Job Description

We're looking for a hands-on Engineering Manager who loves building products and leading small, high-impact teams--not someone looking for pure people or project management.
This role sits at the intersection of engineering execution, architecture, and team leadership . You'll lead a compact group of frontend and backend engineers while staying close to the code, helping design scalable systems that serve real users, at real volume, in real time .
The product operates at meaningful scale and solves time-sensitive, emotionally important problems for users. Performance, reliability, and personalization matter deeply--and the systems behind them must scale efficiently.
If you enjoy learning complex systems end to end , improving performance relentlessly, mentoring engineers, and building technology that solves real-world problems, this role is a strong fit.
What You'll Be Doing
Leading a team of frontend and backend engineers while remaining technically hands-on
Designing and evolving scalable backend architectures that handle high traffic and low-latency use cases
Guiding frontend teams with strong technical direction and architectural clarity
Driving full-stack product development from concept to production
Continuously improving performance, scalability, and system reliability
Working closely with product managers and stakeholders to align engineering with product goals
Encouraging a strong engineering culture focused on quality, ownership, and continuous improvement
Proactively learning the system and identifying opportunities for innovation and optimization
Must-Haves
5+ years of hands-on backend engineering experience building production systems
At least 2+ years leading teams of 4-15+ engineers in a startup or product-driven environment
Strong backend expertise with Python (Django preferred) and scalable system design
Solid understanding of frontend technologies and ability to guide frontend engineers effectively
Experience designing and operating high-performance, scalable architectures
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate closely with product stakeholders
Comfort working in fast-moving startup environments with high ownership
This role strongly favors candidates who code regularly , enjoy being close to the system, and take pride in building high-quality software with their teams.
Tech Stack (Current & Evolving)
Backend: Python (Django), Node.js
Frontend: ReactJS
Databases: MySQL, NoSQL (MongoDB / Cassandra / Redis)
Infrastructure: AWS or GCP, Linux
Messaging: Kafka / RabbitMQ / ActiveMQ
DevOps: Docker, Jenkins, CI/CD pipelines
Version Control: Git
Exposure to Android apps or mobile platforms is a plus.
Nice-to-Haves
Experience with microservices architecture
Strong database design skills (relational + NoSQL)
Exposure to high-scale consumer applications
Passion for using technology to solve real-world problems at scale
What This Role Is (and Isn't)
? A hands-on engineering leadership role
? High ownership across backend, frontend, and system architecture
? Startup environment with real users and real scale
? Not a pure people-management or project-management role
? Not suitable for candidates uncomfortable with hands-on coding
? Not a remote or hybrid role
Location & Work Setup
Location: Gurgaon (In-office)
Work model: Full-time, work from office
Schedule: Alternate Saturdays (1st & 3rd Saturday half day)
Relocation: Expected if not local
Visa sponsorship: Not specified
If working from office or alternate Saturday half-days is a concern, this role may not be a good fit.
What Success Looks Like (30-60-90 Days)
First 30 Days
Understand the product, systems, and users deeply
Create a first-cut technical roadmap aligned with product goals
Keep sprints running smoothly
By 60 Days
Deliver the first major sprint aligned with the roadmap
Improve system performance or scalability in a measurable way
By 90 Days
Demonstrate early traction through engagement or funnel improvements
Show clear impact through engineering-led improvements

Skills Required