Mobile Release Engineer

Company Description 

JOB DESCRIPTION: Mobile Release Engineer

CLASSIFICATION:  Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

As a member of the Mobile Engineering team, a Mobile Release Engineer oversees the end-to-end release process for the company’s iOS and Android applications. This role is responsible for managing app store presence on Apple App Store and Google Play, including app submissions, updates, and compliance with store guidelines. The Mobile Release Engineer also maintains essential signing certificates/keys and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines to ensure smooth, automated build and deployment workflows. This mid-level professional works cross-functionally to coordinate release activities with development, product, marketing, and support teams, ensuring timely releases and a seamless experience for end-users.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage Empyrean’s branded app store presence and oversee timely submission of app builds for iOS and Android platforms. Ensure all release criteria are met—including regulatory requirements such as HIPAA compliance—and actively monitor rollout progress.
• Engage with customer project managers and technical resources on white-labeled app submissions.
• Maintain and update app store listings (descriptions, screenshots, keywords) to keep content current and optimized. Ensure that any store listing issues or required changes (e.g. compliance updates, policy changes) are promptly addressed.
• Monitor the approval process, quickly resolve rejections or compliance feedback, and communicate status to stakeholders.
• Manage provisioning profiles, distribution certificates, keystores, and other signing keys for mobile apps. Ensure all signing credentials are secure, up to date, and renewed ahead of expiration to prevent release interruptions.
• Utilize tools such as GitHub Actions (or similar CI/CD platforms) to automate build, test, and deployment processes for mobile applications. Troubleshoot build failures, improve pipeline efficiency, and collaborate with developers to integrate new automation as needed.
• Work closely with mobile engineers and QA testers during sprints to ensure release candidate builds are stable and meet quality standards. Facilitate bug triage and regression testing for any issues found during the release cycle.
• Partner with Product Managers to align on feature release scope and timelines, and with Marketing teams to obtain required marketing assets or announcements for app releases. Inform Call Center and Operations teams of upcoming releases and key changes, providing them with release notes and details to prepare for user inquiries.
• Track download statistics, installation metrics, crash reports, and user feedback (ratings & reviews) after each release. Analyze these metrics to identify any early issues or trends, and work with the team to address critical problems (including initiating hotfix releases if necessary).
• Maintain detailed documentation of release procedures, app store submission guidelines, rollback plans and troubleshooting steps. Continuously evaluate and refine the release workflow, tools, and checklists to improve efficiency, reliability, and compliance over time.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong working knowledge of Apple App Store Connect and Google Play Console processes, including app submission, review guidelines, and store compliance requirements.
• Good understanding native iOS/Android APIs, frameworks, and design patterns
  • Android: Proficiency in Kotlin, Android Studio, 2+ years of experience preferred
  • iOS: Proficiency with Swift, Xcode, 2+ years of experience preferred
• Experience with CI/CD tools (e.g., GitHub Actions or similar) for automating mobile app build and deployment. Familiarity with build systems and tools such as Xcode, Android Studio, and Fastlane.
• Proficiency with Git and repository management, including branching strategies for release workflows and managing code repositories for multiple concurrent release versions.
• Solid understanding of iOS and Android code signing mechanisms (provisioning profiles, certificates, code signing identities, keystores) and ability to manage these securely.
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities to juggle release schedules, deadlines, and multiple app versions. Meticulous attention to detail when following app store guidelines and preparing release artifacts.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to coordinate effectively with cross-functional teams. Comfortable leading meetings about release status and providing clear updates or instructions to non-technical stakeholders.
• Prior experience with App Store Optimization (ASO) techniques, beta testing platforms (TestFlight, Firebase App Distribution), or scripting languages for automation (Shell, Python) is a plus, though not required.
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing platform rules, new OS features, and evolving best practices in mobile release processes. A continuous learning mindset to stay current with the mobile ecosystem.
• Must maintain HIPAA certification
• Experience with benefit program administration, and health and welfare processes a plus

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (or equivalent years of experience in computer science or completion of related boot camp program)
• 2–4 years of experience in mobile application development, release engineering, or DevOps for mobile apps, with direct involvement in publishing apps to the Apple App Store and Google Play. Candidates who have served as a Mobile Release Engineer/Manager or in a similar capacity for at least a couple of full app release cycles are highly desirable.
• Demonstrated familiarity with the mobile app development lifecycle and Agile/Scrum methodologies. Hands-on experience troubleshooting app submission issues and working with Apple/Google support or guidelines is valuable.

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