Lead Software Developer

Job Title: Lead Software DeveloperLocation: Chicago, ILDuration: 12 MonthsKey ResponsibilitiesLead end-to-end implementation of features and services using modern frameworks and patterns; own solution quality from design through deployment.Enforce code quality via design/architectural reviews, code reviews, and adherence to Definition of Done, security guidelines, and build standards; serve as a primary approver for PRs and pipelines.Champion CI/CD, automated testing, observability, and performance/resiliency improvements to reduce risk and cycle time.Apply AI responsibly in the SDLC (e.g., code generation, test case generation, static analysis, documentation, and incident analysis) with appropriate human-in-the-loop controls and security/compliance guardrails.Provide Level-3 application support and drive root-cause analysis and remediation for complex issues.Mentor and elevate developers through pairing, technical guidance, and structured feedback; model engineering excellence and continuous improvement.Partner with Product Owners/BSAs to clarify requirements and estimate backlog items; collaborate with Solution Architecture to align with target designs.Work with Delivery/Engineering Managers to provide transparent progress, surface risks, and uphold standards across the portfolio.Uphold the organization's SDLC, security controls, and compliance requirements; advocate for best practices and contribute to shared guidelines.Perform Scrum Master duties as necessary, including facilitating daily stand-ups, sprint planning, retrospectives, and helping the team maintain focus and flow.Required QualificationsProven experience delivering enterprise software as a senior/lead engineer with demonstrated ownership of complex systems and mentoring responsibilities.Expertise in Java and Spring (Boot/Cloud) for building scalable services and APIs.Hands-on CI/CD experience and strong unit/integration testing practices.Applied AI in the SDLC: practical use of AI-assisted coding, test generation, code review/static analysis, and documentation, with an understanding of when and how to use AI safely and effectively.Cloud proficiency with major platforms; AWS preferred (e.g., EC2, ECS/EKS, Lambda, API Gateway, S3, RDS, IAM).Solid understanding of secure coding and observability (logs, metrics, tracing).Ability to translate business requirements into technical designs and iterative increments; strong written and verbal communication.Preferred Qualifications.NET/C# experience (helpful across services, integration, or cross-team initiatives).Knowledge of Oracle database concepts and performance considerations (desired).Experience leading code reviews at scale, establishing quality gates, and hardening build/test pipelines.Exposure to architectural patterns (eventing, microservices), API design, and data integration; familiarity working with Solution Architects.Background contributing to a formal competency framework and coaching others to those standards.Core Competencies & BehaviorsTechnical Excellence: Designs for scalability, reliability, and security; reduces tech debt thoughtfully.Code Quality Leadership: Sets the bar for readability, testability, and maintainability; ensures PRs meet Definition of Done and org standards.Delivery Mindset: Breaks work into increments, forecasts capacity, and keeps flow predictable; escalates risks early.Mentorship & Influence: Coaches engineers, shares knowledge, and fosters a culture of learning and improvement.Stakeholder Partnership: Communicates clearly with Product, Architecture, Security, and Delivery leaders; aligns technical decisions to business outcomes.