Sr. Manager, Software Engineering - Applied AI

At Stacklok, we’re an AI-first company led by Kubernetes co-founder Craig McLuckie, helping enterprise developers connect the data, systems, and services that power their businesses today with the agentic and assistive AI systems they’re building for tomorrow. We believe the shift from applications to agents is the next major evolution in software, and we’re building the foundation that helps teams make that leap with confidence.

Our open source platform, ToolHive, provides developers with a powerful yet simple way to securely connect AI systems to real-world environments, delivering the right context at the right time. It solves tough challenges like security, access control, and observability without adding friction to the developer experience. By using open protocols like MCP (Model Context Protocol) and a highly pluggable architecture, supported by a community first development approach, ToolHive allows enterprises to run AI agents safely behind firewalls, with full control over data flow, context, and decision-making.

Location

This is a hybrid role that requires in-person work three days a week: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. We believe this approach balances flexibility with the value of in-person collaboration and community.

Our current office is located at:

3120 139th Avenue SE, Suite 500
Bellevue, WA 98005

Please note: we are planning to relocate to a more central location in the near future.

The Opportunity

Stacklok is seeking a Senior Software Engineering Manager to lead our Applied AI Engineering team. In this role, you will define strategic direction, mentor top-tier engineers, and drive the development of AI agents that transform conversational interfaces into systems capable of taking real-world action. Your team will deliver secure, enterprise-ready solutions that translate AI capabilities into meaningful business value.

As an engineering leader, you will build and scale Applied AI teams focused on developing products that integrate large language models (LLM’s) with organizational data and tools. These solutions will empower knowledge workers with AI-driven productivity. You will shape hiring strategy, design engineering processes that support rapid innovation and cross-functional collaboration, and help define the technical vision that positions Stacklok at the forefront of enterprise AI.

We are looking for a builder-leader with strong infrastructure sensibilities, deep engineering expertise, and a passion for developer technology. You should be comfortable moving between strategic thinking, hands-on problem-solving, and coaching a growing team.

If you thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy building high-leverage systems, and view versatility as a strength rather than a stretch, this is your opportunity to lead with impact.

What Success Looks Like: First 6-12 months

• Context Mastered and Team Embedded: You quickly developed a deep understanding of the team’s structure, systems, workflows, and cultural norms. By proactively engaging with team members and exploring internal resources, you built the situational awareness needed to lead with clarity and effectiveness.
• Vertical AI Solutions Shipped: You delivered one or two agentic AI solutions that reduced manual operations by over 40 percent. You guided teams through the uncertainty of new product categories and collaborated closely with strategic design partners to shape, refine, and launch impactful solutions.
  
  
• Data-Driven Execution Systems Established: You put in place clear, sustainable execution rhythms such as backlog planning, milestone tracking, and retrospectives. These systems increased visibility, supported team alignment, and helped maintain momentum. You also used team feedback and data to continuously refine and adapt workflows.
  
  
• High-Performing Team Built and Led: You hired exceptional engineering talent, mentored individuals for growth, and created a culture grounded in ownership, collaboration, and delivery excellence. The team remained healthy, engaged, and aligned with broader product and engineering goals.
  
  
• Cross-Functional Alignment Achieved: You built strong, trust-based relationships across Product, Design, AI Research, and Marketing. These partnerships enabled clear goal setting, consistent communication, and coordinated execution, even in the face of uncertainty or evolving priorities.

In This Role, You Will

• Connect Strategy to Execution: Translate company-wide priorities into team-level clarity and purpose. Help engineers understand how their work contributes to the broader mission, building shared momentum and motivation.
  
  
• Own and Evolve Hiring Practices: Lead the end-to-end engineering hiring process with a focus on quality, equity, and candidate experience. Continuously refine practices to strengthen team capability and culture.
  
  
• Run Team Operations with Structure and Empathy: Lead day-to-day execution through consistent and well-designed team rituals, including standups, planning sessions, retrospectives, and one-on-ones. Balance structure with empathy to foster alignment, autonomy, and psychological safety.
  
  
• Cultivate a Thriving Engineering Culture: Create an environment of psychological safety, technical ownership, and continuous growth. Encourage initiative and excellence so engineers feel empowered to do their best work.
  
  
• Champion an AI-First Engineering Mindset: Leverage AI-native tools and workflows to streamline development, improve decision-making, and unlock new possibilities in how software is designed and delivered.

We Understand 

Not everyone will meet every requirement listed, and that’s perfectly okay. We encourage you to apply regardless of your self-assessment. We value a diverse range of skills and experiences and believe your unique perspective can make a significant impact. We want to hear from you!

Desired Skills & Experience

• Technical Leadership: Proven ability to build and lead high-performing software engineering teams, including Staff-level talent, with a strong emphasis on product ownership and end-to-end accountability, ideally in startup or fast-paced environments.
  
  
• Operational Impact: Demonstrated record of measurable outcomes as an engineering manager, such as improving team velocity, reducing cycle time, shipping critical features, or scaling teams through high-growth phases.
  
  
• Distributed Systems Engineering Expertise: Strong technical foundation in building highly available, distributed systems. Hands-on experience across backend, frontend, or full-stack development with a track record of delivering enterprise-grade SaaS products.
  
  
• Infrastructure, DevOps & Platform Ownership: Experience managing infrastructure, platform, and DevOps teams, with expertise in site reliability engineering (SRE) and MLOps. Strong understanding of system scalability, cloud cost optimization, Kubernetes, observability, and security best practices.
  
  
• AI-Enabled Application Development: Experience building AI-enabled applications using technologies like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), vector databases, and LLMs. Skilled in leveraging AI-powered development tools (e.g., code assistants) to improve velocity, code quality, and developer experience.
  
  
• Cross-Functional Execution: Proven success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives across distributed teams. Effective at aligning engineering execution with product and business goals.
  
  
• Agile Methodologies: Proficient in agile frameworks such as Kanban and Scrumban, with a focus on iterative, sustainable product delivery.
  
  
• Problem Solving & Decision-Making: Strong analytical skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and resolve technical and organizational challenges effectively.
  
  
• Communication: Clear and confident communicator. Effective across technical and non-technical audiences in both written and verbal formats.
  
  
• Startup Mindset: Self-motivated and hands-on. Thrives in dynamic, fast-changing environments and drives clarity through action.
  
  

Base Salary Range: $199,500 - $252,000

#LI-Hybrid

Why Join Us?

At Stacklok, we believe great technology is built by teams that support, challenge, and inspire one another. We are AI maximalists, confident in its potential and committed to ensuring it is used in ways that are safe and sustainable.

You will join a highly motivated, collaborative team with deep experience building some of the world’s most impactful technologies. We work in the open, side by side with the community, with strong roots in open source, cloud-native technologies, security, and developer tools.

We offer competitive compensation, equity, comprehensive healthcare, and a flexible work environment - including adaptable work hours and flexible PTO to support your success. 

If you're excited about the future of AI, and want to build alongside people who care deeply about their craft, their community, and each other, we would love to hear from you.

Stacklok Inc, is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all people and place great value in both diversity and inclusiveness. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to their, or any other person's, perceived or actual race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, or any other basis protected by law.