Software Engineering Manager

About Bluestaq
At Bluestaq we build secure data platforms that matter for space missions national defense healthcare systems and commercial innovation. Founded in 2018 weve become a leader in enterprise software and secure data management by staying focused on what counts: modern architecture operational excellence and mission impact.

Were engineers problem-solvers and builders who take the mission seriously but not ourselves. We automate the repeatable question the status quo and design systems that are as reliable as they are scalable. Whether were supporting space defense systems or healthcare advancements we build with the same principles: cloud-native solutions security by design and relentless simplicity.

Our name Blue (military shorthand for the good guys) and staq (as in software stack). Its who we are mission-aligned technologists building platforms that protect the worlds most valuable data.

Recognized Excellence Weve earned national recognition as one of Inc. Magazines Fastest-Growing Private Companies and consistently rank among Colorados Best Workplaces. But what were most proud of The systems we build the teams we develop and the mission outcomes we enable.

Software Engineering Manager

We are seeking a people-first technically grounded Engineering Manager (EM) to lead high-performing teams that design build and deliver secure scalable software solutions for both government and commercial this critical role you will be the leader your team trusts someone who creates clarity removes barriers and develops engineers into the best versions of themselves. You will set technical direction by breaking down complex problems and partnering closely with senior engineers and architects while keeping your teams healthy aligned and delivering with velocity and quality.

Your greatest impact will come through your people. You will build a culture of psychological safety accountability and growth empowering your teams to take ownership and do their best work. You will partner with Product Program and Architecture leaders to translate strategic vision into action and you will be the bridge that connects your teams work to the broader mission.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our engineering organization and make a direct impact on mission-critical systems that serve both government and commercial domains.

Why This Role Matters

Great engineering organizations are built by great leaders notjust greattechnologists. As an Engineering Manager your ability to communicate clearly develop people and build trust is what makes everything else possible. The strongest technical strategy fails without a teamthatsengaged supported and aligned.

If you are motivated by developing people building teams where engineers thrive and driving delivery through strong leadership and clear communication this is your opportunity to lead impactful work that advances national security and commercial innovation.

WhatYoullDo

PeopleLeadership

This is the foundation of the role. Everything else builds on your ability to lead communicate and develop people.

• Build trust through transparent honest communication.Be the leader who gives your team clarity on the why not just the what. Communicate openly about priorities trade-offs andhard decisions.

• Develop engineers and grow careers.Provide continuous meaningful feedback not just quarterly reviews. Understand each team members goals and actively create opportunities for their growth. Mentor both individual contributors and emerging team leads.

• Create psychological safety.Foster an environment where engineers feel safe to ask questions raise concerns surface problems early and challenge ideas constructively. Teams that feel safe move faster and produce better outcomes.

• Navigate difficult conversations with empathy and directness.Whetheritsperformance feedback conflict resolution or organizational change communicate hard things honestly whilemaintainingtrust and respect.

• Hire andretaindiverse high-performing talentthrough inclusive recruiting practices and by building a team culture peopledontwant to leave.

• Actively listen.Seekto understand before being understood whether with your team stakeholders or customers.

• UpholdBluestaqscore values of trust ownership curiosity teamwork mentorship and talent development fostering a culture where team members take initiative support one another and grow together.

TechnicalDirection & Problem Decomposition

Your role is to understand technical landscapes well enough to break down complex problems ask the right questions and set direction.

• Break down complex technical problemsinto actionable plans that your team can execute against. Translate ambiguity into clarity.

• Set technical directionby partnering with senior engineers architects and technical leads leaning on their deepexpertisewhile providing leadership context and strategic alignment.

• Guide teams through major technical decisions(e.g. migrations modernization architectural shifts) ensuring alignment with long-term strategy and business goals.

• Champion quality operational excellence and system sustainability knowing when to push for speed and when to invest in durability.

• Balance delivery speed with technical integrityby partnering with engineers product owners and program managers to make informed trade-offs.
  
  

Execution & Delivery

• Drive delivery of initiatives by partnering with product owners product managers program managers or project managers to manage scope priorities resources and timelines.

• Support and reinforce agile practices (e.g. planning standups reviews retrospectives) tomaintaincadence and accountability.

• Monitor team throughput quality and operational health; intervene early when risk bottlenecks or misalignment appear.

• Continuously adjust priorities and capacity in coordination with product and program partners to stay aligned with business and mission needs.
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Product Program and Architecture to prioritize work break down initiatives and align feasibility with business goals.

• Communicate progress risks and blockers clearly to leadership and stakeholdersno surprises.

