Esper was founded in 2018 with a mission to empower dynamic and responsive policymaking in government. We align existing data, stakeholders, and public policy goals to streamline the policymaking process at all levels of government. We imagine a world where policymaking is driven by data and insights from all stakeholders, transforming traditional bureaucracy into a dynamic and flexible system that encourages innovation and collaboration.
As a fast-growing GovTech company, Esper is at the intersection of two powerful forces: the modernization of government operations and the transformative potential of data-driven decision-making. Our customer base is expanding rapidly, and we are building the team that will define how public policy is shaped for decades to come.
Esper is looking for an experienced Engineering Manager to help drive this mission forward and lead our eight‑person engineering team and report directly to the CTO.
In this role, you will champion productivity, measurement, and analytics by establishing metrics and overseeing sprint planning and execution in JIRA. You will collaborate closely with product management to shape the roadmap, balance mid‑sprint additions, and identify planning gaps or quality issues. As a hands-on leader, you will mentor and develop our tenured engineers, foster an exciting environment that embraces responsible AI innovation, and partner with sales and other teams to deliver products that align with market and customer needs.
You will help define and influence product strategy while ensuring that engineering efforts remain aligned with Esper’s mission to empower principled, accountable government.
What You'll Do
Lead, coach and grow a high‑performing engineering team of eight, providing regular mentorship, feedback, and career development opportunitiesPlan, manage, and track sprints in JIRA, balancing workload and ensuring commitments are met while adapting to mid‑sprint changes and removing blockersDefine and monitor engineering metrics; measure project performance using appropriate systems, tools and techniques to improve productivity and qualityCollaborate with product management to understand customer needs, participate in Agile planning, and shape the product roadmap and strategyWork cross‑functionally with design, sales, marketing and operations to ensure alignment on vision and deliver products that meet market needsDrive the safe adoption of AI in our products by incorporating ethical guidelines, prioritizing transparency and explainability, and evaluating systems to prevent biasFacilitate daily Scrum and other rituals; encourage self‑organizing teams and continuous improvement practicesIdentify and address planning gaps, quality issues, and resource constraints; continuously refine processes and champion modern development practices
What We're Looking For
Technical skills & experienceProven experience managing and mentoring software engineering teams (ideally 6–10 engineers) and driving productivity improvements Deep understanding of Agile/Scrum methodology; able to facilitate sprint planning, daily stand‑ups and retrospectives, and manage work in JIRAStrong analytical skills with expertise in measuring project performance, defining metrics, and using tools to track progress and qualityHands‑on technical background in software engineering, architecture, and cloud technologies, with ability to guide technical design and ensure high‑quality codeExperience working closely with product management to translate customer needs into technical roadmaps and deliverablesKnowledge of AI/ML principles and ethical considerations; experience incorporating AI features responsibly into productsSoft skillsServant‑leader mindset with strong coaching and mentoring skills; ability to inspire, motivate and develop tenured engineersExcellent communication and collaboration skills; adept at bridging engineering, product, sales and other teams to achieve shared outcomesAbility to manage competing priorities, balance workload, and adapt to changing requirements while maintaining focus on long‑term goalsStrategic thinker with curiosity about the product and market, capable of aligning engineering efforts with customer needs and business objectivesCommitment to ethical and responsible use of AI and technology; advocates for transparency, fairness and ongoing learningEmpathy and openness to feedback, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and psychological safety
Bonus Experience
Experience working in early‑stage startups or public‑sector technology companiesFamiliarity with government policy, regulatory environments or civic techExposure to product design or UX, including running user research and beta programsExperience implementing analytics dashboards or developer productivity toolsContributions to AI ethics or participation in industry forums on responsible AI
Perks And Benefits
Being a part of an innovative and collaborative team that will both support and challenge youSignificant opportunity for growth and ownership and to shape Esper for the long-termCompetitive salary and equity at a growing early-stage companyPaid holidays & unlimited PTOMedical, dental, and vision insuranceGenerous parental & sick leave401(k) retirement plan with employer matchShort/Long term disability & life insuranceFlexible spending account (FSA)Work anniversary equity grantsMonthly stipend to offset remote work expensesOffice equipment allowancePaid Time Off to participate in volunteer/community events