Lead Software Engineer

Build AI-powered products at Singapore's leading AI training provider

Full-time | Singapore | Technology | Onsite

The opportunity

We're looking for a hands-on Lead Software Engineer to drive the technical direction of a lean engineering team while continuing to build software that matters.

At Vertical Institute, technology powers everything - from our learning platform to internal systems supporting admissions, sales, finance, and operations. You'll work directly with our CEO to shape the technical roadmap, lead architectural decisions, and build scalable solutions that improve how the business operates.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex technical problems, mentoring engineers, and staying close to the code. You'll have the autonomy to influence product direction while helping build an engineering culture focused on quality, speed, and ownership.

What you'll do

Lead technical direction

Define system architecture and engineering standards

Drive technical decisions for scalability, security, and maintainability

Lead code reviews and improve engineering best practices

Identify and manage technical debt before it becomes a bottleneck

Build software

Design, develop, and maintain our learning platform and internal systems

Build automation tools that improve operational efficiency

Develop integrations with LMS, CRM, payment gateways, and third-party platforms

Stay hands-on with coding and technical problem solving

Build with AI

Develop AI-powered features and internal automation

Explore practical applications of LLMs and AI workflows

Improve business processes through intelligent automation

Grow the team

Mentor software engineers through code reviews and technical guidance

Foster a collaborative, high-performing engineering culture

Help establish engineering processes for long-term scalability

Collaborate across the business

Work closely with the CEO and business teams to translate business needs into technical solutions

Communicate technical trade-offs clearly to non-technical stakeholders

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who has already led technical projects and enjoys combining leadership with hands-on engineering.

You should have:

5+ years of software engineering experience

Strong backend or full-stack development experience

Experience designing scalable production systems

Experience leading projects, mentoring engineers, or acting as a technical lead

Strong knowledge of APIs, databases, cloud applications, and modern web frameworks

Experience with system design and software architecture

Excellent problem-solving and communication skills

A practical, delivery-focused mindset

Bonus if you have

Ruby on Rails experience

Experience with AWS, GCP, or Azure

Experience integrating SaaS platforms

Experience building AI applications using LLM APIs or workflow automation

Startup, SME, or high-growth company experience

Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) or EdTech platforms

Why join Vertical Institute?

Own the technical direction

Influence architecture, engineering standards, and technical strategy from day one.

Build with AI

Work on meaningful AI-powered products and automation at one of Singapore's leading AI education companies.

Direct access to leadership

Collaborate closely with the CEO and help shape both product and business decisions.

High ownership, low bureaucracy

Move fast, solve real business problems, and see your work make an immediate impact.

Make an impact

Help build technology that supports over 50,000 learners and growing.

About Vertical Institute

Vertical Institute is Singapore's leading AI and technology training provider. We are an SSG Registered Training Provider and IBF-accredited institution that has trained over 50,000 professionals through public and enterprise programmes.

Our learners include professionals from government agencies, multinational corporations, and leading financial institutions. We are headquartered at the Lifelong Learning Institute in Paya Lebar.

Pay: $5,000.00 - $6,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person