Director, Software Engineering

Ookla® is a global leader in connectivity intelligence, offering unparalleled network insights through the combined expertise of Speedtest®, Downdetector®, RootMetrics®, and Ekahau®. Ookla’s complementary datasets combine crowdsourced and controlled, public and private collection methods, QoS and QoE metrics, and more to unlock correlations and actionable insights — helping organizations optimize networks, enhance digital experiences, and create better connected experiences for end-users. Our team is a group of people brought together through passion and inspired by possibility. We are looking for team members who love solving problems, are motivated by challenges, and enjoy turning clever ideas into exceptional products. When you work for us, you are using Ookla data and insights to advance our mission of better connectivity for all. We are seeking a Director of Software Engineering with a strong background in consumer mobile app  and SaaS product development. In this role, you will lead a team of engineers to build scalable, high-performance applications that integrate with cloud-based data processing systems. As a bridge between product, data science, and other engineering teams, you’ll ensure smooth communication and agile workflows that drive innovative solutions. This role requires a deep understanding of cloud architectures, data pipelines, and best practices in application development for both consumer and enterprise use. You’ll be responsible for setting the technical vision and guiding your team to deliver products that delight users while meeting business objectives.  Expectations for Success

• Lead engineering teams to build, test, and deploy mobile apps and SaaS applications with a focus on performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with stakeholders in product management, data science, and marketing to align on product strategy and requirements.
• Drive best practices in code quality, testing, and deployment to improve development efficiency and product quality.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, mentorship, and innovation within the engineering team.
• Oversee the architecture and optimization of data pipelines that feed SaaS products with insights from consumer mobile apps or other data sources.
• Ensure engineering solutions are designed to scale and meet rigorous security and compliance standards.
• Own the engineering roadmap and communicate progress, challenges, and successes to executive leadership.

  Requirements We are looking for the right person, not the exact list of requirements. If you believe your life experience has prepared you for similar challenges, we’d like to hear from you. 

• 10+ years in software engineering, with 5+ years in a leadership role managing teams that develop consumer-facing mobile apps and/or SaaS products.
• Proven experience with cloud providers like AWS, Azure, or GCP, and familiarity with data pipelines and ETL processes.
• Expertise in mobile application development (iOS, Android) and backend services supporting mobile functionality.
• Strong understanding of Agile methodologies and experience implementing Agile practices across teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and manage stakeholder relationships effectively.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices, CI/CD, and managing applications at scale in production environments.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

  Benefits We care deeply about each other and the work we do, and our perks are just one way we demonstrate this. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 401(k) matching 
• Unlimited PTO
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan options 
• Health/dental/vision insurance coverage 
• Wellness benefits (Calm app, gym reimbursement, ERG groups, etc)
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) (mental health, financial advice, legal guidance, and more)
• Maven Fertility options 
• Pregnancy support
• Pet insurance
• Enhanced parental leave
• Disability coverage

 You will have the best hardware, software, and tools available for you to do your work, and we provide excellent flexibility for working remotely as time and responsibilities allow. To promote your success and growth we offer educational opportunities, and anti-racism and LGBTQIA+ resource libraries, team activities, and many more.  If you’re passionate about joining the work we’re doing, we welcome your application and encourage applic