Director of engineering

Propeller is on a mission to take the guesswork out of moving dirt - reducing wasted fuel, time, and money. We do this through the power of maps. Our customers use Propeller's integrated hardware and software products to capture accurate 3D versions of their worksites. With over 50,000 worksites worldwide using Propeller's smart survey technology, we empower project teams to map, measure, and manage site activity. Propeller empowers everyone to approach, own, and solve problems creatively. We're data nerds who care about impact, honesty, and each other. We take pride in being a great place to work and are proud to be recognised as a Fast Company and BuiltIn Best Place to Work. You can learn more about us on Glassdoor.

Your Mission

As Director of Engineering you'll own the outcomes, structure, and health of a group of engineering teams, leading through a team of Engineering Managers who each look after small, autonomous squads. This is a people-and-process role: you'll upskill, unblock, mentor, and challenge your Engineering Managers so their squads stay healthy and do their best work.

Responsibilities

• Technical quality & sustainability — Keep engineering standards high across the group, balancing rapid product delivery against scalable, maintainable systems so tech debt is deliberately managed rather than quietly accumulating.
• EM leadership & bench strength — Hire, develop, and performance-manage Engineering Managers, building a management bench strong enough that squads stay healthy and autonomous.
• Org structure & health — Design and evolve team shapes, ownership boundaries, and staffing across the group.
• Lead senior individual contributors — Directly manage staff and principal engineers who work across the group and organisation, coaching them and keeping their work aligned to the group's goals.
• Culture of trust and innovation - Foster an inclusive, psychologically safe environment that empowers squads to take smart risks, learn from failures, and do their best work.

You bring experience managing engineering managers, including performance management, growth and development, and hiring. You know how to structure and empower your group so squads can operate autonomously while staying aligned. You have a genuine passion for people leadership, coaching, and mentorship. You lead with empathy, stay open to feedback, and create a safe environment where people can take risks, learn from their mistakes and do their best work. You have a positive, curious mindset towards AI and are excited about using it to help teams work smarter and have greater impact. You have strong collaboration skills working cross-functionally with Product, Design, and other Engineering leaders. You have the technical depth to understand your teams' work, navigate complex technical discussions, and effectively support and coach your Engineering Managers.

Benefits

• Employee share options
• Professional development budget and leave
• The opportunity to take part in our mentorship program
• Mental health resources
• Monthly telephone and/or internet allowance
• Paid primary & secondary parental leave policies
• Hybrid work arrangements and WFH equipment provided

About Propeller

Propeller is for everyone, so come as you are. We value all types of experience, skill, and ability. If you don’t think you meet all the requirements, but still think this role would be a good fit, we’d love to hear from you. Diversity makes our team more creative, fun, and effective, so bring your whole self to the application process, and we will too!