Software Engineering Program Management, Lead

Block is one company built from many blocks, all united by the same purpose of economic empowerment. The blocks that form our foundational teams - People, Finance, Counsel, Hardware, Information Security, Platform Infrastructure Engineering, and more - provide support and guidance at the corporate level. They work across business groups and around the globe, spanning time zones and disciplines to develop inclusive People policies, forecast finances, give legal counsel, safeguard systems, nurture new initiatives, and more. Every challenge creates possibilities, and we need different perspectives to see them all. Bring yours to Block.
As the Lead of the Software Engineering Program Management (EPM) team for Block Hardware, you will manage a team of highly skilled Software EPMs responsible for driving complex, cross-functional programs across payment hardware products as well as our growing portfolio of Bitcoin hardware products. This role requires a strong technical background in consumer electronics, software/firmware systems, hardware-software integration, and an appreciation for the unique challenges and opportunities presented by both payment and Bitcoin-focused devices.
In this role, you will shape strategy for the Software EPM discipline, scale systems and processes across the organization, and ensure the successful delivery of multiple hardware programs simultaneously. You will build clarity across engineering and product teams, enable informed risk-taking, and cultivate a high-trust environment where teams do their best work.
The Software EPM role focuses on system integration rather than application-level software development. Your impact will come through orchestrating complex technical efforts, strengthening organizational execution, and developing the EPM team into a high-performing and strategically aligned function.
You Will

• Lead and develop a team of 6~8 highly skilled and technical Software Engineering Program Managers.
• Define strategy and best practices for software program execution across the Block Hardware portfolio.
• Drive the delivery of complex hardware programs from concept through launch, including system integration, validation, and certification.
• Establish scalable operating mechanisms, tools, and communication standards that improve long-term organizational efficiency.
• Foster a culture of clarity, accountability, and inclusive decision-making across engineering, product, manufacturing, and operations.
• Partner closely with leadership across Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Product, Operations, Quality, Infrastructure, and Manufacturing to align priorities and streamline execution.
• Develop and grow team members through coaching, targeted development plans, and opportunities that expand scope and technical ownership.
• Identify and mitigate systemic risks early, ensuring cross-functional partners maintain alignment on goals, timelines, and trade-offs.
• Build strong relationships both internally and externally.
• Uphold and scale organizational norms around transparency, documentation, operational rigor, and continuous improvement.
• Model excellence in communication, technical depth, and leadership behaviors consistent with Block's manager expectations.

You Have

• BS degree in Computer Science or a related technical field; MS preferred.
• 10+ years of industry experience in software, firmware, or hardware-software integrated systems.
• 10+ years of project/program management experience, including cross-functional technical programs.
• 3+ years leading or managing technical program managers or equivalent technical teams.
• Strong technical background in software/firmware systems, embedded platforms, or consumer electronics.
• Experience with system-level integration, validation processes, and manufacturing test interfaces.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence across engineering and product organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to define strategy, manage ambiguity, and lead teams through complex technical environments.
• Ability to travel internationally for engineering builds, vendor engagements, and program milestones.

We're working to build a more inclusive economy where our customers have equal access to opportunity, and we strive to live by these same values in building our workplace. Block is an equal opportunity employer evaluating all employees and job applicants without regard to identity or any legally protected class. We will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with state and local laws and "fair chance" ordinances.
We believe in being fair, and are committed to an inclusive interview experience, including providing reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process. We encourage applicants to share any needed accommodations with their recruiter, who will treat these requests as confidentially as possible. Want to learn more about what we're doing to build a workplace that is fair and square? Check out our I+D page .
While there is no specific deadline to apply for this role, U.S. roles are typically open for an average of 55 days before being filled by a successful candidate. Please refer to the date listed at the top of this job page for when this role was first posted.
Block takes a market-based approach to pay, and pay may vary depending on your location. U.S. locations are categorized into one of four zones based on a cost of labor index for that geographic area. The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future.
To find a location's zone designation, please refer to this resource . If a location of interest is not listed, please speak with a recruiter for additional information.
Zone A:
$239,600 - $359,400 USD
Zone B:
$239,600 - $359,400 USD
Zone C:
$239,600 - $359,400 USD
Zone D:
$239,600 - $359,400 USD
Use of AI in Our Hiring Process
We may use automated AI tools to evaluate job applications for efficiency and consistency. These tools comply with local regulations, including bias audits, and we handle all personal data in accordance with state and local privacy laws.
Contact us here with hiring practice or data usage questions.
Every benefit we offer is designed with one goal: empowering you to do the best work of your career while building the life you want. Remote work, medical insurance, flexible time off, retirement savings plans, and modern family planning are just some of our offering. Check out our other benefits at Block.
Block, Inc. (NYSE: XYZ) builds technology to increase access to the global economy. Each of our brands unlocks different aspects of the economy for more people. Square makes commerce and financial services accessible to sellers. Cash App is the easy way to spend, send, and store money. Afterpay is transforming the way customers manage their spending over time. TIDAL is a music platform that empowers artists to thrive as entrepreneurs. Bitkey is a simple self-custody wallet built for bitcoin. Proto is a suite of bitcoin mining products and services. Together, we're helping build a financial system that is open to everyone.