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Home Jobs Nairobi Principal Engineering Management Leader

Principal Engineering Management Leader

Precision Development (PxD)  · NGO / Non-Profit Associations

Full Time Nairobi
Nairobi
Deadline: 10 July 2026
Posted June 17, 2026

The position involves overseeing key operational functions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals while fostering a collaborative work environment. It requires a minimum of five years of progressive experience in a related field, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex challenges. The role demands proficiency in project management tools and the ability to lead cross-functional teams toward achieving strategic objectives. Additionally, the incumbent must possess excellent communication skills to liaise effectively with stakeholders at all levels and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

PhD seeks a seasoned engineering leader with deep technical expertise to spearhead the design, development, and delivery of our technology platforms. This position demands a hands-on approach, blending robust technical oversight with effective people management to drive project success.

Our core platform, Paddy, is a bidirectional communication system developed in Erlang, designed to distribute agricultural guidance to millions of smallholder farmers through SMS, IVR, and chat channels. Additionally, we are developing Paddy AI, an AI-powered generative assistant that empowers agronomists to generate highly localized and tailored advisory content efficiently.

The technology team is currently being established, providing the individual in this position with substantial influence over architectural choices, team competencies, and operational methodologies. This role offers a remarkable opportunity to construct something truly impactful. Our systems support millions of smallholder farmers, a mission we believe holds significant importance.

In this position, you will collaborate with Program and Research teams to develop, implement, and expand robust technological solutions that support and enhance our organizational objectives. Additionally, you will oversee a team of seven professionals, establishing and maintaining high-performance standards while fostering an environment that empowers them to excel.

Oversee and execute a range of critical tasks encompassing strategic planning, operational efficiency, and team leadership to drive organizational success. This role entails developing and implementing policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure seamless business operations while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance. Additionally, the position requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for growth, streamline processes, and enhance productivity. Key responsibilities include managing departmental budgets, fostering employee development, and serving as a liaison between senior management and staff to align goals and facilitate communication. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement in delivering measurable results.

Demonstrated expertise in guiding technical teams to achieve strategic objectives through innovative solutions and operational excellence is required. The role entails overseeing engineering initiatives, mentoring high-performing engineers, and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Responsibilities include aligning technical projects with business goals, driving process optimization, and ensuring the delivery of scalable, high-quality systems. Candidates must possess strong leadership acumen, technical proficiency, and the ability to inspire cross-functional teams. A proven track record in managing complex engineering challenges and delivering measurable results is essential.

Provide leadership in establishing system architecture frameworks, steering pivotal design choices, and selecting appropriate technologies.

Establish and lead the engineering roadmap, integrating existing systems while strategically planning for scalable expansion across both current and new geographic markets.

Envision, plan, and oversee projects while navigating technical compromises to facilitate seamless delivery.

Stay actively engaged in the process by meticulously reviewing designs, providing strategic direction for implementation, and addressing high-priority technical challenges to ensure seamless execution.

Enhance testing, security, deployment, monitoring, and documentation standards to ensure consistency and reliability throughout all processes.

Experienced professionals are sought to guide and oversee a high-performing team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals while fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. Responsibilities include providing strategic direction, coaching team members to enhance their skills, and driving performance through clear expectations and constructive feedback. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal abilities, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a proven track record of motivating others to achieve collective success. Leadership experience in a relevant field is required, along with the capacity to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain accountability for results.

Oversee a remote team comprising six professionals spanning India and Kenya.

Establish clear priorities, align team expectations with organizational goals, and ensure consistent accountability for timely and high-quality deliverables.

Responsibilities include mentoring team members, providing constructive feedback, and conducting performance evaluations to drive professional growth and development.

Enhance the efficiency of team planning processes, foster clear and consistent communication channels, and ensure thorough and accessible documentation standards.

Serves as a pivotal technical advisor to senior leadership, program directors, and research teams, providing expert guidance on complex technical matters to inform strategic decisions and drive project success. Facilitates alignment between technical capabilities and organizational objectives, ensuring seamless integration of innovative solutions. Collaborates closely with stakeholders to assess technical feasibility, identify risks, and recommend data-driven solutions. Plays a key role in shaping research initiatives, optimizing program performance, and enhancing cross-functional collaboration. Requires a strong background in technical domains, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to translate intricate concepts into actionable insights for non-technical audiences.

Translate strategic objectives into well-defined, actionable technical roadmaps.

Convey technical risks and trade-offs using clear, accessible language.

Assess innovative concepts and preliminary models prior to the allocation of engineering resources.

Maintain the team’s focus on projects that deliver significant impact while remaining achievable.

Technology and Systems professionals design, implement, and maintain the infrastructure and applications essential for organizational operations. They play a pivotal role in evaluating emerging technologies, ensuring system security, and optimizing performance to meet business goals. Responsibilities include troubleshooting technical issues, developing innovative solutions, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency. Requirements typically include proficiency in programming languages, systems administration, cybersecurity best practices, and experience with cloud platforms or enterprise software. Strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to continuous learning are vital for success in this field.

Evaluate and enhance engineering processes, tools, and frameworks on an ongoing basis to drive operational efficiency and innovation.

Architect and select technologies with a focus on ensuring system reliability, scalability, and maintainability.

DevOps practices must be consistently upheld to maintain robust operational standards.

Assist in shaping the organization’s long-term technology strategy and drive the evolution of its architectural framework.

Required Skills & Experience:

Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of experience in a related field, with a proven track record of delivering successful projects within budget and on schedule. Proficiency in project management software, such as Microsoft Project or Asana, is essential, as is strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Excellent communication and teamwork skills are critical for collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. A bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, or a related discipline is required, while an advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, Six Sigma) are preferred. Familiarity with industry-specific regulations and compliance standards is also necessary.

Seasoned professionals sought to spearhead teams, drive strategic initiatives, and cultivate high-performing environments through decisive oversight and collaborative guidance. Candidates must demonstrate proven expertise in managing cross-functional groups, optimizing operational workflows, and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. Duties include setting clear objectives, allocating resources efficiently, mentoring emerging leaders, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Ideal applicants will exhibit strong decision-making prowess, exceptional communication skills, and a track record of delivering measurable results in dynamic settings.

With over a decade of expertise in software engineering, including more than four years in a leadership capacity as an Engineering Manager, the ideal candidate brings extensive hands-on technical experience paired with proven managerial proficiency.

Professional rewrite:
Demonstrated leadership in directing and cultivating high-performing engineering teams, with a focus on talent development and operational excellence.

Adept at conveying information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences with clarity and precision.

Adaptable to handling ambiguous data and fluctuating priorities with ease.

Technical Expertise

You should possess a strong foundation in technical skills relevant to the role, including proficiency in specific programming languages, software tools, and methodologies. Relevant certifications or specialized training in your area of expertise are a plus. Experience with system design, troubleshooting complex issues, and implementing technical solutions is essential. Additionally, familiarity with industry standards, best practices, and emerging technologies within your field is required.

Accomplished professionals with extensive expertise in backend and/or full-stack development are encouraged to apply.

Accomplished professionals with a strong background in telephony engineering, encompassing both voice and SMS technologies, are encouraged to apply. This role demands expertise in designing, implementing, and maintaining voice and SMS systems to ensure seamless communication infrastructure.

Proficient in conducting A/B testing methodologies is essential for analyzing and optimizing digital experiences to determine the most effective variations.

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Demonstrated expertise in maintaining high-volume cloud systems in production environments, ensuring reliability through robust CI/CD pipelines, comprehensive system observability, and efficient incident response protocols.

Qualifications

BA/BSc/HND

Experience Required

10 years

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