Lead Software Engineer
Summary
Lead the architecture and modernization of a complex desktop software platform used globally, focusing on C++ and Windows development while guiding engineering teams.
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Lead Software Engineer based in United States.
This role offers the opportunity to lead the technical evolution of a sophisticated engineering software platform used by professionals worldwide.
The Lead Software Engineer will provide architectural guidance, drive modernization initiatives, and deliver high-impact software solutions.
Working with a talented engineering team, this position combines hands-on development with technical leadership and strategic decision-making.
The ideal candidate will help shape scalable systems, improve engineering practices, and solve complex technical challenges.
This role provides significant autonomy, allowing you to influence product direction and long-term platform health.
You will contribute to software that supports critical scientific, engineering, and environmental applications across global industries.
Accountabilities:
The Lead Software Engineer will provide technical leadership across core software systems, driving architecture, development quality, and engineering excellence. This role requires a strong combination of coding expertise, problem-solving ability, and collaboration skills to support the continuous improvement of a complex software platform. Key responsibilities include:
- Lead the architecture and modernization of core platform components, including user interfaces, calculation engines, APIs, file systems, and licensing systems.
- Evaluate technical solutions, define architectural approaches, and make decisions that improve performance, scalability, security, and maintainability.
- Establish consistent engineering standards, design patterns, and best practices across the codebase.
- Own the technical delivery of complex features from initial design through implementation and release.
- Translate product requirements into technical specifications and guide execution across engineering teams.
- Investigate and resolve complex software defects, performance challenges, and cross-system issues.
- Conduct code reviews, mentor engineers, and promote maintainable and scalable development practices.
- Collaborate with QA teams on testing strategies, automation initiatives, and technical troubleshooting.
- Support advanced technical escalations and provide expertise for complex customer-facing issues.
- Contribute to roadmap planning, technical debt management, CI/CD improvements, and engineering process enhancements.
- Document technical designs and help scale engineering knowledge through collaboration and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- 5+ years of experience developing desktop software applications.
- Strong proficiency in modern C++ (C++14 or later).
- Experience building Windows applications using Visual Studio 2019 or later.
- Experience working with large, complex, or legacy codebases with established architectural patterns.
- Strong debugging skills and the ability to analyze complex multi-module systems.
- Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively with engineering teams, product stakeholders, QA, and support teams.
- Experience using AI-assisted development tools such as Claude Code, Cursor, or Copilot.
- Experience with Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC) and Windows UI development is preferred.
- Familiarity with build automation, large multi-component systems, and software modernization initiatives.
- Experience with licensing platforms, numerical libraries, serialization formats such as XML and JSON, and relational databases is a plus.
- Understanding of Windows system administration, desktop deployment, COM technologies, and C/C++ modernization projects is preferred.
- Interest or experience applying machine learning techniques to engineering or simulation applications is a plus.
- Fully remote opportunity for candidates based in the United States.
- Opportunity to work on impactful software used by engineers and scientists worldwide.
- Competitive compensation package.
- High level of autonomy and ownership over technical decisions.
- Collaborative environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Opportunity to contribute to the future development of an advanced simulation platform.
- Access to professional growth opportunities through technical leadership and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
- Flexible work environment with opportunities to collaborate with teams across multiple locations.
- Inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunity and diverse perspectives.
Requirements:
The ideal candidate is an experienced software engineer with strong expertise in desktop application development, modern C++, and complex software architectures. This professional should be comfortable working independently, communicating technical concepts clearly, and improving large-scale systems. Required qualifications include:
Benefits: