The RoleThe Tech Lead is responsible for technical project success and works closely with project team members to ensure that our technical solutions are delivered on time and under budget. While writing code and understanding of the software development lifecycle is a prerequisite for the role, a large part of your time will be spent architecting an approach, working with the team to plan sprints, writing tickets for engineers to execute, reviewing and testing their code, interfacing with QA team, and managing deployments. You're a proactive problem solver, can leverage tools like AI to be more efficient, and have a strong sense of leadership amongst the team and clients.
Responsibilities
Research and evaluate software technology options and weigh the cost/benefit analysis when relying on third-party platforms, apps, plugins, services, etc.
Assist with identifying level of effort to provide initial estimates and inform scoping efforts.
Brainstorm and communicate technical solutions directly with clients in a courteous and professional manner.
Ensure that correct technology processes are being employed and followed on projects.
Contribute to best practices, workflows, and standards and company knowledge sharing.
Present simple solutions and alternatives for complex and expensive problems.
Lead and oversee developers while assisting with their execution on current projects with new tasks.
Hands-on code review and technical collaboration to support developers resourced on customer projects to remove blockers in the architecture or development process.
Provide a strong point of view on technical approach for projects, including research and proof-of-concept prototyping
Estimate and plan with leadership teams on tech strategy or red flags in pre-sales conversations
Manage the delivery by staying on top of all project technical requirements, scope, specs, documentation, and assumptions and communicating gaps in expectations/agreements.
Be an articulate voice during client discussions, building confidence and trust
Work through bugs/QA issues/project roadblocks, and adapt to changes as they happen
Communicate personnel needs, challenges, or issues to the Director of Software Engineering or CTO
Run scrums or scrum-like process with PMs to effectively manage engineers against a project and its timeline and deliverables
Skills
Ability to simplify complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences
Be an articulate voice during internal and external presentations
Excellent verbal, written, presentation and interpersonal communication, organizational, leadership and time-management skills
Working knowledge of the Shopify ecosystem, including platform features, apps, and integrations, with the ability to translate this knowledge into actionable strategies for clients
Analytical mindset with the intellectual curiosity to seek context
Self-motivated and detail-oriented
Level-headed and positive under pressure
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple clients and projects, balancing competing priorities effectively
Experience
4+ years of education; e.g. Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science or similar relevant field; relevant work experience including freelance and/or entrepreneurship considered
5+ years of software engineering for the web
3+ years of experience with Shopify and migrating to Shopify from other platforms
2+ years of technology experience within a design and/or digital agency
02
TECHNICAL_SPECS.JSON
"technology_tags": [
"HTML",
"CSS",
"JavaScript",
"Liquid",
"PHP",
"Node.js",
"React",
"Jira",
"Basecamp",
"Shopify API",
"Shopify",
"Project Management",
"AI Tools",
"LAMP",
"MERN",
"JAM",
"Google Suite",
"Slack",
"JIRA",
"Harvest",
"Forecast",
"AI"
]
03
CULTURE_&_PERKS
Remote-First
Work from home all year round — we're a globally distributed team and fully remote by default.
Health & Wellness
Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision coverage for every team member.
Half-Day Fridays
Every Friday is a half-day, all year round — not just in summer.
Parental Leave
Paid parental leave so you can be present for the moments that matter most.
Peer Recognition Budget
Bonusly keeps team appreciation front and center — recognize your colleagues with real rewards.
Home Office Stipend
A remote home setup stipend so your workspace is everything you need it to be.
Learning Budget
Annual professional development stipend to keep growing your skills and career.
Retirement Savings
Company 401k matching to help you build long-term financial security.
Generous Holiday
Paid vacation time to rest, recharge, and come back at your best.
Performance Bonuses
Annual profit sharing means when Barrel wins, everyone on the team shares in the reward.
