Lead Software Engineer

TDS Telecom•, Remote Location

4d•$81,000 - $131,600•Remote

About The Position

At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. We are forward thinkers who leverage cutting-edge fiber internet technology to strengthen communities. We are dedicated to excellence, which drives us to succeed together, creating a better world through meaningful connections. Ready to make an impact? We are looking for a Lead Software Engineer on the IT Web & Mobile Application Development team which plays a critical role in delivering TDS’s customer‑facing digital experiences. This role combines deep technical expertise with leadership and collaboration to help design, build, and support the web and mobile platforms that enable customers to buy services, manage their accounts, and get support through fast, reliable, and intuitive digital channels. Our team is a small, highly skilled group of IT professionals focused on delivering a best‑in‑class customer experience. We develop and support TDS’s public‑facing websites, My Account experience, and mobile applications, using modern architectures and technologies to deliver secure, scalable, and highly‑performant solutions. In this role, the Lead Software Engineer helps guide technical direction and implementation using a headless, omni‑channel architecture, modern JavaScript frameworks such as React and Node.js, in a multi‑cloud infrastructure environment. The position involves hands‑on development with Python and Java, working across a diverse set of database technologies (including Oracle, MySQL, and Couchbase), and developing and deploying applications into a Linux‑based environment. The Lead Software Engineer collaborates closely with other engineers, architects, product owners, and business stakeholders to translate customer and business needs into high‑quality technical solutions. This role contributes directly to improving the reliability, speed, and consistency of TDS’s web and mobile touchpoints and to expanding self‑service capabilities such as digital sales, billing, payments, account management, scheduling, and support journeys. The position works independently or leads teams of 5 or more people responsible for application design, development, testing, and problem resolution work teams with significant autonomy and independence. The scope of work typically includes major system projects that support company-wide business operations. As an experienced developer and an experienced technical leader, the position receives periodic mentoring, feedback, and supervision by management. Applications may include custom developed software, commercial packaged software, or open-source software. Software may consist of on-premise applications, cloud-based software and services, hybrid configurations, integration tools, or business workflow tools. This position has the ability to work remotely in any of the 40+ States in which TDS Telecom operates.

Requirements

Bachelors degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years professional work experience.
5+ years experience in software development or testing.
Experience working with modern web, mobile, and backend technologies, including headless architectures, omni‑channel delivery models, JavaScript frameworks such as React and Node.js, and application development using Python and Java in Linux‑based environments.
Experience working with cloud‑native and data‑driven systems, including multi‑cloud infrastructure, event streaming platforms, modern observability tools (e.g., Elastic and Dynatrace), and a variety of database technologies such as Oracle, MySQL, and NoSQL solutions.
Knowledge of software development methodologies, practices, and tools.
Knowledge of project management methodologies, practices, and tools.
Knowledge of one more programming language used by the team.
Knowledge of software testing practices and tools.
Knowledge of problem-solving techniques and tools.
Ability to travel as needed for company business and professional development.
Ability to work nights and weekends as needed for system implementations and resolving system problems.
Knowledge of business analysis practices and business process modeling.
Knowledge of quality management and quality improvement practices.
Knowledge of team leadership skills, practices, and behaviors.
Knowledge of techniques, tools, and applicable laws to conduct effective and legal interviews.
Knowledge of techniques for writing and presenting business proposals to management.
Knowledge of effective writing and public speaking skills. Ability to convey complex information to general audiences.

Responsibilities

Leads teams of 5 or more people that develop, test, and fix defects in application software.
Leads the preparation and review of application software designs at the system level. The scope of design will frequently include multiple systems supporting company-wide business processes.
Leads cross-functional work teams in preparing work estimates and project schedules for all technical work on projects. Mentors team members in the development of work plans.
Leads work teams in resolving complex problems which are frequently unique, require creative problem solving and advanced technical skills, and frequently span multiple systems and may cross team boundaries.
Maintains authoritative knowledge of all systems within the scope of the team's responsibility. Provides a consultative role to business process owners in the use and modification of system software. Maintains expert-level knowledge of software development best practices, tools, and methodologies that are recognized within the company.
Leads teams focused on quality and continuous improvement initiatives across business units within the company.