Lead Engineer

Nexus is an AI-powered data platform for K-12 school districts. We unify district-wide data into a centralized, intelligent platfirm with AI tools and proactive machine-learning insights that help admins
proactively highlight opportunities for early intervention, strategic planning, and smarter
budget allocation.

The Role

We’re looking for a hands-on Lead Engineer to drive the execution of key projects, ensure technical quality, and guide the work of other engineers. You’ll split your time between building critical features yourself, reviewing code, setting engineering standards, and helping unblock and level up the rest of the team. This is a highly visible role with direct impact on our product and engineering culture.

What You’ll Do

• Own execution of major projects and feature development across the stack (React, Node.js, Python, cloud)
• Set technical standards and best practices for code quality, testing, and documentation
• Review PRs, provide feedback, and ensure a high-quality codebase
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers—pair programming, architecture discussions, technical growth
• Coordinate closely with Product, Design, and Data teams to ensure delivery and resolve technical blockers
• Contribute to architecture and make foundational technical decisions with the CTO
• Drive process improvements (CI/CD, code review culture, release process, incident response)
• Balance IC work and technical leadership as the team grows

About You

• 4+ years software engineering experience, preferably in modern web stacks (React, Node.js, Python, cloud)
• 1+ years informal or formal experience guiding/mentoring other engineers
• Track record of owning and delivering complex features or projects, not just tasks
• Strong communicator and collaborator—can explain technical tradeoffs to non-engineers
• Proactive about process, documentation, and code quality
• Comfortable in a fast-moving, early-stage startup environment
• In-person (Knoxville) strongly preferred—higher compensation offered; remote possible for the right candidate