Lead Software Developer

Description

Robert Half is looking for an experienced Lead Software Developer to drive technical strategy while remaining deeply hands-on with development. This role combines system design, team leadership, and active coding. You'll be responsible for shaping application architecture, guiding engineering efforts, and delivering reliable, scalable software alongside a team of developers.

This is a hands-on technical lead position for someone who has built production systems, led engineering initiatives, and supported other developers through mentorship and technical direction.

Direct/Permanent Hire

Hybrid in Madison, WI

Key Responsibilities

• Define and maintain application architecture with a focus on performance, security, and scalability
• Partner with product and business stakeholders to convert requirements into technical designs and implementation plans
• Lead development efforts across multiple contributors, ensuring alignment on standards and delivery timelines
• Review code, enforce best practices, and maintain consistent quality across projects
• Contribute directly to development by writing clean, maintainable, production-ready code
• Guide technical decision-making, including evaluating tools, frameworks, and architectural approaches
• Manage documentation related to systems, workflows, and engineering standards
• Support onboarding and professional growth of team members through mentoring and feedback
• Promote a collaborative engineering culture focused on ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement

Requirements

Technical Experience

• Strong experience building modern web applications using PHP, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS
• Solid understanding of distributed application concepts including authentication, session management, and state handling
• Proven experience designing and maintaining MySQL databases, including performance tuning and scalability
• Practical experience using containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
• Proficiency with Git and collaborative version control workflows

Leadership Experience

• 2+ years leading development efforts or technical projects involving multiple contributors
• Experience coordinating work across teams and managing scope, timelines, and priorities
• Comfortable guiding technical direction and performing code reviews in shared codebases
• Demonstrated ability to coach developers and influence architectural decisions

Technology Doesn't Change the World, People Do.

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.

All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

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