Director, Software Engineering (Product)

Build a safer world with us, one incident at a time.

Ambient.ai is the category creator and leader in Agentic Physical Security. Powered by Ambient Pulsar, the first reasoning Vision-Language Model purpose-built for physical security, our platform seamlessly integrates with existing security cameras and physical access control systems to unify monitoring, access control, threat assessment, response, and investigations through an always-on reasoning layer that augments security operators with superhuman capabilities. The results: 95% fewer false alarms, investigations 20x faster, and 10x faster response.

The momentum speaks for itself: we doubled new ARR in FY26, we process 200M+ video hours per day, and have delivered results for world-class customers including Cisco, ServiceNow, SentinelOne, TikTok, Bayer, and MoMA. That kind of momentum creates an environment where great people thrive, and it shows: we recently ranked #71 out of 500 on the Forbes best startup employers list https://www.forbes.com/lists/americas-best-startup-employers/.

Founded in 2017 and backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Y Combinator, and Allegion Ventures, Ambient.ai is on a fast-paced journey to fulfill our mission: prevent every security incident possible.

Ready to learn more? Connect with us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambient-ai/?viewAsMember=true and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ambient-ai-inc

About the role

Reporting to Kiran Palan https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiranpalan/, you will lead a team of passionate, talented engineers building products that are reshaping the physical security industry. As an Engineering Leader, you're responsible for developing new product concepts while supporting current product growth. You will help define our growth strategy while working closely with product managers to align the strategy, process, and delivery against the product roadmap.

In this role, you will align internal business partners and leadership around this plan and partner with cross-functional teams to execute this plan. You will play an active part in measuring and owning the quality and experience of the product while maintaining agility.

What you'll do

• Lead the current product engineering team, which includes front-end, Mobile, and backend developers
• Design, guide, and vet systems design within the scope of the broader area related to product development
• Scale the current team, hire and onboard new team members, and develop a high-performing team of software engineers
• Be highly technical, a hands-on coder, and an effective people coach
• Ensure high technical standards by instituting processes (architecture reviews, testing) and culture (engineering excellence)
• Give your team the tools, context, confidence, and motivation to make decisions effectively and independently
• People management: Set clear expectations with individuals based on their level and role, while meeting regularly with individuals to discuss performance and development, and provide feedback and coaching

What you'll bring

• 4+ years of engineering management experience with a proven ability to build awesome, high-performing teams and lead complex technical initiatives
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical degree
• Experience driving architecture and product decisions, and shipping products with consistent execution
• Proficient in full-stack design principles and able to lead code architecture and implementation decisions
• Comfortable coaching team members with different skill sets and technical areas of focus and expertise
• Understands and has led agile software development and management
• Organized and thrive in fast-paced environments

Why join us

• We are creating an entirely new category within a 180+ billion-dollar physical security industry and looking for team members who are also passionate about our mission to prevent every security incident possible
• We partner with an incredible customer roster of F500 companies, including Adobe, TikTok, Gap and SentinelOne
• Regular Full-time employees receive stock options for the opportunity to share ownership in the success of our company
• Comprehensive health + welfare package (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, EAP, Legal Services, 401k plan)
• We offer flexible time off to rest and recharge, including Winter Break (time off between Christmas and New Year’s for most roles depending on customer demand)
• The latest tech and awesome swag will be delivered to your door
• Enjoy a full range of opportunities to connect with your awesome co-workers
• We love to hike https://www.alltrails.com/us/california/palo-alto, are foodies, and love music! Check out our most recent Ambient Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3m2bFd0UGTJ4Uicrw9xPXG?si=985964b33f734b78

We’ve found that in-person time meaningfully supports collaboration, creativity, and team alignment. Our talent, engineering, product, design, and marketing teams work from our Redwood City office three days a week. All other Bay Area employees join on Fridays to stay connected and close out the week together.

Ready to learn more? Connect with us onLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambient-ai/?viewAsMember=true| YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ambient2599

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Ambient.ai is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ambient does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status, registered domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. Ambient is an E-Verify participant.