Vice President of Engineering, Incubator - The Washington Post : Job Details

The Washington Post is seeking an experienced, mission-driven, and technically visionary Vice President of Engineering (VPE) to lead the evolution of our core technology platforms and infrastructure. Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer and serving on their leadership team, the VPE will oversee high-impact areas including Advertising Technology, Personalization, and our Engineering Incubator. This role requires a builder's mindset, operational excellence, and the ability to lead diverse, cross-functional teams in creating scalable, future-facing technology solutions.

The ideal candidate combines deep technical knowledge with strategic insight, a passion for developing high-performing teams, and a commitment to building inclusive, customer-centric systems. The VPE will work in close partnership with peers in Product, Design, Revenue, and News to ensure our platforms are resilient, innovative, and aligned with our broader mission and goals.

This is a systems-defining role. The Washington Post is undergoing a bold transformation, and our ability to serve readers, reach new audiences, and sustain our journalism depends on the reliability, intelligence, and adaptability of our engineering platforms. The Vice President of Engineering will have a unique opportunity to:

• Lead foundational engineering efforts that powers trusted journalism and ethical advertising.
• Champion innovation through a dedicated incubator focused on emerging technologies and future needs.
• Shape the personalization systems that deepen engagement and relevance.
• Scale modern engineering practices across teams with a focus on excellence, inclusion, and accountability.
• Partner across functions to deliver elegant, durable, and impactful solutions that reflect The Post's values.

If you're motivated to build systems that matterand to lead teams that thrive on solving complex, meaningful problemsthis is your opportunity.

Responsibilities include:

• Define and execute the engineering strategy for our advertising platforms.
• Oversee and establish the Engineering Incubator.
• Deliver personalization capabilities.
• Establish and implement engineering best practices.
• Hire, mentor, and develop a diverse team.
• Manage budgets and allocate resources strategically.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leadership.
• Represent the Engineering organization in executive discussions.
• Monitor and report on technical KPIs.
• Anticipate emerging challenges and opportunities.

Qualifications include:

• Proven experience as both a 0 to 1 builder and a 1 to scale operator.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in software engineering.
• Demonstrated success leading teams.
• Deep knowledge of cloud computing, system architecture, data engineering, and applied machine learning.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in high-growth or transformation-stage organizations.
• Commitment to DEIA principles.

Preferred experience includes:

• Background in digital media, technology, or journalism organizations.
• Experience working with experimentation platforms and data science teams.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies and continuous delivery practices.
• Ability to translate technical strategy into organizational change.

The Washington Post connects Washington to the world, and the world to Washington. Through vital news, ideas, and insight, our award-winning newsroom is driven by innovation and motivated by our mission to find and deliver the best storytelling, in the best wayswhere, how, and when people want it. Our approach is always the same: shape ideas, redefine speed, take ownership, and lead. Every employee, every project, every day.

This position is based in New York City, with regular travel expected to Washington, D.C. headquarters. The Washington Post's policy for employees is five days per week in the office, with exceptions for newsgathering and general business travel.

The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage.
• Company-paid pension and 401(k) match.
• Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave.
• Nine paid holidays and two personal days.
• 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent.
• Robust mental health resources.
• Backup care and caregiver concierge services.
• Gender affirming services.
• Pet insurance.
• Free Post digital subscription.
• Leadership and career development programs.

The salary range for this position is 256,200.00 - 427,000.00 USD Annual. The actual salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements. This position may be eligible for a bonus or incentive program, and a member of the Talent Acquisition team will discuss bonus payment terms and conditions during the interview process.

The Post strives to provide its readers with high-quality, trustworthy news and information while constantly innovating. That mission is best served by a diverse, multi-generational workforce with varied life experiences and perspectives. All cultures and backgrounds are welcomed.