Director of Engineering

Director of Engineering - Ascend (Clinical+ Specialty)

We are seeking a Director of Engineering who is passionate about transforming developer experience and delivering beautiful customer experiences. As Engineering Director for Ascend, you'll lead and develop high‑performing engineering teams serving dental practices and clinicians across the United States.

• Transform developer experience – moving teams from slow‑feedback codebases to low latency feedback
• Leverage AI to significantly enhance engineering productivity
• Drive improvements in DORA metrics (lead time, deployment frequency, change failure rate)
• Build psychologically safe, high‑trust teams that communicate effectively and resolve issues independently
• Maintain and evolve effective Scrum practice
• Scale teams through excellent recruiting and talent development
• Ensure product security, compliance, and reliability
• Build trust with commercial and cross‑functional stakeholders across the organization

• Travel typically less than 10%
• Office environment with no special physical demands required

Languages & Frameworks: Groovy, Ember.js, moving to React, Java and Node

Databases: Postgres, Redis

Messaging & Cloud: Rabbit

MQ, AWS

Dev Ops & Tools: Git Lab, Jira, Dynatrace

• Demonstrated impact in senior engineering leadership roles
• Proven ability to overcome organizational inertia and remove roadblocks
• Deep understanding of modern engineering practices (observability, on‑demand deployments, testing strategies)
• Understanding of DORA metrics and their usage in modern engineering organizations
• Expertise in both backend and frontend technologies
• Proficiency with databases such as Postgre
  
  SQL or SQL Server
• In‑depth knowledge of building RESTful APIs
• Familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS and Azure
• Practical Scrum mastery with ability to coach and tailor the framework
• Exceptional communication and collaboration abilities
• Skilled in leading within hybrid and remote environments
• Customer‑obsessed, transparent, accountable, and committed to high standards

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science or related field
• Experience with AI‑assisted development workflows
• Familiarity with Lencioni's Five Dysfunctions or similar team health frameworks

Intro/screening call with our Recruiter

Short online behavioural & cognitive assessment

Interview with Hiring Manager

Panel Interview

The posted range for this position is $210,000 – $260,000 for candidates who are new the role through to fully proficient. Compensation within this range is based on skills, experience, training, and education.

• 3% RRSP matching
• Comprehensive health benefits (including 100% drug coverage)
• 3 weeks vacation, growing to 5 weeks
• Unlimited paid flex days
• Paid birthday off