8+ years of engineering leadership or management experience within full-stack or AI/ML-focused environments. Hands-on background building and shipping enterprise-grade software, preferably with experience deploying models or agents, integrating ML services, and working across backend, frontend, and data pipelines. Strong grasp of Agile/Scrum with a proven track record of leading teams to successful delivery. Deep familiarity with observability, capacity planning, service level management, performance monitoring, and end-to-end software delivery lifecycle. Experience operating in environments with strict security and compliance requirements. Strong cross-functional communication skills and ability to partner with product, design, compliance, and security teams. Ability to dive deep technically–software architecture, backend/frontend integration, AI/ML system design, scalable infrastructure, observability, and deployment pipelines. Self-motivated, bias for action, comfortable with ambiguity, able to take proactive initiative and ownership of end-to-end outcomes. Comfortable navigating startup-like environments: ambiguity, rapid change, evolving priorities, fast-paced deliverables. Data/metrics-driven: believe in using dashboards, KPIs, and data-backed insights to inform decisions, track progress, and surface issues early. Demonstrated success working in teams that ship fast and iterate quickly while maintaining quality, stability, and security.