Software Engineering Manager - Backend

Software Engineering Manager – Backend

Location: San Francisco, CA, United States Location Type: On-site Salary Range: 145000 - 190000 USD Annually

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Qcells is seeking a Backend Engineering Manager to lead the architecture, development, and operation of backend systems that power our mobile and web applications, device systems, and homeowner experiences. These foundational backend services enable solar system adoption by supporting device telemetry, commissioning workflows, asset management/monitoring, integrations, and core business logic.

In this role, you will manage a team of backend engineers focused on building reliable, secure, scalable, cloud-based distributed services. You'll partner closely with Product, Mobile, Web, TPM, and Hardware teams while collaborating with global engineering teams in Korea, US and India. You will drive technical strategy, team execution, and operational excellence across all backend components supporting our residential ecosystem.

This role requires strong engineering leadership, hands-on architectural depth, and a passion for building reliable, long-lived platforms that serve homeowners, installers, and partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical Leadership & Strategy

• Define and execute the backend technical roadmap supporting mobile, web, and device software experiences.
• Own backend architecture including microservices, data models, API standards, event streaming patterns, and integration frameworks.
• Ensure seamless integration with cloud services, installer/monitoring tools, and device software.
• Champion engineering best practices across scalability, reliability, observability, performance, and cloud-native deployments.
• Establish standards for code quality, test automation, documentation, and data-driven operational excellence.

Team Management & Coaching

• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of backend engineers across multiple time zones.
• Conduct performance reviews, career development planning, and coaching for engineers at various levels.
• Support global collaboration with engineering counterparts in Korea and India and manage engagements with contractors.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Product Management to define backend requirements, technical scope, and delivery plans.
• Work hand-in-hand with Mobile, Web, SQA, and Hardware teams to deliver cohesive customer experiences.
• Align with security, devops, and data teams to maintain compliance and ensure platform robustness.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of backend software development experience.
• 3+ years in engineering management leading backend teams.
• Strong technical expertise in distributed systems, cloud platforms (Azure or AWS), REST APIs, event-driven systems, and relational/non-relational databases.
• Proven track record building and operating production microservices at scale.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and cross-team alignment skills.
• Travel may be required up to 15%, depending on business needs.
• Experience working with global, remote, or multi-region engineering teams.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Solar, renewable energy, energy management, or IoT-connected device experience.

USE OF AI TOOLS As a technology organization, Qcells expects team members to leverage AI models and AI-assisted tools in their daily workflows where appropriate. Candidates should be comfortable working in an AI-augmented environment and applying sound judgment when using AI-generated outputs. During the interview process, candidates will be asked to share examples of how they have used AI tools or models in their work.

Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. ("HQCA") is a Qcells company, one of the world's largest manufacturers and providers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions. Headquartered in Irvine, California, HQCA has been rapidly expanding its business in North America through the expansion of products and solutions, including distributed energy solutions, direct-to-homeowner solar sales and financing, and EPC services. We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world-class global business in an interesting and expanding industry of the future.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

MobilityStanding20% of timeSitting70% of timeWalking10% of timeStrengthPullingup to 10 PoundsPushingup to 10 PoundsCarryingup to 10 PoundsLiftingup to 10 PoundsDexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)TypingFHandlingFReachingF - Mobility - Standing - 20% of time - Sitting - 70% of time - Walking - 10% of time - Strength - Pulling - up to 10 Pounds - Pushing - up to 10 Pounds - Carrying - up to 10 Pounds - Lifting - up to 10 Pounds - Dexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never) - Typing - F - Handling - F - Reaching - F - Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)TurningFTwistingFBendingOCrouchingOBalancingNClimbingNCrawlingNKneelingN - Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never) - Turning - F - Twisting - F - Bending - O - Crouching - O - Balancing - N - Climbing - N - Crawling - N - Kneeling - N

The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job's minimum qualifications.

*This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.