Director of Software Engineering
Hands-on engineering leadership • Microsoft Azure • AI-native software
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: CA
Reports To: SVP of Technology
Department: Information Technology
Team Size: 5-10
Pay: $130,000- $160,000
Benefits:
- Health
- Dental & Vision
- No Cost, Short-Term Disability & Basic Life Insurance
- 401 (k) Plan (4% Employer Match)
- Generous PTO
About Us
Elevo’s mission is to transform the well-being of students, so they look forward to coming to school. Our WASC-accredited curriculum engages students and fosters social-emotional learning through fun, physically active games, sports, and enrichment activities focused on arts, humanities, and STEM. The services we provide include the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, Before & After School Programs, Summer & Intersession Programs, and so much more. Our programs offer opportunities to learn, move, and thrive together beyond classroom walls while developing essential life skills. We continue to build our capacity as we expand our programs to more districts.
Position Overview
Elevo Learning is seeking a Director of Software Engineering to lead our software development function while remaining actively involved in building software.
This is a hands-on technical leadership role. This person is expected to write production code, design solutions, make architecture decisions, review code, troubleshoot complex issues, and lead a team of 5–10 engineers.
Our environment is primarily Microsoft Azure, but we are not tied to a specific programming language or framework. We value strong engineering fundamentals, modern cloud architecture, adaptability, and the ability to select the right technology for the problem.
A major focus of this role is AI-native software development. The Director will actively use tools such as Cursor, Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, AI coding agents, and LLM APIs to build software and help establish how Elevo uses AI throughout the engineering lifecycle.
Core expectation: This leader is expected to code. AI should amplify strong engineering judgment, not replace it.
What You’ll Do
Design and build applications, APIs, integrations, automation, and internal tools.
Establish standards for AI-assisted coding, testing, debugging, documentation, and code review.
Improve engineering practices including CI/CD, automated testing, deployment, monitoring, and observability.
Evaluate emerging AI tools, models, frameworks, development platforms, and technologies.
What We’re Looking For
Strong understanding of databases, APIs, authentication, application security, distributed systems, and cloud architecture.
Experience with modern DevOps practices, CI/CD, automated testing, monitoring, and source control.
Experience taking complex projects from concept through architecture, development, deployment, and production support.
AI Development
Practical use of AI for code generation, refactoring, testing, debugging, documentation, and prototyping.
Experience with prompt and context engineering, generative AI applications, RAG, AI agents, or workflow automation.
Ability to evaluate emerging AI tools based on security, quality, productivity, and business value - not hype.
Leadership Expectations
Own technical direction, architecture, engineering standards, software quality, security, and reliability.
Lead team performance, accountability, coaching, hiring, and professional development.
Azure & Cloud Experience
Candidates should have experience building and operating cloud applications. Familiarity with the following Microsoft Azure technologies is valuable:
• Azure App Services | • Azure Functions |
• Azure Container Apps | • Azure SQL |
• Azure Storage | • Azure Service Bus |
• Azure Key Vault | • Azure API Management |
• Application Insights | • Microsoft Entra ID |
• Azure DevOps and/or GitHub Actions | |
Experience with every Azure service is not required. We are looking for someone who understands cloud architecture and can quickly learn the services needed to build the right solution.
This position's target annual base pay range is $130,000 - $160,000. Final pay determinations may depend on various factors, including, but not limited to, experience level, education, geographical location, knowledge, and skills. Elevo also offers a full range of health insurance benefits, 401(k) company match, and paid time off benefits. Elevo is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. Elevo is an e-verify employer. Read Elevo's Privacy Policy HERE.
