We are seeking an experienced Lead Software Engineer to join our innovative technology team at 84.51 in Chicago, Illinois. This senior engineering role offers the opportunity to architect and implement cutting-edge software solutions while providing technical leadership to a talented group of developers. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into scalable, maintainable systems that deliver measurable value to our clients and stakeholders. As a key technical contributor, you will play a vital role in shaping our technology direction and establishing best practices that elevate the entire engineering organization. Your expertise will directly impact how we leverage data and technology to solve complex business challenges in an ever-evolving marketplace. This position combines hands-on development work with mentorship responsibilities, allowing you to both code and coach while driving technical excellence across multiple projects. Key responsibilities include leading the design and development of complex software applications using modern programming languages and frameworks, establishing coding standards and architectural patterns that ensure code quality and maintainability, mentoring junior and mid-level engineers through code reviews, pair programming, and technical guidance sessions. You will collaborate with product managers, designers, and business stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into technical specifications and implementation plans. Additional duties involve evaluating new technologies and tools to improve development efficiency, participating in architectural decision-making processes, troubleshooting production issues, and ensuring system reliability and performance. You will also contribute to sprint planning, participate in technical discussions, and help define the technical roadmap for various product initiatives. Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field, along with seven or more years of professional software development experience in a production environment. Candidates must demonstrate proven experience leading technical projects and mentoring development teams, with strong proficiency in multiple programming languages and modern development frameworks. Excellent problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking skills, and the capacity to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences are essential. The ideal candidate will possess experience with cloud platforms, distributed systems, and agile development methodologies. Key skills include advanced software architecture and design patterns, cloud computing platforms such as AWS or Azure, database design and optimization, microservices architecture, continuous integration and deployment practices, code review and quality assurance processes, technical mentoring and team leadership, system performance optimization, API development and integration, and version control systems including Git. 84.51 is a leading data science and analytics company that partners with organizations to unlock the power of their data through advanced analytical techniques and machine learning solutions. Our team of experts combines deep technical expertise with industry knowledge to deliver transformative insights that drive strategic decision-making. We foster a collaborative, innovative work environment where engineers can grow their skills while working on challenging, impactful projects. Benefits include competitive compensation packages, comprehensive health insurance coverage, retirement savings plans with company matching, flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a supportive culture that values work-life balance. Growth opportunities abound through exposure to cutting-edge technologies, mentorship from industry experts, career advancement pathways into technical leadership or specialized roles, and the chance to influence product direction and technology strategy. Employees benefit from ongoing training programs, conference attendance support, and internal mobility options that allow exploration of different technology domains and business areas within the organization.