Software Development Lead; C++

Software Development Lead (C++)

Department: Technology

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Remote - BC

Compensation: $135,000 - $155,000 / year

* This is a remote opportunity open to candidates located in, and legally eligible to work in Canada. While remote work is fully supported, we’d love to hear from candidates based in or near Victoria, BC, where much of the team is located.*

At Shift, we’re building technology that helps people browse smarter, stay focused, and get more done. We’re looking for a Software Development Lead (C++) to help shape the future of our Chromium-based browser while leading and developing a team of talented engineers.

This is a player-coach role that combines people leadership, technical leadership, and hands-on software development. You’ll mentor and support a team of developers, help guide technical direction and priorities, and contribute directly to the design, implementation, debugging, and delivery of complex software. You’ll work closely with product, QA, design, and other engineering teams to ensure we’re building high-quality solutions that meet real user needs.

We’re looking for someone with a strong systems-level development background, experience leading software developers, and a passion for building healthy, high-performing teams. If you enjoy solving complex technical problems, helping others grow, and making a meaningful impact on both the product and the people around you, we’d love to hear from you.

• Manage and coach a team of Software Developers, fostering talent growth, skill development, and career advancement.
• Work as part of the technical leadership group to help shape the roadmap and make sure the team understands the direction, priorities, and tradeoffs.
• Maintain a team culture where people share context, review each other’s work seriously, mentor one another, and take pride in the quality of what they ship.
• Contribute directly to software development, including design, implementation, debugging, code review, and technical decision-making.
• Set a high bar for engineering practices across development, delivery, security, testing, documentation, and operations.
• Keep projects moving by clarifying scope, breaking down work, managing dependencies, and raising risks.
• Partner with product, QA, design, support, and other development teams to coordinate work and make sure technical plans connect to real user and business needs.
• Troubleshoot complex issues, including production problems, with occasional support outside regular working hours when the situation calls for it (which is rare).
• Stay current with relevant technologies and industry changes, especially where they can improve the product, the codebase, or the way the team works.
• Encourage thoughtful use of AI-assisted development tools to improve productivity, code quality, documentation, and the overall developer experience.
• Take on other technical leadership responsibilities as the team and business evolve.

• You’ve been introduced to all of the Shift development teams.
• You have an understanding of the software we build and are starting to familiarize yourself with the development process.
• You will have on-boarded with your dev team and have a sense of what the team currently works on.

• You will know our product and major initiatives.
• You will understand our product roadmap and begin to make an impact.
• You will find a rhythm with your direct reports and understanding the team’s needs.

• You will feel confident in your role and will be making meaningful contributions.
• You have built a rapport with your team and are helping them learn and grow in their roles.
• You (along with your team) will have completed one major technical initiative into our browser.

• 7+ years of professional software development experience, including substantial work in C++, Objective-C, C, or similar systems-level languages.
• 3+ years of experience leading or managing software developers, including responsibility for coaching, feedback, delivery, and team health.
• Strong software engineering fundamentals, including object-oriented design,…