Lead Software Engineering Jobs in Waterloo, ON (NOW HIRING)

Lead Software Developer

Location: Remote (Candidate must reside in Canada)

Hiring Range: $100,000 - $115,000

About Us:

Friendlier is a trusted reuse partner for campuses, foodservice operators, and institutions across North America, delivering turnkey reusable packaging systems that simplify the shift away from single-use packaging. Our model combines durable packaging, digital tools that support engagement and environmental impact tracking, and reliable collection and sanitization services to keep containers in active circulation while reducing operational burden. Founded in Canada, Friendlier has grown from a local solution to a national presence across the country and recently into the United States, continuing to support organizations seeking practical, scalable ways to reduce single-use waste through systems that integrate seamlessly into everyday operations.

About the Role:

As the Lead Software Developer at Friendlier, you will report directly to the COO and be responsible for leading and executing the work of a small team of a Developer, and a QA Engineer to deliver software solutions. This role combines hands-on development with team leadership, and process improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership

• Support software developers and QA engineer
• Foster a collaborative, accountable team culture, driving Friendlier's values
• Remove blockers and advocate for the team
• Drive collaboration with other friendlier teams to decrease information siloing. And build grounded, evidence based solutions"

Coding

• Build out new features with a focus on creating engaging, intuitive user experiences
• Perform extensive and thorough testing of features to ensure responsiveness, correctness and stability
• Troubleshoot, debug and upgrade software across multiple platforms and services
• Write and maintain technical documentation

Strategy

• Work closely with leadership team to ideate software solutions and develop product roadmaps
• Participate in decision making processes as it relates to scaling existing Friendlier services, and developing new and exciting solutions to new problems
• Stay on the leading edge of available technology by recommending new tools and processes to the leadership team along with budget and expected outcomes

Code Review and Quality Assurance

• Establish and enforce coding standards
• Conduct regular code reviews and testing to maintain high standards
• Introduce AI tooling to support team members and quality

Execution

• Decompose quarterly commitments to the appropriate level of granularity and work with leadership to establish timelines, accurately estimate stories and deliverables based on historic production outcomes
• Assign tasks and responsibilities to team members based on their skills and expertise, ensuring a balanced workload.

Skills

• Cloud computing expertise. Ideally with GCP and Terraform
• Backend development experience. Ideally with Node/Express
• Frontend development experience. Ideally with Vue
• Database experience. Ideally using PostgreSQL and Firestore.
• Sprint planning. Ideally using JIRA

What you Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, or related field.
• Proven track record of success in a startup or scale up environment
• Strong technical leadership skills with the ability to motivate and coach
• Demonstrated experience in coding and project management
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset and a passion for driving positive environmental impact.

Why You Should Join Us:

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact by driving positive environmental change through innovative solutions.
• Competitive compensation package including base salary, performance-based bonuses, and stock options.
• Collaborative and inclusive work culture that values diversity, creativity, and continuous learning.
• Flexible work environment with the option for remote work and a focus on work-life balance.
• Career growth and advancement opportunities within a fast-growing startup environment.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, or 2SLGBTQI+ identity. Be part of a team that celebrates diversity and promotes an inclusive environment for all.Please let us know if you require an accommodation due to a disability and we will work with you to address your needs.