Lead Software Engineer - L5

Reference: 26395Location: Chicago, IL, United StatesIndustry: Technology & SoftwarePosted: 2026-07-28Contact: Mike LaTulipEmail: View email address on click.appcast.io TitleLead Software EngineerLocationChicago (Hybrid)About the OpportunityAre you ready to architect low-latency, high-throughput infrastructure that powers modern digital streaming environments? We are seeking a Lead Software Engineer to direct the end-to-end design and execution of a mission-critical video distribution platform. In this high-impact role, you will bridge technical vision with product strategy while guiding a cross-functional, globally distributed engineering team.ResponsibilitiesArchitect & Scale: Direct full-lifecycle engineering initiatives for high-availability systems, guaranteeing real-time execution and operational reliability.Technical Guidance: Lead and elevate engineering colleagues through rigorous code reviews, technical mentorship, and quality assurance standards.Product Collaboration: Partner with product leadership to evaluate technical feasibility and translate strategic goals into robust architectural solutions.Process & Tooling Optimization: Refine deployment workflows, establish verification frameworks, and maintain comprehensive documentation across the system life cycle.Global Alignment: Work directly with international product and technology teams to integrate continuous platform innovations across time zones.System Resolution: Rapidly diagnose and resolve complex technical bottlenecks in live, high-traffic distributed environments.Requirements (Must-Have)Experience & Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (or equivalent practical experience) combined with 5+ years of progressive backend software development.Core Technical Expertise: Advanced proficiency in C/C++, network programming, and relational/non-relational database design.Distributed Architecture: Hands-on background building and maintaining high-concurrency, mission-critical distributed systems.Execution & Delivery: Sound understanding of Agile methodologies, modern SDLC frameworks, and technical project management.Communication & Leadership: Aptitude for explaining complex engineering topics to non-technical partners and aligning tech initiatives with business outcomes.Global Flexibility: Capability to adapt schedules periodically to accommodate co-working hours with international engineering hubs.Preferred Qualifications (Nice-to-Have)Direct domain experience within the digital advertising or media streaming sectors.Exposure to programmatic ad-serving architectures and open protocol specifications (e.g., OpenRTB).A passion for researching, adopting, and deploying emerging software development tools and paradigms.Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive base salary package commensurate with experience.Comprehensive healthcare package (medical, dental, vision).Flexible remote work arrangements and professional development support.