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Full-Time

Software Engineering Director

Music

Updated on 9/12/2024

Duolingo

Duolingo

1,001-5,000 employees

Language learning app with gamified lessons

Data & Analytics
Consulting
AI & Machine Learning
Education
Entertainment

Compensation Overview

$295k - $426kAnnually

+ Equity Compensation + Benefits

Senior, Expert

New York, NY, USA

Category
Full-Stack Engineering
Software QA & Testing
Software Engineering
Required Skills
Data Science
Product Design
Requirements
  • Strong technical chops. This is table-stakes. Our engineering leads are not only excellent people managers, team builders and strategic thinkers. They also have the deep technical background which allows them to “trust, but verify” that the right technical decisions are being made and that their area is executing strongly. They allocate time for learning in order to stay on top of technical advances.
  • Strong business acumen. This means having a deep understanding of their part of the business; following industry trends; and being able to think several years ahead.
  • Solid product sense. Engineering leads at Duolingo don’t “stay in their lane.” They use the product and features that they are building every day, are deeply familiar with how it works and have strong opinions of what’s working well in the product, what could be improved, and what to build next. They also use products/apps from peer industries (gaming, for instance) to learn from best-in-class.
Responsibilities
  • Define the strategy and set the roadmap for your teams
  • Be a strong cross-functional partner with product, design and data science (and other functions, depending on the product area) and invest in those relationships.
  • Be an excellent manager of managers, training and coaching newer managers and engineering leads.
  • Navigate complex leadership skills of being inclusive of different viewpoints; checking for alignment; and knowing when it’s best to pushback vs. make a decision vs. “disagree and commit.”
  • Shape key decisions about architecture and implementation of scalable and high quality engineering solutions
  • Drive the planning, execution, and success of elegant technical projects

Duolingo offers a language learning app that utilizes gamified, data-driven lessons and incorporates insights from language learning scientists, machine learning engineers, and AI experts to enhance its effectiveness. The platform's technologies include gamification, data-driven learning, and insights from language learning scientists, machine learning, and AI.

Company Stage

IPO

Total Funding

$643.3M

Headquarters

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Founded

2011

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

10%

1 year growth

17%

2 year growth

35%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The recent investments from Duality Advisers LP and Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management indicate strong financial confidence in Duolingo's growth potential.
  • The appointment of technology innovator Mario Schlosser to the board of directors could drive further innovation and strategic direction.
  • Generative AI features have led to a 54% increase in paid subscribers, showcasing the company's ability to leverage cutting-edge technology for growth.

What critics are saying

  • The competitive landscape is intensifying with new entrants like Unacademy, which could impact Duolingo's market share.
  • The success of recent acquisitions like Hobbes depends on seamless integration and effective utilization of their capabilities.

What makes Duolingo unique

  • Duolingo's integration of generative AI has significantly boosted its paid subscriber base, setting it apart from competitors.
  • The acquisition of Hobbes enhances Duolingo's design and animation capabilities, improving user experience and engagement.
  • Duolingo's language certification program, introduced in 2014, adds a unique value proposition compared to other language learning apps.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision for employees as well as eligible partners and dependents

Mental health benefits such as therapy sessions and coaching to support you to be your best self

Fertility benefits to support your family planning journey

Fully paid parental and adoption leave

Fully paid subscription to Care.com and paid backup days for dependents and your fur family

401(k) with generous match and immediate vesting

20 days of PTO, with two additional weeks off for winter break

Yearly professional development stipend

Transportation reimbursement for however you get to work

Lunch prepared daily by our in-house chefs

Annual international retreat for all full-time employees

On-site gym and massages

On-site game/break room