Lead Software Engineer

Join Our Team at RW Thrive!Are you passionate about designing and delivering innovative software solutions that power real-world learning experiences? RW Thrive—a growing, employee-owned company—is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to drive the architecture, development, and evolution of our digital product platforms. This role will provide hands-on technical leadership across embedded, mobile, desktop, and web applications while partnering with engineering, product, and business teams to build scalable, high-quality systems that support product innovation and long-term growth. Who We AreRW Thrive is the parent organization of two impactful educational companies: Realityworks, known for experiential learning tools used in classrooms worldwide, and CreXo, a leader in creative robotics education. While RW Thrive may be new to your radar, our brands are well-established in education and innovation. Together, we are committed to equipping learners and educators with the tools they need to thrive in today’s world.Why Join Us?Employee-owned company with a collaborative cultureMission-driven work supporting educators and learnersOpportunity to shape the future of technology in educationCompetitive salary and benefits packageHybrid work flexibilityThe Opportunity: Lead Software EngineerThe Lead Software Engineer will provide technical leadership in designing and delivering innovative digital solutions that power our hands-on learning products. This role will lead the architecture, development, and modernization of embedded, mobile, desktop, and web applications, including integration across our Realityworks and CreXo platforms. As a hands-on leader, you will partner with cross-functional teams to bring new products to market, solve complex technical challenges, and ensure scalable, high-quality systems across the full product lifecycle. Key ResponsibilitiesProvides technical leadership for software development across embedded, desktop, mobile, and web applicationsCollaborates with R&D, Product, DevOps, and other stakeholders to translate requirements into scalable digital solutionsDefines software architecture and design for complex development initiativesCoordinates development efforts across internal teams and external partners, ensuring alignment with timelines and standardsGuides engineers through design decisions, troubleshooting, and implementation challengesWrites and maintains production-quality code and contributes directly to development effortsLeads resolution of complex technical issues including performance, security, and system reliabilityParticipates in user testing and leverages feedback to drive product improvementsEnsures adherence to SDLC processes including version control, code review, and release managementEnsures software solutions meet regulatory and compliance requirementsDocuments system architecture, specifications, and development processesMaintains awareness of emerging technologies and supports continuous improvementMentors and supports software engineers and cross-functional teams What You’ll BringBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline; or equivalent combination of education and directly-related experience10+ years of professional software development experience across embedded, desktop, or mobile platformsDemonstrated experience leading architecture or development of complex software systemsProficiency in modern programming languages such as C/C++, C#/.NET, Java/Kotlin, or Swift/Objective-CExperience with version control, code reviews, and automated build and release processesExperience developing software that interfaces with hardware or external systems Desired QualificationsExperience developing hardware-integrated or embedded systemsExperience across multiple application platforms (desktop, mobile, web)Proficiency with Python for tooling, automation, or data analysisExperience with APIs, service-oriented architectures, or shared-code strategiesExperience mentoring engineers and influencing technical directionExperience working with distributed teams or external partnersFamiliarity with AI-assisted development tools Work LocationRW Thrive is headquartered in Eau Claire, WI. This is a hybrid position, splitting time between working from a home office and working onsite in Eau Claire, as needed.CompensationThe expected compensation range for this position is $116,000 - $150,000 annuallyTravel RequirementsOccasional (<10%) travel may be required to support business needs Learn MoreDiscover more about our mission and impact at www.rwthrive.comRW Thrive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.