Software Engineer Lead

Accountabilities

You will lead software engineering initiatives and manage the development of enterprise applications, ensuring technical quality, security, and alignment with organizational objectives.

• Lead, coach, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of software engineers in collaboration with the Software Engineering Manager.

• Establish, maintain, and promote software development standards, coding conventions, security requirements, and engineering best practices.

• Partner with Product, Project Management, and business stakeholders to gather requirements, define technical constraints, estimate project timelines, and deliver effective solutions.

• Lead the design, development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of enterprise software applications, websites, digital banking platforms, and internal systems.

• Analyze complex business challenges and develop innovative technical solutions that improve workflows, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency.

• Independently oversee programming projects, coordinating technical activities and communicating progress, decisions, and requirements to relevant stakeholders.

• Participate in all stages of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), including requirements analysis, architecture, design, coding, testing, code reviews, deployment, and maintenance.

• Collaborate with cross-functional development teams using Agile or other project management methodologies.

• Troubleshoot complex software and infrastructure issues and implement effective solutions to maintain system reliability and performance.

• Monitor system activity, internal and external traffic, application logs, and performance reports to identify errors, anomalies, and potential service disruptions.

• Escalate critical system or infrastructure issues that could affect system integrity or service availability.

• Support the maintenance and optimization of cloud-based infrastructure and digital solutions.

• Collaborate with internal business units, technical teams, and third-party vendors to develop project plans, technical specifications, software diagrams, and documentation.

• Ensure software solutions comply with business requirements, regulatory obligations, security standards, and industry best practices.

• Create and maintain technical documentation covering applications, systems, APIs, and development processes.

• Identify and recommend improvements to engineering workflows, development practices, and departmental productivity.

• Contribute to departmental training and knowledge-sharing initiatives, supporting the continuous development of engineering capabilities.

• Participate in the on-call rotation and provide after-hours technical support when necessary, in accordance with established service levels.

• Manage priorities effectively to ensure projects and technical deliverables are completed within agreed deadlines.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate combines strong software engineering expertise with technical leadership, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to guide teams in delivering complex enterprise applications.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, or at least 3 years of relevant professional experience in lieu of a degree.

• Demonstrated software development experience acquired through professional work or academic projects.

• Strong knowledge of at least one programming language, such as C# (ASP.NET Core), Python, or JavaScript/TypeScript.

• Solid understanding of object-oriented programming principles and software engineering practices.

• Familiarity with JavaScript frameworks and technologies, particularly Node.js, React, and React Native.

• Experience with web technologies, including communication protocols, web server platforms, web services, HTML5, and CSS.

• Understanding of relational database management systems (RDBMS) and the ability to write SQL queries.

• Knowledge of web application security principles, including OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities and common security exploits.

• Familiarity with cloud infrastructure and a willingness to deepen expertise in platforms such as AWS and Microsoft Azure.

• Understanding of internet protocols, web services, and web server architectures.

• Ability to interpret complex technical documentation and produce clear documentation for applications, systems, and APIs.

• Strong understanding of software architecture, programming conventions, development standards, and engineering best practices.

• Demonstrated ability to design and implement complex, efficient, and innovative software solutions while considering their impact on interconnected systems and end users.

• Proven leadership capabilities through software development expertise, technical specialization, project management, or system architecture.

• Experience collaborating with business stakeholders to develop solutions that meet organizational needs and user expectations.

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down complex technical challenges.

• Excellent communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical teams.

• Demonstrated adaptability, initiative, creativity, and attention to detail.

• Ability to mentor colleagues, encourage knowledge sharing, and support the professional development of other engineers.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, including planning, prioritization, and deadline management.

• Willingness to participate in an on-call rotation and provide occasional after-hours support.

• Must reside or plan to reside upon hire in Michigan or Illinois. Occasional quarterly travel to headquarters in East Lansing, Michigan, may be required.

Work Schedule:

• Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Remote, hybrid, or onsite working arrangements available, subject to approved work location and organizational requirements.

Benefits:

• Annual salary ranging from $105,000 to $135,000+, depending on experience and qualifications.

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance premiums.

• Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage.

• Up to 26 days of paid time off during the first year.

• 11 paid holidays annually.

• Volunteer Time Off (VTO).

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.

• Tuition reimbursement to support continued education and professional development.

• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

• Flexible work arrangements, including remote and hybrid options, depending on location and role requirements.