Director of Engineering

About the role

Wheely is in the process of expanding its high-end ride-hailing services across Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. We are on the lookout for an experienced leader to spearhead the establishment of our new engineering hub in London. This role will involve shaping the architectural direction of our platform while overseeing critical infrastructure, privacy systems, and internal automation tools driven by AI. You will be responsible for leading a talented team and ensuring the successful execution of our engineering initiatives.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and define the long-term technical architecture of our platform, assessing our existing microservices framework for potential improvements.
• Guarantee that our driver and passenger applications maintain reliable, real-time performance, especially in challenging network environments.
• Establish and enforce privacy-first data engineering protocols across all systems to protect user information.
• Oversee the management and enhancement of our internal automation tools, which are currently built using Rust, to streamline manual workflows.
• Lead the recruitment efforts to build the London engineering team and foster a positive office culture that aligns with Wheely's values.
• Facilitate collaboration and distribute tasks effectively between our London and Cyprus engineering hubs.
• Mentor and guide team members to enhance their skills and performance, ensuring a high level of productivity and innovation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align engineering goals with business objectives and customer needs.
• Stay updated with industry trends and advancements to ensure Wheely remains at the forefront of technology in the ride-hailing sector.
• Drive initiatives that promote a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence within the engineering team.
• Report directly to senior management on progress, challenges, and opportunities within the engineering department.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in designing backend systems from inception, with a strong understanding of architectural trade-offs.
• A solid background in creating real-time systems that cater to consumer-scale applications.
• Several years of experience in engineering management, including responsibilities for hiring, team development, and performance evaluations.
• Candidates must either reside in London or be open to relocating to the area.
• Willingness to travel frequently to our Cyprus hub for collaboration and coordination.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms and services, such as AWS or Google Cloud.
• Experience in implementing machine learning or AI solutions within engineering processes.
• Knowledge of security best practices in software development and data handling.
• Previous experience in the ride-hailing or transportation industry is a plus.
• Proficiency in additional programming languages or frameworks that complement our tech stack.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in Go and Rust programming languages.
• Strong understanding of backend infrastructure and distributed systems.
• Expertise in privacy-focused engineering practices.
• Experience with AI agent integration and automation tools.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies and project management tools.

Practical notes

• We offer visa sponsorship and support for relocation to ensure a smooth transition for the right candidate.
• The compensation package includes an employee stock options plan, providing an opportunity for financial growth alongside the company.
• Our benefits encompass private medical and dental insurance, life and critical illness coverage, monthly ride credits, a cycle-to-work scheme, and a stipend for professional development.
• Employees will be equipped with the latest technology, including a current-generation MacBook Pro and a 4K monitor, to facilitate their work effectively.

Join us at Wheely and be a part of a dynamic team that is redefining the ride-hailing experience while making a significant impact in the tech landscape. Your leadership could shape the future of our engineering efforts and contribute to our mission of delivering exceptional service to our customers.