving environment where systems are complex, ambiguous, and deeply connected to real-world outcomes.You will report directly to our VP of Engineering. Our VP strongly values hands-on technical leadership - the best-fit EMs here are deeply technical, strong communicators, and comfortable staying close to architecture, system design, and the codebase to make high-quality technical decisions.You will be expected to drive your own roadmap end-to-end from technical direction and execution planning through delivery and customer impact - ensuring what your team builds consistently performs in production and delivers real value to users.What You'll DoYou will operate across systems, people, and execution at scale:Lead and grow a high-performing engineering team, raising the bar for ownership, quality, and execution speedBuild strong engineering culture through clear expectations, 1:1s, feedback loops, and career developmentDefine technical direction across architecture, scalability, reliability, and long-term system evolutionOwn roadmap planning and execution from definition through delivery and customer impactPartner closely with product, design, and leadership to translate ambiguous real-world problems into scalable systemsDrive delivery of critical infrastructure used across thousands of jurisdictionsImprove system reliability, observability, performance, and engineering efficiencyPlay a key role in hiring and developing engineers and future leadersWhat We're Looking ForWe're looking for strong technical leaders who thrive in high-ownership, high-ambiguity environments.5+ years in software engineering, including 1+ year in engineering leadershipExperience building and scaling engineering teams in startup or high-growth environmentsStrong system design and architecture fundamentals (scalable web or distributed systems)Ability to lead through ambiguity and turn unclear problems into structured executionStrong communication skills across technical and non-technical stakeholdersHigh standards for engineering quality, reliability, and performanceDeep technical fluency - comfortable engaging with code review, architecture, and tradeoffsBonus: experience in workflow-heavy, enterprise SaaS, or infrastructure productsBonus: exposure to complex regulated environments (construction, logistics, government systems, etc.)Why This Role MattersThis is not a maintenance role - it is a systems-building role at the foundation of a category being created in real time.PermitFlow sits at the intersection of:fragmented real-world regulatory infrastructurehigh-friction physical economy workflowsemerging AI systems capable of automating end-to-end complexityThe systems built here directly impact how quickly housing and infrastructure projects move from idea to execution.This role offers rare leverage: your decisions will shape both the engineering organization and the core product surface area at an early but rapidly scaling company.What We OfferCompetitive salary and meaningful equity in a high-growth company100% company-paid base medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees + healthcare FSA401(k) savings planUnlimited PTO and paid family leaveHome office & equipment stipendDaily in-office lunch and dinner providedCommuter benefits (pre-tax transit and parking)If you want to build complex systems connecting software to real-world infrastructure and help define a category from the ground up, we'd love to talk.PermitFlow provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or family status, as protected by applicable law.We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and abilities. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.