Head of Software Engineering - AI & Ambient Home Systems

Stealth Startup; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Stealth Startup is seeking an experienced Senior Engineering Manager to lead and scale a growing software team focused on consumer-facing AI-enabled products. You will set technical direction, uphold engineering standards, and ensure rapid delivery with sustainable quality.

You will manage a hands-on, high-performing group, partnering with product and design to align roadmaps with ambitious milestones while fostering a culture of mentorship and excellence.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of software engineering experience.
• At least 3+ years leading engineering teams.
• Experience shipping consumer-facing software with strong product sense.
• Fluent with AI/ML-integrated systems as core to the product.
• Proven track record in building engineering culture and mentoring engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead, grow, and retain a world-class software engineering team across consumer software and AI.
• Own engineering execution—sprint planning, resourcing, delivery, and team health.
• Set and enforce engineering standards: code quality, architecture patterns, review culture, and on-call practices.
• Partner with product and design to scope work, surface tradeoffs, and hit milestones.
• Recruit aggressively—you’ll be a key part of building the team around you.
• Serve as the connective tissue between individual engineers and company leadership.

Skills

Software engineering

People management

AI/ML systems

Execution

Cross-functional leadership

System architecture

Job description

Stealth Startup is seeking an experienced Senior Engineering Manager to lead and scale a growing software team focused on consumer-facing AI-enabled products. You will set technical direction, uphold engineering standards, and ensure rapid delivery with sustainable quality.

You will manage a hands-on, high-performing group, partnering with product and design to align roadmaps with ambitious milestones while fostering a culture of mentorship and excellence.