Manager, Software Engineering - New Products

About the role:

For too long, the world of physical operations has been forced to rely on manual data entry, paper forms, and systems that haven't changed in decades. At Samsara, the New Bets team operates as a startup within the larger organization, chartered with rapidly identifying and building the next wave of transformative products. We are a full-stack product group, developing new solutions that span hardware, firmware, and software to solve our customers' most challenging operational problems. We are building intelligent workflows, automations, and AI-powered solutions to modernize and streamline the most complex frontline operations.

We are seeking an innovative and execution-focused Engineering Manager to lead and grow a team of talented engineers at the forefront of this innovation. You will be instrumental in turning bold ideas into impactful, seamlessly integrated products. This role is for a leader who is passionate about building from 0-to-1, applying cutting-edge AI, and fostering a culture of high-velocity and customer obsession. From using AI to eliminate paper forms to leveraging generative models for frontline worker coaching and developing software for new wearables, you will guide your team to redefine what's possible in physical operations.

You should apply if:

• You want to impact the industries that run our world: The software, firmware, and hardware you build will result in real-world impact—helping to keep the lights on, get food into grocery stores, and most importantly, ensure workers return home safely.
• You want to build for scale: With over 2.3 million IoT devices deployed to our global customers, you will work on a range of new and mature technologies driving scalable innovation for customers across industries driving the world's physical operations.
• You are a life-long learner: We have ambitious goals. Every Samsarian has a growth mindset as we work with a wide range of technologies, challenges, and customers that push us to learn on the go.
• You believe customers are more than a number: Samsara engineers enjoy a rare closeness to the end user and you will have the opportunity to participate in customer interviews, collaborate with customer success and product managers, and use metrics to ensure our work is translating into better customer outcomes.
• You are a team player: Working on our Samsara Engineering teams requires a mix of independent effort and collaboration. Motivated by our mission, we’re all racing toward our connected operations vision, and we intend to win—together.

In this role, you will: 

• Build and Lead a High-Performing Team: Recruit, hire, and mentor a diverse team of software engineers. Foster their career growth and create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
• Drive Vision and Strategy: Partner closely with product management, design, and customers to define the roadmap and technical vision for new product bets, turning ambiguous ideas into concrete, scalable solutions that may encompass hardware and software.
• Accelerate with AI: Guide the team in leveraging cutting-edge AI and Machine Learning, including LLMs to solve high-impact customer problems and create differentiated products.
• Champion Engineering Excellence and Productivity: Define, track, and optimize key engineering metrics (e.g., cycle time, deployment frequency, bug rates) to ensure the team is iterating quickly and effectively. Champion the use of AI-powered tools and processes to boost developer productivity and streamline workflows.
• Insist on Customer Obsession: Lead your team in rapidly prototyping new ideas, getting them into the hands of users, and using direct feedback to build solutions that solve their most critical pain points.
• Own the End-to-End: Oversee the architecture, development, and delivery of new product initiatives, guiding the team from initial concept to a robust solution used by tens of thousands of customers.
• Champion, role model, and embed Samsara’s cultural principles (Focus on Customer Success, Build for the Long Term, Adopt a Growth Mindset, Be Inclusive, Win as a Team) as we scale globally and across new offices.
• Hire, develop and lead an inclusive, engaged, and high performing team.

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent professional experience.
• 6+ years of professional software development experience.
• 2+ years of formal experience managing a team of software engineers in a product-driven environment.
• A deep-seated curiosity and a willingness to dive into complex technical and customer problems.
• Excellent communication skills and a passion for developing a strong team culture.

An ideal candidate also has:

• Startup DNA: You have experience building and leading teams in a high-growth company and are comfortable navigating ambiguity to deliver results.
• Hands-on AI/ML Experience: You have practical experience building with or fine-tuning AI models (e.g. using LLMs) and can effectively guide a team working on these technologies.
• Proven Success at Scale: You have a history of leading teams that have shipped and scaled software products to a large and growing user base.
• Familiarity with our core technologies: You have experience with or can quickly learn our tech stack: Go, TypeScript, GraphQL, gRPC, and React/React Native. (Experience with mobile application development is a plus).