- Collaborate cross-functionally: Partner with Customer Success and Operations to ensure seamless deployments and reliable performance in the field.
Requirements
- Automate what matters: Leverage AI and automation to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce operational overhead, and free teams to focus on what counts.
- Systems expertise: Strong background in backend systems, system design, and secure architecture.
- Technical curiosity: Follows improvements in AI and other emerging technologies, and finds opportunities to turn new technology into useful technology.
Experience in payments, civic tech, or public infrastructure.
HOW WE SUPPORT OUR PEOPLE At Promise, we invest in our team’s well-being, growth, and sense of ownership.
Additionally, candidates must reside in the US. Promise participates in E-Verify.
Experience
WHAT WILL HELP YOU SUCCEED - Technical leadership: 6+ years building and scaling production software, including at least 2 years leading teams or projects.
Benefits
We build technology that makes it simple for residents to receive benefits, engage with assistance programs, set up flexible payment plans, and stay on track—while helping agencies increase efficiency, recover revenue, and deliver services with dignity.
ABOUT THE ROLE Promise is looking for an Engineering Lead to guide the technical vision and team behind our Payment Plans platform—the engine of our business and a lifeline for families nationwide.
Payment Plans empower residents with flexible, interest-free installment options, helping them avoid penalties while enabling utilities and governments to recover revenue more effectively.
Experience working with legacy or third-party systems (government, fintech, or regulated industries a plus). - Problem-solving skills: Ability to turn complex challenges into simple, scalable solutions. - Adaptability: Comfort operating in a fast-paced, feedback-driven environment where priorities can shift quickly. - Mission-driven energy: Belief in Promise’s vision that better systems create more equitable outcomes. - Bonus points:
- Equity for All: All full-time employees receive stock options to share in our company’s success.
- 100% Paid Health Coverage: We cover 100% of base medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and their dependents.
- Flexible Time Off: Self-managed FTO and 12 paid holidays — we trust you to balance your work and your life. Please note:
Promise is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or military or veteran status.
Promise engages in US government contracts and restricts hiring to US persons, which includes US citizens and permanent residents (e.g., Green Card holders).
Contact
To request a reasonable accommodation, please email accommodations@joinpromise.com.
To learn more, view E-Verify Participation Notice and Right to Work Notice. https://www.notion.so/promisehq/E-Verify-and-Right-to-Work-Notice-36c700f194288084a365f8c30fd53993?source=copy_link
Additional details
Company Overview Promise modernizes how government agencies and utilities support people in financial difficulty.
Our mission is to transform public systems so they work better for everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
Our team includes experts from companies like Palantir, Google, Stripe , and esteemed government leaders.
We're looking for excellent people to build innovative, resilient technology.
Backed by over $50 million in funding from top investors – such as Reid Hoffman, Howard Schultz, Michael Seibel, Y Combinator, 8VC, The General Partnership, First Round Capital, Kapor Capital, XYZ Ventures, and Bronze Investments – Promise has been recognized as one of Fast Company's "World's Most Innovative Companies of 2022,” “Forbes Next Billion-Dollar Startups 2024,” and Y Combinator’s #1 GovTech startup.
It’s a product that creates a true win-win—and you’ll be at the helm.
You’ll lead a high-performing engineering team, scaling the platform and building agentic workflows to meet the growing demand from cities, states, and utilities across the country.
This is a role for someone who thrives at the intersection of technology, leadership, and mission impact—setting direction, building systems that last, and ensuring our work reflects Promise’s dignity-first values.
WHAT YOU’LL DO - Lead by doing: Roll your sleeves up and build alongside the team, know the ins and outs of the product. - Own the roadmap: Partner with Product and Design to prioritize the right features—balancing usability, scalability, and measurable real-world impact. - Build for scale & trust: Ensure the platform is secure, composable, and capable of supporting governments and utilities nationwide. - Elevate the resident
experience: Deliver features that make it easier for families to stay on track—like flexible installments, smart reminders, and personalized plans.