Development Engineering Manager

About Darwill:Darwill is a nationally recognized print and marketing communications firm, headquartered in the western suburbs of Chicago. We specialize in delivering complex, results-driven marketing solutions—from direct mail campaigns and data acquisition to full-service print production and integrated marketing workflows. Our clients rely on us to drive results through creativity, technology, and seamless execution.As a key partner to CMOs, Marketing Directors, and Print Production professionals, we offer an expansive portfolio that includes direct mail, employee communications, custom print, digital marketing, and more—all backed by a commitment to innovation and excellence.Department: Technology / Product DevelopmentReports To: Director of Technology / CTOPosition SummaryWe are seeking a skilled and driven Development Engineering Manager to lead and grow our application development team. This individual will be responsible for managing a team of software engineers, overseeing the development and delivery of high-quality software solutions, and helping shape the technical direction of our products. The ideal candidate will be hands-on, experienced in managing engineers, and passionate about mentoring talent, driving team performance, and delivering scalable solutions in a fast-paced environment.Key ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership & GrowthLead, mentor, and grow a team of software developers with a focus on performance, engagement, and career development.Partner with HR and senior leadership to recruit, onboard, and retain top engineering talent.Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing engineering culture.Project & Technical ManagementCollaborate with product management and stakeholders to plan and deliver features, applications, and tools aligned with business goals.Own and manage project timelines, resources, and delivery metrics for the engineering team.Ensure adherence to software development best practices, including code quality, testing, and deployment processes.Architecture & Technical DirectionProvide guidance on system architecture, technical strategy, and design decisions.Evaluate and adopt appropriate technologies and frameworks to ensure long-term scalability and maintainability of applications.Promote and enforce coding standards and software development practices.Cross-Functional CollaborationAct as a key liaison between engineering, product, QA, DevOps, and business stakeholders.Translate business requirements into technical execution plans.Communicate project updates, risks, and technical challenges effectively to non-technical stakeholders.QualificationsRequired:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).5+ years of experience in software development, including 2+ years in a team leadership or management role.Experience delivering enterprise applications.Strong understanding of software engineering fundamentals, including architecture, testing, CI/CD, and agile methodologies.Proven ability to build and mentor high-performing teams.Preferred:Experience in a mid-sized or scaling company environment.Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).Experience with modern tech stacks (e.g. Java, Node.js, React, Angular).Understanding of DevOps practices and infrastructure-as-code.Key AttributesStrategic thinker with a passion for execution.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.Committed to continuous improvement and innovation.Compensation & Benefits:Competitive salary and performance bonusHealth, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with company matchGenerous PTO and paid holidaysProfessional development opportunities