Lead Software Engineer

This role sits at the center of the company’s technology evolution—driving how modern software is designed, built, and delivered across the business. As systems scale and customer expectations increase, the organization requires a senior technical leader who can translate complexity into resilient, high-performing solutions.The Lead Software Engineer is responsible for elevating engineering execution, modernizing legacy platforms, and establishing scalable architecture patterns that support long-term growth. This is not a maintenance role—it is a forward-looking position focused on building systems that are secure, observable, cloud-ready, and aligned with business outcomes.Success in this role means delivering reliable, performant applications, accelerating development through strong engineering practices, and influencing how technology drives operational efficiency and customer experience.
What you’ll do1. Lead software architecture and solution designDesign and implement scalable, secure, cloud-native software solutions aligned with business objectivesApply API-first, modular, and service-oriented design principles across enterprise systemsModernize legacy applications through refactoring, re-platforming, and cloud migration strategiesEstablish architectural standards that improve maintainability, extensibility, and performance2. Drive engineering execution and delivery excellenceOwn end-to-end delivery of complex software initiatives with a focus on quality, speed, and reliabilityPrioritize competing initiatives while maintaining high standards for performance and uptimeLead technical design sessions, code reviews, and development best-practice implementationAct as a senior escalation point for troubleshooting and production issue resolution3. Advance cloud, DevOps, and platform capabilitiesChampion CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and infrastructure-as-code practicesDrive adoption of Azure services and cloud-native architectures to improve scalability and resilienceImplement observability standards including monitoring, logging, and diagnosticsPromote secure development practices and application-level security controls4. Collaborate across the businessPartner with product owners, QA, infrastructure, data, and security teams to align on delivery outcomesTranslate complex technical concepts into clear business insights for non-technical stakeholdersInfluence roadmaps by aligning engineering capabilities with operational and customer needsEnsure solutions meet business, operational, and customer service expectations5. Elevate team capability and engineering standardsMentor developers and raise the technical bar across the teamPromote consistent coding standards, testing practices, and documentation disciplineLeverage AI tools to improve developer productivity and solution qualityContribute to a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvementWhat you bring8+ years of software development experience within the Microsoft technology stackBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)Deep expertise in modern .NET technologies (.NET 6/7/8, ASP.NET Core, Web API, Entity Framework Core)Strong experience building and supporting both modern and legacy .NET applications5+ years developing web applications using ASP.NET MVC/Core and modern front-end frameworks (Angular or React)Advanced proficiency in JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML5, and CSS5+ years of Microsoft SQL Server experience, including performance tuning and database designExperience designing and implementing RESTful APIs and system integrationsHands-on experience with Microsoft Azure (App Service, Functions, Azure SQL, Storage, Application Insights)Experience with CI/CD pipelines (Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, or similar)Strong background in automated testing, code quality practices, and observability toolsExperience with secure coding practices and application security conceptsProven ability to troubleshoot complex production issues and drive resolutionPreferred qualificationsExperience in transportation, logistics, or operational systems environmentsExposure to microservices architecture, API gateways, and API lifecycle managementExperience leading Agile/Scrum/Kanban teamsDemonstrated success modernizing legacy platformsExperience mentoring engineers and establishing development standardsHow you operateYou think in systems, not isolated featuresYou own outcomes, not just deliverablesYou make complex ideas simple and actionableYou balance speed with stability and long-term scalabilityYou challenge assumptions constructively and push for better solutionsYou communicate clearly across technical and business audiencesYou operate with urgency while maintaining engineering disciplineYou proactively identify risks and address them before they escalate
Compensation & SetupPay: $120,000–$130,000 base salaryLocation: Hybrid – Downers Grove, ILBenefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time offPhysical Demands and Work EnvironmentThe physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Physical DemandsSedentary physical activity performing non- strenuous daily activities of an administrative nature.While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, stand, reach/handle items, work with the fingers, and talk and hear others in conversations via the phone or in person.Work EnvironmentSedentary physical activity performing non- strenuous daily activities of an administrative nature.While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, stand, reach/handle items, work with the fingers, and talk and hear others in conversations via the phone or in person.Up to 5% travel; occasional after-hours support based on business needs* The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the position and are not intended to be all inclusive. The position and any of the requirements listed above are subject to change at any time according to the changing needs of the company.* Roadrunner is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.* We will not accept unsolicited candidates from external recruiters or recruiting agencies. Thank you!#LI-HybridDowners Grove, IL
About RoadrunnerRoadrunner is for ambitious, smart people who excel at execution over talking about it, and who would rather invent the next standard in freight than accept the status quo.We are looking for the Best of the Best. Action driven leaders who want to be part of real change and help design the future of LTL in the U.S. This is a place where high performers can grow, influence outcomes, and make an impact while working directly with executives and smart people from across industries.We bring a winner mindset. We take ownership, raise the bar, and measure ourselves by results. We Run Safe. We Run Smart. We Run Together. These principles create an environment of high standards, clear ownership, and direct collaboration. We trust data over intuition, move with urgency, and hold each other accountable because winning requires it.Roadrunner exists to prove that LTL can be better than the industry has settled for. To be the best means we need to think bigger, look outside the box, and question every assumption: too many handoffs, limited visibility, and the quiet belief that “this is just how it works.” We rejected that story. We built a proprietary Smart Network for direct, long haul, metro to metro service that delivers fewer touches, faster transit, real time visibility, and genuine accountability. We are the most tech forward company in LTL, and we are not finished widening the gap.The foundation is already strong. Recognized as one of Built In Chicago’s Best Large Places to Work. Earning top marks for improvement, quality, and service. The real opportunity is still ahead: helping invent what comes next.If you want to be evaluated among the Best of the Best and help set the new standard in LTL, we should talk.SummaryLocation: Downers Grove ILType: Full time