Head of Engineering, Lit - Array Education : Job Details

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You're reading this job description because somebody taught you how. You became somebody as a result. At Lit, we're building a world in which everybody gets to be somebody. Our mission is to ensure every kid, everywhere, is a reader. We support school and system leaders in building, implementing, and sustaining reading ecosystems that promote research and instructional equity. By focusing on the science of reading for Black and Latino students and those experiencing poverty, we aim to open up a world of possibilities for children often marginalized in education. Learn more at: wearelit.org

Lit is developing a digital platform delivering personalized, research-based foundational reading instruction for K–2 students. This combines the science of reading with automatic speech recognition (ASR) to support diverse learners, especially in underserved communities.

We are hiring a Head of Engineering to lead our technical strategy and execution. Reporting to the Chief Product Officer, you will guide a lean, cross-functional team through early development and pilot testing of our MVP. This role suits someone who thrives in startup environments, can navigate ambiguity, and lead from prototype to production. You will inherit an early-stage platform and be responsible for critical architectural decisions and building towards major pilots, ensuring impact and reliability in classrooms.

You should have 8+ years in software engineering, with experience in system architecture and backend development. Key skills include:

• Leadership in cross-functional teams and aligning tech with product vision.
• Experience with build vs. buy decisions and third-party integrations.
• Designing scalable, evolving systems.
• Hands-on experience with cloud infrastructure (AWS, Kubernetes, Docker), backend frameworks (Node.js, MongoDB), and CI/CD pipelines.
• Knowledge of data privacy standards (FERPA, COPPA).
• Experience with Agile development, building educational tools, and inclusive UX.

• Experience with speech technology, especially for children.
• Familiarity with generative AI or adaptive learning systems.
• Background in EdTech or early-stage startups.

• Be cosmically urgent: Act with urgency to benefit all and foster a sense of somebodyness .
• Stay curious: Continuously ask how might we?
• Excellence over perfection: Focus on outcomes and meaningful interactions.
• Do hard things humanely: Face challenges courageously.
• Invest in collective success: Embrace collaboration and shared responsibility.

Salary: $163,000–$191,000 (based on experience and location). Benefits include comprehensive health plans, PTO, parental leave, 401K with 3% match, and perks like wellness stipends and professional development support.

Up to 25% travel expected for partnership support and collaboration.

We are an equal opportunity employer.

If this role excites you, apply here to start your journey with us!