Software Engineering Manager for Optimizer Hub at azul

Azul == Java. As the only company focused 100% on Java, Azul is building the Java platform for the modern cloud enterprise. We are reimagining how customers use Java, bringing them the tools and insight they need to deliver faster, more performant, more dependable, and less expensive Java services. It requires experts in many areas - hardcore experts in Java VM internals, application developers with deep knowledge of Java, backend and fronted developers, performance engineers, etc/ Come join one of the most influential members of the Java and OpenJDK community and help influence the future of Java. As a Software Engineering Manager you will work closely with product managers, software and quality engineers as well as internal and external stakeholders. You will ensure smooth execution of engineering projects, provide a high-level of transparency on progress, ensure alignment between product management and engineering, enable early identification and escalation of potential issues, and lead adoption of best engineering processes and practices. Azul Optimizer Hub (OptHub) is a set of services external to the JVM within Azul Platform Prime that run in your cloud or on-premises environment. It consist of two major functions: Cloud Native Compiler separates the heavy lifting of compiling byte code to optimized machine code from the actual running of Java applications. ReadyNow Orchestrator ensures consistent responsiveness and performance even as instances are brought up and down, and during critical times like a retail rush, start of the gaming day or market open. Your Role • Oversee design and development of Optimizer Hub product, mentor up to 7 engineers. • Work with product managers and technical leads to respond to customer needs by clearly articulated plans and execution of the plans. • Keep a living release calendar of implementation phases / events to ensure plans can accommodate realistic schedules / avoid conflict and provide accurate reports on major activities. • Drive AI framework and toolset adoption within engineering. • Build and manage dashboards and reporting on development performance metrics, top-down and bottom-up forecasting, benchmarks, trends, and ad hoc analyses. • Use your subject matter expertise to drive processes that lead to predictable insights with the minimum necessary overhead. • Work with customer support to track escalated issues. • Help to improve our project management processes with a special focus on Agile development. Key Requirements • Experience leading and building teams, ability to asses engineer’s skills and experience and help with their development. • Deep knowledge in engineering project management including release cycles, bug tracking applications, reporting, and schedule forecasting. • Experience with modern AI-enabled software development toolset (Claude Code / Codex etc.) • Understand project architecture, used technologies, and engineering practices. • A stellar skillset of collaboration, planning, influencing, prioritization, and time management. • Ability to drive data analytics and reporting of development processes. • Experience developing large distributed applications using k8s and cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP). • Experience with Agile methodologies. • Expert in the use of Jira, Confluence and related tools by engineering teams to accurately track software development projects. Qualifications • 5-7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent work experience. Minimum 3+ years of working in an engineering manager or technical project manager role for a software organization. • Software Engineering background, i.e. hands on experience developing software product in Java or C/C++. • Startup / small company experience would be beneficial. • Excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, and communication skills. We Offer • Annual performance-based bonus. • Referral Program – help us grow with great people. • Premium IT Equipment – MacBook Pro or hardware of your choice. • Excellent work-life balance, flexible hours, full remote possible. • Work alongside top experts worldwide contributing to the Java ecosystem.