Lead Backend Engineer (API Architect)

We are seeking a hands-on Lead Backend Engineer to lead the modernization of our enterprise data and integration platform. Our SQL Server database serves as the organization's source of truth and supports multiple internal business applications, reporting solutions, and operational processes. As we evaluate future CRM platforms, modern reporting capabilities, automation initiatives, and AI-enabled solutions, we need a technical leader who can build the foundation that allows these systems to interact with our data securely and consistently. This role will be responsible for designing and implementing a service and API layer around our core database, establishing integration standards, improving security and governance, and introducing modern software engineering practices. This is a highly technical, hands-on position. The successful candidate will be expected to design solutions, write production code, establish development standards, and lead the implementation of a long-term modernization strategy. Essential Job Functions Data & Integration Platform Design and implement APIs and services that provide secure access to enterprise data. Create integration patterns that support current and future business applications. Develop a strategy for reducing direct database dependencies while preserving the database as theorganization's source of truth. Establish service-based access patterns for internal applications, reporting platforms, CRM systems,andfuture AI initiatives. Software Development Design, develop, test, and maintain production backend applications and APIs. Create reusable frameworks, shared services, and integration components. Perform code reviews and establish coding standards. Collaborate with business and technical stakeholders to translate requirements into scalabletechnicalsolutions. Architecture & Technical Leadership Define API standards, security models, and integration best practices. Evaluate current systems and recommend modernization opportunities. Guide technical decisions related to data access, application integration, and platform evolution. Create technical documentation and architecture standards. Quality & Engineering Practices Implement unit testing frameworks and testing standards. Establish code quality expectations and development workflows. Introduce CI/CD practices and deployment automation where appropriate. Promote maintainable, testable, and supportable software development practices. Reporting, CRM & AI Readiness Support the organization's transition from legacy reporting solutions to modern reporting andanalyticsplatforms. Create integration patterns that support future CRM initiatives. Enable future AI and automation capabilities through secure, governed APIs and services. Qualifications Strong experience with .NET development and backend application design. Strong SQL Server and database integration experience. Experience designing and building REST APIs and service-based architectures. Experience working with legacy application environments and modernization efforts. Experience implementing automated testing and software quality practices. Strong problem-solving and communication skills. Ability to independently drive technical initiatives from concept through implementation. Preferred Qualifications Experience with enterprise application integration. Experience with authentication, authorization, and API security. Experience with reporting platforms such as SSRS, Power BI, or similar tools. Experience supporting CRM implementations and integrations. Experience with CI/CD platforms and deployment automation. Experience enabling AI, automation, or data-driven initiatives through API-based architectures. Education and Experience Degree in Computer Science or equivalent with programming experiencerequired. 8+ years of software development experience. PhysicalRequirements Must be able to sit for extended periods of time. Regular use of hands and fingers and repetition of the same movements. Must be able to see, hear and communicate clearly to answer phones. Occasional lifting of 10 lbs. Works with and around products associated with firearms.