Lead Software Engineer

Job Description Summary

• Lead a team of data and backend engineers responsible for building, operating, and continuously improving the data platform that powers tax compliance for global enterprises across Latin America.
• Own delivery, reliability, sprint execution, and technical quality — translating architectural direction and product priorities into clear, executable engineering plans.
• Drive incident response, root-cause analysis, and remediation for data and platform failures, while maintaining on-call processes, runbooks, and operational hygiene.
• Guide engineers in implementing ETL/ELT pipelines, Spark/PySpark jobs, and Python services; oversee Node.js and TypeScript services that orchestrate, validate, and expose data workflows.
• Maintain and actively manage a technical debt backlog, balancing new feature delivery with platform sustainability, cost control, and reliability improvements.
• Collaborate closely with the Data Architect, Product, Tax, and DevOps teams to ensure execution aligns with long-term platform strategy, data requirements, and compliance standards.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience building and operating data-intensive and backend systems in production environments.
• Strong hands-on experience with Python, SQL, Apache Airflow, and Spark or PySpark.
• Solid experience with Node.js and TypeScript in backend service development.
• Proven track record running and maintaining event-driven or batch-based data pipelines at scale.
• Experience operating production workloads on AWS, including S3, RDS/Aurora, EMR/EMR Serverless, and IAM.
• Experience running production workloads on Kubernetes.
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams through delivery cycles, incident management, and operational ownership.
• Strong understanding of data modeling, schema evolution, idempotency, and multi-tenant data systems.
• Comfortable operating in environments with regulatory, financial, or compliance-driven data requirements.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Iceberg, Delta Lake, or modern lakehouse platforms.
• Familiarity with dbt, data quality frameworks, or data lineage tooling.
• Experience with Kafka, Kinesis, or CDC-based pipeline architectures.
• Background in fintech, tax technology, accounting, or compliance platforms.
• Experience scaling data engineering teams or platforms from early-stage to enterprise scale.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience accepted in lieu of a formal degree.
  

Tools We Use

• Backend Development: Node.js, TypeScript, Prisma
• Cloud Infrastructure: AWS (S3, SQS, RDS, ECS, Kubernetes)
• Frameworks: Fastify
• Project Management: Atlassian Suite, Notion
• Communication: Gmail, Slack, Zoom

COMMENTS:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this position. Other functions may be assigned, and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.

Vertex Values: Together We Win

We're building a team of people who are passionate about making an impact for our customers and committed to how that impact is achieved. Our values define the behaviors, mindset, and culture that make Vertex a great place to grow and do meaningful work.

Play to Win or We Don't Play — If we choose to do something, we're choosing to do it because we plan to win. That mindset raises our bar on product quality, customer outcomes, and how we show up for one another.

Work As a Team, Putting the Customer At the Core — Our customers are our true north. Whatever your role, ask: how will this help a customer succeed today? We earn trust through outcomes, not promises.

Achieve Excellence With Integrity, Speed, and Agility — The market isn't slowing down. We'll move faster, adapt quickly, and never compromise on doing things the right way — for teammates, customers, and partners.

Innovate Boldly With a Growth Mindset — Progress demands smart risk. We'll try new approaches, learn fast, and keep pushing the boundaries — especially where AI can remove friction and unlock value.

Communicate with Care, Candor and Transparency — Honest, constructive conversations make us better. Let's speak plainly about what's working and what isn't and help each other improve.

Annual Salary Range: $2,628,300.00 - $3,504,400.00

Pay Basis: Monthly

The expected base salary range for this role varies by location and is expressed in local currency. The posted range reflects the anticipated hiring range for successful candidates at the time of hire, based on relevant job‑related skills, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay offered to new hires may vary within the posted range depending on individual qualifications and market considerations.

The posted salary range reflects compensation at the time of hire. Employees may experience additional compensation growth over time through performance‑based increases, expanded responsibilities, role progression, or internal career opportunities, in accordance with company policies and local practices.

In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for other elements of Vertex’s total compensation package, which may include participation in the Vertex Bonus Plan (VOB), a role‑specific sales commission or bonus, and/or equity grants, where applicable.

Learn more about Life at Vertex and connect with your recruiter for more details regarding Vertex's compensation and benefit programs.

*In all cases, compensation will comply with applicable local pay transparency and minimum wage requirements.