*This is a remote opportunity open to candidates located in, and legally eligible to work in Canada. While remote work is fully supported, we'd love to hear from candidates based in or near Victoria, BC, where much of the team is located.*
At Shift, we're building technology that helps people browse smarter, stay focused, and get more done. We're looking for a Software Development Lead (C++) to help shape the future of our Chromium-based browser while leading and developing a team of talented engineers.
This is a player-coach role that combines people leadership, technical leadership, and hands-on software development. You'll mentor and support a team of developers, help guide technical direction and priorities, and contribute directly to the design, implementation, debugging, and delivery of complex software. You'll work closely with product, QA, design, and other engineering teams to ensure we're building high-quality solutions that meet real user needs.
We're looking for someone with a strong systems-level development background, experience leading software developers, and a passion for building healthy, high-performing teams. If you enjoy solving complex technical problems, helping others grow, and making a meaningful impact on both the product and the people around you, we'd love to hear from you.
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Manage and coach a team of Software Developers, fostering talent growth, skill development, and career advancement.
- Work as part of the technical leadership group to help shape the roadmap and make sure the team understands the direction, priorities, and tradeoffs.
- Maintain a team culture where people share context, review each other’s work seriously, mentor one another, and take pride in the quality of what they ship.
- Contribute directly to software development, including design, implementation, debugging, code review, and technical decision-making.
- Set a high bar for engineering practices across development, delivery, security, testing, documentation, and operations.
- Keep projects moving by clarifying scope, breaking down work, managing dependencies, and raising risks.
- Partner with product, QA, design, support, and other development teams to coordinate work and make sure technical plans connect to real user and business needs.
- Troubleshoot complex issues, including production problems, with occasional support outside regular working hours when the situation calls for it (which is rare).
- Stay current with relevant technologies and industry changes, especially where they can improve the product, the codebase, or the way the team works.
- Encourage thoughtful use of AI-assisted development tools to improve productivity, code quality, documentation, and the overall developer experience.
- Take on other technical leadership responsibilities as the team and business evolve.
After 1 week
- You’ve been introduced to all of the Shift development teams.
- You have an understanding of the software we build and are starting to familiarize yourself with the development process.
- You will have on-boarded with your dev team and have a sense of what the team currently works on.
After 1 month
- You will know our product and major initiatives.
- You will understand our product roadmap and begin to make an impact.
- You will find a rhythm with your direct reports and understanding the team’s needs.
After 6 months
- You will feel confident in your role and will be making meaningful contributions.
- You have built a rapport with your team and are helping them learn and grow in their roles.
- You (along with your team) will have completed one major technical initiative into our browser.
Required
- 7+ years of professional software development experience, including substantial work in C++, Objective-C, C, or similar systems-level languages.
- 3+ years of experience leading or managing software developers, including responsibility for coaching, feedback, delivery, and team health.
- Strong software engineering fundamentals, including object-oriented design, debugging, code review, testing, and maintainable system design.
- Experience working in large, complex codebases where good judgment, patience, and attention to detail matter.
- Experience using AI-assisted development tools in day-to-day engineering work, with the judgment to know where they help, where they do not, and how to keep quality, security, and maintainability high.
- Comfortable balancing hands-on development with people leadership, project planning, and cross-functional coordination.
- Able to break down ambiguous technical work, manage competing priorities, and guide projects through to release.
- Clear communicator who can explain complex technical ideas to different audiences.
- Collaborative by default, but decisive when the team needs clarity or forward motion.
- Comfortable working with distributed teams across multiple time zones.
- BSc in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
Nice to have
- Previous experience working on Chromium, a Chromium-based product, browser internals, or another large native desktop application.
- Experience with modern software delivery workflows.
- Experience with scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell.
- Familiarity with web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or TypeScript.
We believe great work happens when people feel supported, both at work and in life. That’s why we offer:
- Competitive compensation and RRSP matching up to 5%
- Comprehensive extended health benefits for you and your dependents starting day one
- Generous vacation, Wellness Days, and bonus “You Days”
- Meaningful paid parental leave that supports every kind of family
- Dedicated mental health and Employee Assistance Program support
- Monthly wellness reimbursement and annual run sponsorship
- Real investment in your growth — internal learning, mentorship, professional development funding, and career mobility across Redbrick
- Financial wellness coaching to support your long-term goals
- Flexible work and a home office allowance to set you up for success
Across Redbrick and our portfolio of companies, we’re committed to building diverse, inclusive workplaces where people can show up as their full, authentic selves. We believe our differences make us better and lead to stronger teams, better ideas, and more meaningful work. Together, we’re building disruptive companies where we’re all proud to belong.
For any specific accommodations needed during the hiring process, please reach out to us at [email protected] - we’re here to support your success.
Our recruitment system includes AI-based tools that help us screen and assess applications. These tools support our hiring team, but they don’t make final decisions or select candidates for roles. Hiring decisions are made by people, with care and consideration throughout the process.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Part of the Redbrick portfolio of companies, Shift is the world's first fully customizable browser that gives users the ability to drag, drop, and design every part of their browser. Designed to break free from the constraints of traditional browsers, Shift allows users to build a custom layout for their browser, integrate tool stacks, and create dynamic Spaces for work, side hustle, and everything in between. With seamless app integration and unmatched UX flexibility, Shift is preconfigured, not pre-built, for those who demand more from their digital tools. Shift is proudly pioneering carbon-neutral browsing as part of its promise to reimagine what browsers can do—not only for users, but for the planet. As part of the Redbrick portfolio of companies, Shift is a Certified B Corp. Redbrick has been named one of Canada’s Top Small and Medium Employers for seven consecutive years. In 2026, Redbrick was also recognized as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People and, for the second time, one of BC’s Top Employers.
Redbrick and Shift are headquartered on the traditional Coast Salish territory, and we respectfully acknowledge the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ People of this region. With gratitude, we live, work, and care for this beautiful land.
