[Remote] Contract: Engineering Team Lead (Java) at Upwork

Latin America

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Technology, Marketplace, Freelance PlatformIndustries

Requirements

8+ years in software development, with a proven track record of delivering complex projects from ideation to launch
Experience leading engineering teams, driving execution, and ensuring high-quality output
Deep understanding of software development life cycle principles and agile practices
Expertise in designing and maintaining distributed backend systems, scalable solutions, and microservice architectures using modern JVM languages such as Java or Kotlin
Proven ability to address scalability challenges and build high-load web applications
Demonstrated success working with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful products
Strong interpersonal skills and experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders
Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal
Strong coaching and mentoring abilities to guide team development and growth
Embraces feedback and champions a culture of continuous improvement
A growth mindset, with curiosity driving innovation and learning within the team
A proven track record of managing high-performing teams, building highly scalable and reliable systems
Experience working across cross-functional teams and partners
Ability to manage time independently to achieve deliverables, committing approximately 40 hours per week
Coordinate with the team during core hours (8:00 to 11:00 am PT), with occasional availability until 12:00 pm PT for critical matters

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Engineering, Product Management, and Design teams to ensure timely delivery of high-quality solutions
Provide leadership and mentorship to a team of software engineers, with a strong emphasis on quality, innovation, and customer-centricity
Translate the broader business vision and technical challenges into clear, actionable plans, balancing trade-offs where needed
Identify and mitigate technical risks, and proactively communicate them to stakeholders
Foster a culture of curiosity, growth, and excellence, encouraging continuous improvement and experimentation
Lead regular team meetings to assess output, address concerns, and enhance team communication
Provide regular updates to senior leadership and key stakeholders, ensuring transparency around progress and challenges while advocating for the engineering team’s needs
Guide the technical direction of projects and maintain a high standard of quality
Cultivate a team culture that drives innovation and continuous improvement

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

JavaEngineering LeadershipTeam ManagementMentorshipTechnical Risk ManagementStakeholder CommunicationAgile MethodologiesSoftware DevelopmentProduct Delivery

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience is required for the Engineering Team Lead role?

Candidates need 8+ years in software development with a proven track record of delivering complex projects, experience leading engineering teams, and expertise in designing scalable backend systems using Java or Kotlin.

Is this a remote position, and what are the working hours?

This is a remote role through Upwork’s global Hybrid Workforce Solutions Team, requiring approximately 40 hours per week with coordination during core hours of 8:00 to 11:00 am PT, and occasional availability until 12:00 pm PT.

What does the team culture emphasize at Upwork?

The culture fosters curiosity, growth, excellence, innovation, continuous improvement, and experimentation, with a focus on quality, customer-centricity, and strong team communication.

What is the compensation for this contract position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What makes a strong candidate for this Engineering Team Lead role?

A strong candidate has 8+ years of software development experience, proven leadership of engineering teams, deep expertise in Java/Kotlin and scalable microservices, plus excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.

Upwork

Online platform connecting freelancers and clients

About Upwork

Upwork connects freelancers with clients looking for various services in the gig economy, which focuses on short-term contracts instead of permanent jobs. The platform allows freelancers to create profiles that showcase their skills, while clients can post job listings for specific projects. Freelancers bid on these projects, and clients choose the best candidates based on proposals and reviews. Upwork earns revenue through service fees charged to freelancers based on their earnings, with a tiered structure that rewards long-term client relationships. The platform also offers premium memberships and additional services for enhanced visibility and access to job listings. Upwork provides tools for time tracking, invoicing, and project management, making it easier for both freelancers and clients to manage their work and payments. The goal of Upwork is to facilitate successful project completion by bridging the gap between freelancers and clients.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2015Year Founded

$143.8MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Consulting, Enterprise SoftwareIndustries

10,001+Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Unlimited Paid Time Off

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Parental Leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Risks

Increased competition from Fiverr and Toptal threatens Upwork's market share.

The new Fiverr-style Project Catalog may commoditize services, reducing freelancers' perceived value.

Strategic shifts under new management may not align with current client expectations.

Differentiation

Upwork connects freelancers with clients across diverse industries, enhancing global work opportunities.

The platform offers tools like time tracking and invoicing for efficient project management.

Upwork's tiered fee structure incentivizes long-term client relationships, differentiating it from competitors.

Upsides

Upwork's acquisition of Objective AI enhances its AI capabilities for better talent matching.

The introduction of Featured Jobs increases visibility for job posts, attracting more candidates.

Upwork's recognition as the top job posting site boosts its credibility among employers.

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