• Bring engineering and operational insights into customer or product discussions to influence roadmaps and scoping.

• Ensure your teams understand the why behind whattheyrebuilding not just the what.
  
  

Customer Engagement & Solution Delivery

• Build andmaintaintrusted relationships with government and commercial customers through regular engagement active listening and consistent follow-through.

• Serve as a technical point of contact for customers translating their mission needs and operational challenges into engineering priorities and actionable requirements.

• Break down complex technical solutions into clear compelling narratives that resonate with both technical and non-technical customer stakeholders.

• Partner with business development capture and program teams to present technical approachesdemonstratesolution feasibility and build customer confidence in our delivery capability.

• Lead or contribute to technical discussions demonstrations and solution walkthroughs that help customers understand the value and impact of proposed solutions.

• Advocate for the customers perspective within engineering ensuring that what we build aligns with what the customeractually needsand can adopt.

• Support proposal efforts by contributing technical content solution designs and staffing strategies that positionBluestaqto win new work.
  
  

Strategic Contribution

• Shape technical roadmaps with program product and engineering partners balancing new capabilities technical debt reduction and platform sustainability.

• Continuously improve engineering processes systems and tooling to reduce friction and increase impact.

• Make cost-conscious decisionsregardinginfrastructure tools and staffing in alignment with program and organizational constraints.

• Collaborate with product owners program managers business development and other stakeholders to translate business requirements intofeasibletechnical approaches.
  
  

Qualifications and Skills

• Proven experience leading software engineering teams in a fast-paced agile environment.

• Strong understanding of system design software architecture and modern cloud-native engineering practices.

• Demonstrated ability to coach mentor and develop engineers and technical leaders at multiple levels.

• Hands-on experience with agile methods backlog planning and delivery at scale.

• Ability to build trust and alignment across product architecture program and operations teams.

• Familiarity with engaging stakeholders and incorporating user and customer feedback into team execution.

• Ability to balance short-term delivery with long-term sustainability and innovation.

• Comfortable conveying complex technical or operational concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  

Required Education

• Masters degree in Business Engineering Computer Science or a related field and 4 years of engineering or related experience OR

• Bachelors degree in Business Engineering Computer Science or a related field and 6 years of engineering or related experience OR

• Associate degree in a related field and 8 years of engineering or related experience OR
• High School Diploma/GED and 10 years of engineering or related experience.
  
  

Why Colorado Springs

• Tech Talent Hotspot - Ranked #2 up-and-coming tech market in North America by CBRE (2024).

• Top Place to Live - Named #3 Best Place to Live in the U.S. and Most Desirable City overall by U.S. News (2024-25).

• Neighborly Spirit - Recognized as Americas Most Neighborly City (2024) for community engagement and quality of life.

• Active Lifestyle Hub - Top 5 for hiking and fitness blending outdoor recreation and wellness (2022).

• Pet-Friendly Leader - Ranked #1 Most Pet-Friendly City in the U.S. (2023) for furry scaly and feathery friends.

• Womens Workforce Haven - Ranked #6 Best City for Women in the Workforce byCheckr(2025) highlighting earning potential and female leadership opportunities.

With 300 days of sunshine and the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop Colorado Springs offers the perfect mix of urban energy and outdoor adventure.

Relocation:This position does not offer relocation. Candidates must live in the immediate area orrelocateat their own expense.

Why Join Us

• Purpose-Driven Work: Support systems that power industries and critical operations including healthcare and defense.

• Continuous Growth: Expand your technicalexpertisewith hands-on projects and mentorship.

• Dynamic Environment: Be part of a team that thrives on problem-solving learning and collaboration.

Ready to make an impact Apply today and help shape the future of data management in healthcare defense and beyond!

Clearance Requirement:This position may require the ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance. To be eligible for a security clearance U.S. citizenship is required and an employee must agree to participate in a background screen and credit check. Eligibility for a TS/SCI Clearance will be assessed as part of the onboarding process or based on programmatic needs.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organizations facilities.

Relocation:This position does not offer relocation. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.

Bluestaq is an Equal Opportunity Employer.We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis age 40 and over color disability gender identity genetic information military or veteran status national origin race religion sex sexual orientation or any other status protected by state or local law.

Bluestaq will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities and employees whose work requirements interfere with a religious belief unless doing so would result in an undue hardship to Bluestaq or a direct threat. Employees needing such accommodation are instructed to contact Human Resources immediately at .

Date the Position Closes: Applications will be accepted for 60 days beyond the posting date or until the position is filled whichever comes first.