Manager, Software Engineering - Mobile Platform

Samsara Samsara · Enterprise · San Francisco, CA · Remote · Platform

Manager, Software Engineering - Mobile Platform at Samsara, leading two mobile pods focused on cross-platform strategy, build systems, CI/CD, performance, reliability, observability, architectural evolution, and end-customer feature development. The role requires strong technical judgment, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to build a culture of engineering excellence, managing approximately 13-14 engineers. The position emphasizes technical leadership in mobile engineering (Android/iOS) and management experience, with a focus on platform modernization and balancing long-term architecture with near-term product delivery. Experience with AI-assisted development workflows is considered ideal.

What you'd actually do

  1. Define and evolve cross-platform strategy (Native vs React Native vs Compose/KMP)
  2. Lead customer-facing feature development (e.g., messaging, fleet workflows)
  3. Manage ~13-14 engineers across 2 pods
  4. Establish measurable KPIs: Build time; CI stability; Crash-free rate; App startup latency; Feature cycle time
  5. Can debate architecture credibly with Staff engineers

Skills

Required

  • 8+ years of experience in mobile engineering (Android/iOS)
  • 3+ years of engineering management experience
  • Deep experience in at least one native stack (Android or iOS)
  • Strong understanding of cross-platform tradeoffs
  • Experience improving performance (memory, startup, network, UI responsiveness)
  • Familiarity with modern mobile CI/CD systems
  • Proven track record leading platform modernization initiatives
  • Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders
  • Experience managing multi-team technical migrations
  • Strong written communication (RFCs, technical strategy docs)
  • High technical bar
  • Strong ownership mindset
  • Bias toward data-driven decisions
  • Comfortable navigating ambiguity
  • Balances long-term architecture with short-term delivery
  • Mentors engineers to raise collective capability

Nice to have

  • Experience with Kotlin Multiplatform / React Native / Compose Multiplatform
  • Experience with AI-assisted development workflows
  • Experience working in IoT or real-time systems

What the JD emphasized

  • AI-assisted SDLC tooling
  • AI-assisted development workflows