Manager, Software Engineering - Payload

TL;DR

Manager, Software Engineering - Payload (Node.js/TypeScript/React): Lead the engineering team behind Payload, Figma’s open-source CMS and application framework, with an accent on scaling the platform, shaping developer-facing APIs, and aligning roadmap execution across product and enterprise needs. Focus on hands-on technical leadership, community and customer feedback loops, and building high-performing engineering teams that deliver seamless integrations and workflows.

Location: San Francisco, CA or New York, NY, or remotely in the United States

Salary: $258,000 - $376,000 USD (annual base salary range)

Company

Figma builds a design and collaboration platform with an open-source CMS and application framework (Payload) to help teams create and manage digital experiences.

What you will do

• Lead the engineering team behind Payload and drive its evolution as an open-source platform and part of Figma’s future.
• Develop and execute a strategy to leverage Payload to accelerate Figma’s suite of offerings.
• Partner with open-source contributors and enterprise customers to gather feedback and translate insights into product and engineering priorities.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership to ensure cohesive product experience and the right technical abstractions.
• Hire, coach, and grow engineers through mentorship, performance management, and career development.
• Align engineering investments with the highest-impact roadmap opportunities in close partnership with Payload product and technical leaders.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience leading and developing software engineering teams within a technical product company.
• Strong technical background building modern web applications and platforms using Node.js, TypeScript, React, Next.js, or similar frameworks.
• Experience building or leading teams responsible for developer platforms, application frameworks, or other highly extensible software systems.
• Excellent product and technical judgment, including experience shaping developer-facing APIs and collaborating with design teams.

Nice to have

• Hands-on knowledge of CMS systems, especially Payload and its ecosystem.
• Experience contributing to, maintaining, or leading open-source projects and community-driven product development.
• Experience supporting enterprise customers and balancing enterprise needs with community priorities.
• Comfort working with AI-assisted development workflows and developer productivity tools.

Culture & Benefits

• Equity and a competitive benefits package including health, dental & vision, retirement with company contribution, and parental leave support.
• Generous PTO, company recharge days, mental health & wellness benefits, and learning & development stipend.
• Work from home stipend and cell phone reimbursement.
• Annual bonus plan for eligible non-sales roles (and sales incentive pay for most sales roles).
• In-person onboarding required if hired.

Hiring process

• Video interviews with a requirement to keep cameras on.
• Compensation and job level determined based on qualifications assessed during the interview process and work location.