Software Engineering Manager - Special Projects - Midnight/Shielded

Shielded Technologies is a business technology provider and core contributor to the Midnight Network, a blockchain platform for developing decentralized applications that safeguard personal and commercial data. The Midnight Network uses programmable data isolation and zero-knowledge proofs to enable selective disclosure and help developers meet regulatory requirements.

What the role involves

As the Engineering Manager for Special Projects at Midnight, you will lead targeted engineering initiatives that drive the development of our data-protection blockchain. Reporting to the CTO, you will ensure timely and high-quality execution of critical, often experimental, aspects of our technology roadmap.

You will be a hands-on leader, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and operational oversight to a dedicated team focused on high-impact projects. Your responsibilities include technical scoping, establishing agile development practices, removing obstacles for your team, and aligning with broader engineering and product goals to meet ambitious objectives.

You will have the opportunity to lead practical implementation of cutting-edge components within a platform that leverages a novel ZK-proof programming model on a Cardano sidechain, shaping the future of regulatory-friendly data protection.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver special projects from concept to completion, ensuring technical excellence and on-time delivery; develop specialized engineering talent and ensure the team is staffed and aligned to own and deliver key initiatives.
• Establish architectural and engineering excellence by providing processes, tools, and mentorship to design, deliver, and support mission-critical solutions; create a resilient, scalable, and efficient development environment.
• Cultivate a high-performance culture rooted in creativity, pragmatic problem-solving, and collaboration; champion accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Drive strategic alignment and feasibility by translating roadmaps into well-defined technical specifications and executable project plans in partnership with product and architecture leadership.
• Orchestrate cross-functional execution by coordinating Engineering, Architecture, Product Management, Project Management, and DevOps; track progress, manage dependencies, and ensure delivery commitments.

Requirements / Qualifications

• A visionary leader who inspires and guides their team, prioritizing coaching and development in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
• An executor focused on delivering results, skilled at making technology choices that reduce complexity and accelerate delivery.
• A strategic thinker who connects technology to business outcomes and builds a technology strategy aligned with goals.
• A collaborator who builds strong cross-functional relationships at all levels of an organization.
• A seasoned leader with at least 10 years of progressive software industry experience, including building, leading, and scaling high-performing engineering teams.
• Expert in high-availability systems with experience delivering and supporting mission-critical software, especially in blockchain, fintech, or other demanding distributed systems.
• Execution-focused strategist who translates business objectives and architectural visions into actionable roadmaps.
• A dedicated mentor passionate about team growth and healthy, scalable engineering culture.
• An exceptional communicator with high emotional intelligence, able to inspire teams and communicate complex technical topics to technical and executive audiences.
• A technically grounded leader with a foundational background in Computer Science or a related field.

Benefits

• Remote work
• Laptop reimbursement
• New starter package to buy hardware essentials (headphones, monitor, etc.)
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Competitive PTO

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued and empowered to succeed. We welcome people of all backgrounds and ensure that employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, and potential. Everyone is given equal opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
• Industries: Non-profit Organizations and Primary and Secondary Education