Lead Software Engineer - L5

Job Title

Lead Software Engineer

Location

Chicago (Hybrid)

About the Opportunity

Are 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.

Responsibilities

• Architect & 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 & Benefits

• Competitive base salary package commensurate with experience.

• Comprehensive healthcare package (medical, dental, vision).

• Flexible remote work arrangements and professional development support.