Engineering Team Lead

Sefaria, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building the future of Torah in an open and participatory way, is in search of a full-time Engineering Team Lead. The Engineering Team Lead will report directly to the Director of Engineering.

Our core engineering team is responsible for developing and maintaining Sefaria’s backend, API, website, structured data, research, cloud operations, and mobile apps. Over the last decade the team has transformed the world of Torah learning with commitments to excellence in design, user experience, engineering, open data, and collaboration.

Position overview

We seek a leader with a proven history of contributing to complex software projects. Prior experience in overseeing engineering projects and teams is essential, as well as fluency in both Hebrew and English.

As an Engineering Team Lead, you will oversee content engineering and supervise 2-3 direct reports. Content engineers are responsible for integrating new texts into the library, processing texts to ensure proper digital structure, using OCR software to convert scans to digital texts, and linking texts to other works in the library. You will play an active role in the development of our engineering department and be involved in planning and developing the next generations of Torah software. You are expected to have solid engineering, project management, people management, and leadership skills, and a belief in developing the skills and talents of others.

We are a dynamic team committed to continuous growth, exploring cutting-edge technologies in both the realms of data science and full-stack development. This role primarily involves engaging with full-stack responsibilities. Our technology stack is centered around Python Django for server-side operations, React for the client-side, and React Native for mobile development. Our infrastructure is supported by Kubernetes, and proficiency in these technologies, along with expertise in Git for code management and a solid understanding of SCRUM, will be highly beneficial.

In this position you will:

• Understand, refine, extend, and maintain complex software systems
• Set and drive big-picture strategy
• Provide technical guidance and leadership to the engineering team
• Manage a small team of engineers, supervising 2-3 direct reports
• Develop and grow talent through mentoring and coaching
• Maintain relationships with other engineering teams and departments

Attributes we’re looking for include:

• Strategic, analytical, and innovative problem solving skills
• Ability to achieve stretch goals in an innovative and fast-paced environment
• Excellent managerial and supervisory skills
• Commitment to excellence in the craft of software development
• Commitment to direct, clear, professional, and thoughtful communication
• Demonstrated success in working independently in a remote setting
• Willingness and ability to adapt to change
• Passion and enthusiasm for the work Sefaria does, and dedication to supporting Sefaria’s mission

Experience, qualifications, and requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science or Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
• At least 10 years of relevant work experience in software development and delivery
• Core technical expertise in more than one of the following:
  • Systems architecture
  • Software architecture
  • Structured (SQL) and semi-structured (NoSQL) databases
  • Mobile development
  • Javascript/React
  • Python
• Understanding of emerging AI/ML technologies and techniques
• Experience leading teams with a minimum of 3 years of management experience
• Knowledge of Judaic texts (e.g., Torah, Talmud, Kabbalistic works, halakhic works, commentaries, etc.)
• Understanding of written Hebrew
• Excellent English proficiency (written and spoken) in order to work closely with US-based team members
• Ability to work in a remote environment using GSuite, Slack, Zoom, Shortcut and Trello
• Ability to work a flexible schedule 2-3 days per week to sufficiently overlap with colleagues in the US

Compensation:

• 29,000 - 33,000 ILS/mo
• Generous paid time off, including all Jewish holidays
• Standard Israeli taxes and benefits plus Keren Hishtalmut
• Work-from-home utility reimbursements
• Professional development budget

Location:

The Engineering Team Lead may be based anywhere in Israel.

How to apply:

Click below to apply; you’ll be invited to include your resume and cover letter. In your cover letter, please indicate why you are interested in working at Sefaria. Your resume and cover letter must be in English.

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Sefaria does not accept solicitations of any kind from job placement services or phone calls from prospective candidates.

We will review applications on a rolling basis the week of March 11th. The deadline to apply is April 12th.

Additional considerations:

• If you meet more than 75% of the qualifications listed in this description, we encourage you to apply.

• If you have a disability and require an accommodation or assistance with our application process, please send an email to hiring[at]sefaria.org.

Please note, the Sefaria offices will be closed for Passover from April 22-29.

About Sefaria:

Sefaria is a non-profit organization dedicated to building the future of Torah in an open and participatory way. We are assembling a free, digital library of Jewish texts and translations and developing digital tools, educational resources, and engagement opportunities that enable people to deepen their study. Sefaria was founded in 2013 and has since become a mainstay of Jewish learning and education with more than 4 million users annually. Sefaria’s API powers nearly 80 independent projects and dozens of Torah-focused websites. Sefaria's team of nearly 30 full-time staff is remote, with employees based in several U.S. cities and in Israel.

Sefaria provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Nothing in this job description or advertisement postings guarantees employment.