Application Development Team Lead

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) in Madison is seeking an Application Development Team Lead to drive modernization of pension and insurance systems and to deliver high-quality solutions for Wisconsin citizens.

You will lead technical staff across multiple teams, partner with business stakeholders through all phases of the Software Development Life Cycle, and establish process improvements to increase velocity and reliability.

Qualifications

• Coordinating technical staff across multiple teams and areas of expertise on a software development project
• Collaborating with business and technical stakeholders across multiple phases of the Software Development Life Cycle (e.g., requirement definition, design and development, testing, release, maintenance, etc.)
• Establishing process improvements for a technical team

Responsibilities

• Lead Application Development team to deliver modernization and maintenance on time and on budget
• Provide guidance on best practices for software development
• Serve as technical decision maker for the team

Skills

Coordinating teams

SDLC collaboration

Process improvements

Job description

Introduction

Do you have experience leading software development teams? Are you looking to take your career to the next level? If YES, then apply now for an opportunity to use your skills to make an impact in the lives of thousands of Wisconsin citizens!

What We’re Looking For

The Development and Quality Management Section is currently looking for an Application Development Team Lead to help ensure that the technical aspects of our pension and insurance administration systems meet our customers’ needs in a responsive and seamless manner. The ideal candidate has a strong software development background with the ability to lead teams, manage technical projects, understand the importance of customer service, work collaboratively with cross-functional stakeholders, and problem solve in a dynamic environment.

What We Offer

This is an excellent opportunity to develop a meaningful and rewarding career with ETF. Our employees have access to an excellent comprehensive benefit and compensation package, including generous paid time off so you can truly have work/life balance! If you have student loans and work full time in a public service job (like this one!) you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Who We Are

The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) manages retirement, insurance, and other benefit programs for 650,000+ state and local government employees and retirees of the WRS. Our members are at the center of everything we do, and we’re committed to enhancing their well-being by delivering expert guidance, strong, sustainable benefit programs, and an exceptional customer experience. We’re looking for talented people who are active learners that build strong collaborative customer relationships (whether internal or external) and recognize the value different perspectives and experiences bring to our organization.

Where We’re Located

ETF is located in the award-winning city of Madison. Located just off University and Sheboygan Avenues, at 4822 Madison Yards Way, within walking distance to several parks, restaurants, and Hilldale Shopping Center.

Position Summary

As the Application Development Team Lead, you will be part of a dedicated team that plays an important role in ETF’s modernization efforts. In addition, you will be involved with maintaining critical existing systems that allow our internal staff and external partners, such as employers and third-party administrators, to deliver quality services to our members. You will play a key role in these efforts from planning to implementation, ensuring the team is able to meet business requirements for modern, secure, and stable software on time and on budget. You will serve as a technical decision maker and provide expertise and guidance to the team on best practices for software development.

Salary Information

This position is in classification IS Systems Development Services Consultant/Administrator (pay schedule/range 07-32), with an annual salary of $110,240.00 - $129,750.40, plus excellent benefits.

Pay for current and new state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of hire.

To learn more about ETF’s total compensation package, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator!

Job Details

ETF offers hybrid remote/office work. If interested in hybrid remote/office work, this can be discussed in more detail during the interview process. The selected employee(s) must report to ETF’s office on the first day of employment. In addition, the employee may need to report to ETF on short notice as operational needs require. All employees are expected to be headquartered and work within the state of Wisconsin.

ETF does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.

Prior to any appointments for position(s) filled from this announcement, candidates may be subject to a comprehensive criminal background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the duties required of the position.

A 12-month probationary period may be required.

The results from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies if they become available.

For applicant questions or employment inquiries contact ETF Human Resources: [e-mail], 608-266-5806. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.

Qualifications

Minimally Qualified candidates will have experience in all the following:

• Coordinating technical staff across multiple teams and areas of expertise on a software development project
• Collaborating with business and technical stakeholders across multiple phases of the Software Development Life Cycle (e.g., requirement definition, design and development, testing, release, maintenance, etc.)
• Establishing process improvements for a technical team

In addition, Highly Qualified candidates will also have experience with some of the following:

• Implementing vendor-provided benefit administration solutions for an organization
• Leading technical staff on complex, enterprise-scale modernization initiatives where existing systems are replaced with a new solution or solutions
• Leading agile development teams and/or Scrum Master Certification

ETF is an Equal Opportunity and Affmanative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Deadline to Apply

Application materials are due by 11:59 pm on Monday, September 28, 2026.