The Lead Software Engineer position requires a balance of hands-on development, team leadership, and collaborating with project managers, business systems analysts and business partners. Working closely with our Architecture team (all of whom are also active developers), you will help guide a team of software engineers in designing, developing, and optimizing our database systems and applications, ensuring they meet our high standards for scalability, performance, and security. This position will have a deep understanding and solid execution of end-to-end programming, ability to write APIs and continuously learn new technology stacks in an efficient manner. The position requires a solid understanding of programming principles as well as database design. Experience with Linux and Vim preferred, but not required.

NOTE: In addition to our Chicago Location, this role can be available in; Arizona, California, Washington State, Texas, Massachusetts, New York, Georgia, Colorado, or the DC area.

WHO YOU ARE

• Knowledgeable. You have a broad-based familiarity with the latest technologies of infrastructure engineering, planning, implementation, and management.
• Technologically Savvy. You’ve got a solid proficiency in writing SQL queries. You’re also comfortable working with relational database concepts and have a knack for quickly mastering new software. In other words, technology is one of your closest friends!
• A Business Liaison. When it comes to integrating business processes with systems you enjoy being the conduit with your business partners to lead the project execution and train affected users. You work closely with business partners to gather needs systematically, review viable solutions, test new functionality along the way, and track post-implementation results. Data helps you schedule work, implement agreed-upon changes, and complete assigned projects timely.
• A Problem Solver. Your previous experience has increased your understanding of data relationships, which has influenced your ability to identify relevant trends and effectively summarize possible solutions. As a result, you are often the go-to when it comes to translating business needs into functional and technical requirements for development staff.
• A Strong Communicator. Your writing and speaking skills are clear, articulate, and effective, demonstrating your ability to interact with all levels and various teams within the organization and be understood. In addition, you’re skilled in compiling and delivering presentations that help to coordinate efforts between business partners and IT. By delivering clear communication, you help to ensure that projects stay on time, deliverables meet budget, and key stakeholders are aware of project statuses.
• Organized, Efficient, and Accountable. You multitask well, re-prioritize accordingly, and meet deadlines consistently. You have a keen eye for detail and pride yourself on delivering quality work. Above all, you are flexible and able to juggle the needs of changing priorities of the business. In other words, you handle pressure well and do so with confidence!
• Passionate. Motivated. Eager to Learn. You are resourceful, ask smart questions, challenge the status quo, and regularly seek to understand. You invest extra energy to reach your goals. And when a special project arises, you volunteer!

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead the implementation of database-first development projects, ensuring robust, scalable, and high-performance solutions.
• Participates in technical or architect requirements gathering sessions.
• Serves as the development coach and mentor, provides guidance and direction on coding and helps align the team on coding standards. May also lead and direct the work of others.
• Write complex T-SQL queries and optimize database performance through effective query writing, schema design and indexing strategies.
• Leverage C#, adhering to best practices in code quality and architecture.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, design, and ship new features and functionality.
• Expected to build, maintain and manage application projects using Visual Studio/Visual Studio Code with Azure DevOps and Github including assisting in the planning of and creating work assignments for sprints.
• Manage version control and code reviews using Git, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Working closely with a Project Manager, utilize your expertise to effectively assign story points related to effort, including breaking down tasks into smaller user stories as needed.
• Automate repetitive tasks and improve development workflows using Azure DevOps Pipelines, the GitHub CLI and the Azure DevOps CLI.
• Work with engineers at all levels , including very seasoned engineers, to provide guidance and support in their professional development.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in technology and continuously evaluate and introduce new tools and techniques to enhance productivity and product quality.
• Produces prototypes to present to users, discusses capabilities and concerns, and analyzes potential design problems.
• Designs, documents, develops, and enhances software applications, websites, reports, and/or data interfaces to meet defined business requirements.
• Exhibits excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects at once.
• Assists in identifying and executing test plans.
• Represents the Company in a professional manner at all times. Consistently maintains a professional, courteous attitude when dealing with residents, coworkers and the general public.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related experience.
• Minimum 10 years of IT development experience.
• Experience with designing technical solutions that address business needs.
• Strong understanding of software usability practices.
• Basic business understanding/terminology is required.
• Must be familiar with software development lifecycle and Agile standards.
• Position requires experience managing multiple projects and strong problem solving skills.
• Individuals must be able to communicate effectively to end users and management on a non-technical level while dealing with other IT professionals on a technical level.