Lead Software Engineer

Realityworks•Eau Claire, WI

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

Are you passionate about designing and delivering innovative software solutions that power real-world learning experiences? RW Thrive—a growing, employee-owned company—is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to drive the architecture, development, and evolution of our digital product platforms. This role will provide hands-on technical leadership across embedded, mobile, desktop, and web applications while partnering with engineering, product, and business teams to build scalable, high-quality systems that support product innovation and long-term growth. The Lead Software Engineer will provide technical leadership in designing and delivering innovative digital solutions that power our hands-on learning products. This role will lead the architecture, development, and modernization of embedded, mobile, desktop, and web applications, including integration across our Realityworks and CreXo platforms. As a hands-on leader, you will partner with cross-functional teams to bring new products to market, solve complex technical challenges, and ensure scalable, high-quality systems across the full product lifecycle.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline; or equivalent combination of education and directly-related experience
10+ years of professional software development experience across embedded, desktop, or mobile platforms
Demonstrated experience leading architecture or development of complex software systems
Proficiency in modern programming languages such as C/C++, C#/.NET, Java/Kotlin, or Swift/Objective-C
Experience with version control, code reviews, and automated build and release processes
Experience developing software that interfaces with hardware or external systems

Nice To Haves

Experience developing hardware-integrated or embedded systems
Experience across multiple application platforms (desktop, mobile, web)
Proficiency with Python for tooling, automation, or data analysis
Experience with APIs, service-oriented architectures, or shared-code strategies
Experience mentoring engineers and influencing technical direction
Experience working with distributed teams or external partners
Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools

Responsibilities

Provides technical leadership for software development across embedded, desktop, mobile, and web applications
Collaborates with R&D, Product, DevOps, and other stakeholders to translate requirements into scalable digital solutions
Defines software architecture and design for complex development initiatives
Coordinates development efforts across internal teams and external partners, ensuring alignment with timelines and standards
Guides engineers through design decisions, troubleshooting, and implementation challenges
Writes and maintains production-quality code and contributes directly to development efforts
Leads resolution of complex technical issues including performance, security, and system reliability
Participates in user testing and leverages feedback to drive product improvements
Ensures adherence to SDLC processes including version control, code review, and release management
Ensures software solutions meet regulatory and compliance requirements
Documents system architecture, specifications, and development processes
Maintains awareness of emerging technologies and supports continuous improvement
Mentors and supports software engineers and cross-functional teams