According to Daryl Sistrunk, senior director of engineering at Upside, the best engineers don’t just write good code.
“They understand the ‘why’ behind their work, help others succeed and make things better without being asked,” Sistrunk said.
At Upside, engineers spend their time building a platform that enables consumers to get cash back on essential purchases like gas and groceries, a mission with tangible impact. Sistrunk said he and his team are fortunate to work on a product that has an immediate influence on customers — making the “why” of their work very apparent. If joining Sistrunk’s growing team sounds intriguing to you, read on to see what they’re looking for.
Billions of dollars in commerce run through the Upside platform every year, and that value goes directly back to retailers, consumers and towards important sustainability initiatives.
What makes your role a dream job? What do you get to do that you didn't at other companies? What perks do you see as the most beneficial?
What drew me to this role, and keeps me energized, is the tangible impact we’re making: helping merchants grow and helping consumers earn cash back on everyday purchases. I work alongside smart, collaborative teammates who move fast and push on what's possible. I also get to shape business and technical strategy, invest in innovation and co-create the systems and culture that bring out the best in our teams.
What do you think helped you land the job? Were you able to bring any special expertise or project experience that your employer found valuable?
What helped me land the role was a clear focus on using technology and product innovation to drive profitability. I brought experience scaling engineering organizations and building revenue-generating data products. This is also the fourth two-sided marketplace I’ve worked on, so I came in with a strong intuition for the dynamics, challenges and levers that make these platforms thrive.
What do you think helps engineers move up quickly or be the top pick for a competitive employer? What should engineers seek out if they hope to move up or be hired by their "dream" company?
Engineers who rise fast are proactive, reliable and focused on impact. They don’t just write good code — they understand the “why” behind their work, help others succeed and make things better without being asked. Strong communication, curiosity and ownership go a long way in standing out and earning trust.
