Experienced Engineering Manager, Network Enablement and Access (NEA)
WFA Digital Insight
As the demand for seamless financial transactions grows, companies like Plaid are revolutionizing the way people interact with their finances. With a 25% increase in fintech investment in 2025, the job market is ripe for engineering leaders who can drive innovation. Plaid's Network Enablement and Access organization is at the forefront of this transformation, and this role offers a unique opportunity to lead a team of engineers in building and maintaining connections to over 10,000 financial institutions. Candidates should be well-versed in AI transformation, network architecture, and engineering management to succeed in this role.
Job Description
About the Role
The Experienced Engineering Manager, Network Enablement and Access (NEA) role is a critical position at Plaid, leading a team of engineers responsible for building and maintaining connections to over 10,000 financial institutions. This role is part of the NEA organization, which is the backbone of the Plaid network, providing reliable and high-quality data access to power every product Plaid offers. As the engineering manager, you will partner with the Product Area Lead to co-own strategy and execution, spanning access platform development, network enablement and intelligence, integration operations, and solutions engineering.The NEA organization is undergoing an AI transformation, applying AI not just to products but to engineering workflows, operational processes, and technical infrastructure. This role will lead the charge in this transformation, setting technical direction for the organization and deciding where to invest in foundations versus product delivery. With a strong point of view on how AI changes the way engineering organizations build software, you will drive the adoption of AI and automation across the NEA organization.
The role entails managing a team of six engineering managers, coaching and calibrating performance, and developing the management bench. You will also own the technical direction for NEA's platform, including integration frameworks, automation infrastructure, and ML/data.
What You Will Do
- Set engineering strategy for NEA in partnership with the Product Area Lead
- Balance product delivery with foundational investment across eight teams
- Manage six engineering managers directly
- Own technical direction for NEA's platform
- Coach, calibrate performance, and develop the management bench
- Partner with cross-functional teams to drive business outcomes
- Set technical direction across the organization
- Decide where to invest in foundations versus product delivery
- Apply AI to engineering workflows, operational processes, and technical infrastructure
- Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders
- Represent the engineering organization in company-wide strategy discussions
What We Are Looking For
- 8+ years of experience in software engineering, with 3+ years of experience in engineering management
- Strong technical background in computer science, engineering, or a related field
- Experience with network architecture, distributed systems, and cloud computing
- Experience with AI transformation, machine learning, and data science
- Strong leadership and management skills, with experience managing high-performing teams
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Experience with agile development methodologies and version control systems
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex systems and debug issues
Nice to Have
- Experience with fintech or financial services industry
- Knowledge of financial institutions and payment systems
- Experience with cybersecurity and data protection
- Certification in engineering management or a related field
- Experience with DevOps and continuous integration/continuous deployment
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and equity package
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) matching program
- Flexible PTO and remote work options
- Professional development opportunities, including training and conference sponsorships
- Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Recognition and reward programs for outstanding performance
- Employee resource groups and diversity and inclusion initiatives
How to Stand Out
- Tip: Highlight your experience with AI transformation and machine learning in your resume and cover letter, as this is a key aspect of the role.
- Tip: Be prepared to discuss your technical background and experience with network architecture, distributed systems, and cloud computing in the interview.
- Tip: Showcase your leadership and management skills by providing specific examples of how you have managed high-performing teams and driven business outcomes.
- Tip: Research Plaid's products and services, as well as the fintech industry, to demonstrate your knowledge and interest in the field.
- Tip: Prepare to discuss your experience with agile development methodologies and version control systems, and be ready to provide examples of how you have applied these in previous roles.
- Tip: Consider reaching out to current or former employees of Plaid to learn more about the company culture and what it's like to work there.
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