About this role.
Actian is seeking a Senior Engineering Manager to lead a senior team of 12 building a data intelligence platform. The role combines engineering organizational design, technical governance, and hands-on oversight of Java-based, globally available data platforms. Key priorities include introducing LLM and agentic-AI workflows into the SDLC, improving delivery flow and operational metrics, and partnering with Product and UX on roadmap execution. The manager will also develop career frameworks, mentor team leads, and foster a candid, knowledge-sharing engineering culture.
Role DNA
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Job Complexity
5/5Pace & Pressure
5/5Autonomy Level
5/5Communication Load
5/5Salary analysis
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Core skills
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Sample interview questions
I begin by mapping value streams, dependencies, ownership boundaries, and recurring delivery friction. I then clarify stream-aligned, platform, enabling, and complicated-subsystem responsibilities, establish interaction modes, and track outcomes such as lead time, incident volume, and developer satisfaction.
I start with high-value, low-risk use cases such as code assistance, test generation, documentation, and incident triage. I define security and quality guardrails, run measurable pilots, retain human review for consequential changes, and expand adoption only when reliability, productivity, and developer experience data support it.
I would establish explicit reliability objectives, capacity planning practices, resilient architecture standards, and clear incident ownership. I would also ensure that observability, operational readiness reviews, disaster recovery exercises, and customer-impact prioritization are embedded in the team's normal delivery process.
I stay close to consequential technical decisions by participating in design reviews, challenging assumptions, and ensuring alignment with platform strategy. At the same time, I delegate decision ownership clearly, coach leads through trade-offs, and use lightweight governance rather than becoming a delivery bottleneck.
I would model direct, respectful feedback, set clear expectations, and create regular forums for one-to-ones, retrospectives, technical talks, and calibration discussions. Career frameworks, transparent promotion criteria, and individualized development plans help ensure feedback translates into meaningful growth and internal mobility.
About Actian: Data at the Core, Innovation by Nature
Actian is more than just a data management company; we are the architects of data intelligence for a hybrid, cloud-centric world. As a recognized global leader in hybrid data management and high-performance cloud warehousing, our platforms are the backbone for mission-critical operations at world-class organizations including Bloomberg, Intuit, Lufthansa, and Citibank.
We empower these enterprises to solve the most complex data challenges on the planet, driving real-time decision-making at massive scale. We aren’t just scaling; we are fundamentally re-architecting how we build software by moving into Agentic AI-driven engineering. Reporting directly to the VP of Engineering, you will lead a high-seniority team of 12, bridging the gap between high-level organizational strategy (Team Topologies) and hands-on AI integration within our SDLC. We offer a dynamic, challenging environment where your strategic leadership will directly influence the implementation and success of this AI-first data intelligence future.
Organizational Strategy & Design
- Team Topologies: Expert-level implementation of Stream-aligned, Platform, and Enabling team structures.
- Scaling & R&D Architecture: Designing high-growth engineering orgs with a focus on flow and cognitive load management.
- Data-Driven Leadership: Utilizing health metrics and efficiency benchmarks to proactively resolve bottlenecks.
AI & Technical Governance
- AI-Driven Engineering: Practical integration of LLMs and Agentic workflows into the SDLC (automated coding, testing, and incident response).
- Hands-on Technical Leadership: Strong architectural oversight and design review experience.
- Core Stack Expertise: Deep proficiency in Java.
- Infrastructure Scalability: Experience with global, high-availability data platforms.
Operational Excellence
- Process Engineering: Designing AI-augmented onboarding, deployment pipelines, and feedback loops.
- Product/UX Partnership: Translating complex roadmaps into technical requirements and high-value execution.
People & Culture
- Career Frameworks: Building seniority levels, internal mobility, and growth tracks.
- Leadership Mentorship: Coaching Team Leads and identifying high-potential (HiPo) talent.
- Managerial Culture: Promoting a “Radical Candor” environment and structured knowledge sharing (Guilds/Tech Talks).
Required Experience & Skills:
- Engineering Roots: 7–10+ years in high-growth SaaS; deep technical acumen (Data Platform experience preferred).
- Scale-up Leadership: Proven track record of building and rapidly scaling R&D teams.
- AI Enabler: Practical interest or experience in Agentic AI systems to drive team-wide adoption.
- Org Design Mastery: Expert grasp of Team Topologies, flow optimization, and architectural alignment.
- Modern Management: Fluent in human-centric frameworks like Management 3.0.
Soft Skills
- Strategic & Hands-on: Ability to synthesize high-level strategy into daily operational execution.
- Autonomous Ownership: Self-starter with a strong bias for action and a track record of driving complex initiatives to completion.
- Influential Communicator: Exceptional skill in aligning stakeholders across Product, Design, and Executive leadership.
What We Offer:
- The chance to be part of an innovative, fast-growing company making a significant impact in the data management space.
- Collaboration with a passionate and diverse team.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Flexible work arrangements (remote or hybrid).
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
Compensation
Additional Information
Why Join Us? At Actian, we are passionate about innovation and teamwork. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, loves creating an efficient and welcoming workspace, and enjoys working closely with a talented team.
Interested? We’d love to hear from you! Let’s discuss how you can contribute to our success while growing your career with us.
We value diversity at our company. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics in the location in which the candidate is applying.
Annual salary information is not provided for this position. Explore salary ranges for similar roles in our Salary Directory ›
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