Sr Software Engineer, Build & Release

Why Thunderbird?

MZLA Technologies Corporation (MZLA) is a wholly-owned, for-profit subsidiary of the Mozilla Foundation and the home of Thunderbird. Thunderbird is a global, free, and open-source email and productivity app, which has experienced significant growth in revenue, staff, and aspirations since its launch 20 years ago. Our revenue comes from our dedicated users around the world who generously fund our work. As we continue to expand our team and enhance our products and services, we remain dedicated to providing best-in-class productivity solutions independent of big tech. Operating as a small but dynamic team of 40+ staff across seven countries and time zones, we are part of the larger Mozilla family but maintain our distinct and independent identity from both the Mozilla Foundation and Mozilla Corporation.

Our organizational culture is driven by our mission. We are committed to fostering openness and transparency as a member of the open-source community. We lean into collaboration, creativity, and diversity. We bring a hearty dose of scrappy grit and resilience to our lively and spirited team. Our operating principles leverage data informed decisions, ownership, speed and efficiencies to elevate our work and deliver innovative and impactful solutions to our users.

The Opportunity:

The Release Operations Team at MZLA manages the end-to-end software release process including planning, scheduling, build/package/delivery automation, QA testing, deployment, and post-release support. Their work is critical to delivering high-quality releases, directly contributing to a positive user experience and the success of MZLA’s products. We’re committed to creating an amazing experience for our users, and you’ll play a key part in this effort. You will be working with our existing staff and community members from all over the globe to support the Thunderbird product. Come help us build something that matters.

The Senior Release Engineer at MZLA Thunderbird drives the end-to-end software release process, managing build, packaging, and delivery for Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This role leverages deep expertise in toolchains and languages such as C, C++, Rust, Kotlin, Java, and Python-based CI/CD automation, while collaborating across teams to enhance release quality, efficiency, and reliability.

The Senior Release Engineer is an individual contributor and will report directly to the Manager, Release Operations.

This is a remote, full time position. We require strong written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work coordination across various virtual communication platforms. This role works closely with staff across Canada, US, and Europe. Consequently, applicants in the Eastern Standard time zone are strongly preferred.

What you’ll do: 

• Lead the development and maintenance of workflows for automating and optimizing software builds, releases, and packaging processes across Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS and Android platforms.
• Write, maintain, and enhance CI/CD workflows, packaging, and installation scripts for Thunderbird, ensuring efficient and reliable release processes.
• Adapt and integrate changes from the Firefox engineering teams to maintain compatibility and consistency with Thunderbird’s release pipeline.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve complex build, test, and dependency issues that affect the release process.
• Collaborate with developers to ensure the release process is robust, scalable, and aligned with product and organizational goals.
• Take ownership of resolving problems independently, providing innovative solutions with minimal guidance.
• Mentor junior engineers, providing technical leadership, fostering skill development, and ensuring knowledge sharing within the team.
• Lead process improvements by evaluating current workflows, proposing enhancements, and implementing changes to increase release efficiency and reliability.
• Ensure high-quality, timely software releases, contributing to the overall success of the Thunderbird platform and user satisfaction.
• Oversee toolchain and dependency management to meet project requirements and ensure efficient integration across teams.
• Engage with the open-source community to gather feedback, address concerns, and foster collaboration.

What you’ll bring: 

• 7+ years of release or software engineering experience with a focus on back-end systems across Linux. Experience in Windows, macOS, iOS and Android platforms is highly desirable.
  
• Advanced proficiency with C and C++, including working knowledge of related toolchains and dependencies. Experience in Rust, Kotlin, and Java is a plus.
• Expert-level experience with Python and shell scripting for automation, CI/CD pipeline management, and version control.
• Extensive experience with containerization tools like Docker and Kubernetes for managing deployment and workloads.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues in multi-platform build and deployment environments.
• Strong knowledge of DevOps principles and cloud-based infrastructure such as AWS or GCP.
• Experience with distributed version control systems (primarily Mercurial and Git).
• Strong mentoring skills, with experience guiding engineers and promoting a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• In-depth knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and best practices for delivering high-quality software at scale.
• Commitment to open-source development and open standards.
• Proven track record of scoping and finishing projects.

What you’ll get:

We benchmark our base salaries to local markets and target the 60th percentile of the peer market. The salary ranges for this role are:

• US: $120,000 - $145,000
• CAN: $105,000 - $125,000

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your whole self.

Work & Career

• Fully remote work & schedule flexibility
• Latest Laptop and accessories 
• Annual Remote Work Stipend
• Monthly Internet Stipend
• Professional Development Stipend
• Industry Conferences

Rest & Play

• 24 days PTO per year (prorated) 
• Your Birthday
• Year-end Company Shutdown
• Wellbeing Days 
• Public Holidays
• Other Paid Leave
• Wellbeing Stipend for Personal / Family Activities

Health & Family

• 401k / RRSP Pension Contributions
• Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Disability/Income Protection Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Sick Days 

*Applicants must reside in and have work authorization for the country location(s) specified above. We are unable to consider applicants outside of these markets at this time. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship.

MZLA Technologies Corporation (MZLA) Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

MZLA believes in the value of diverse creative practices and forms of knowledge, and knows diversity, equity and inclusion are crucial to and enrich the company’s core mission. We encourage applications from everyone, including members of all equity-seeking communities, such as (but not limited to) women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race (including hairstyle and texture), religion (including religious grooming and dress practices), gender, gender identity, gender expression, color, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, domestic partner status, disability, sexual orientation, age, genetic predisposition, medical condition, marital status, citizenship status, military or veteran status, or any other basis covered by applicable laws. Mozilla will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics or any other unlawful behavior, conduct, or purpose. 

We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, as appropriate. Please contact us at hiringaccomodations@thunderbird.net to request accommodation.

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