Lead Software Engineer

Talener; Naperville (IL); Hybrid; USD 91,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

Talener is seeking a Lead Software Engineer in Naperville, IL to drive architecture and hands-on development for scalable cloud-based applications. The role centers on AWS, Node.js, and React, with leadership responsibilities and a focus on API integrations and platform building.

The position is a 3-month contract-to-hire, hybrid in Naperville (3 days onsite). 80/hour compensation, no visa sponsorship. Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience building cloud-native applications in AWS and scalable infrastructure.
• Expert-level development with JavaScript, Node.js, and React.
• Experience designing and scaling distributed applications and APIs.
• Proven leadership of engineering teams and major software initiatives.
• Experience building cloud platforms from ground up, not just maintenance.
• Strong understanding of architecture, design, and scalability.
• Ability to translate business needs into technical solutions with stakeholders.
• Proven debugging and production support across cloud environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and hands-on development for cloud-native apps.
• Drive technical initiatives while mentoring engineers.
• Design, build, and scale APIs and distributed services.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate requirements into solutions.

Skills

AWS

Node.js

React

JavaScript

Distributed Systems

Team Leadership

APIs

Jitterbit

Tools

Cloud Infrastructure

Job description

Our client is seeking aLead Software Engineer (AWS/Node.js/React) to help drive the architecture, development, and scalability of modern cloud-based applications within a growing technology organization.

This is ahands-on leadership role for someone who has built and scaled cloud infrastructure and software platforms from the ground up, ideally within a startup or high-growth environment. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience across AWS, Node.js, React, and JavaScript, along with the ability to lead technical initiatives while remaining hands-on with development when needed. Experience with API integrations and platforms such as Jitterbit is highly preferred.

Job Title: Lead Software Engineer (AWS/Node.js/React)

Compensation: Up to $80/hour

Location: Naperville, IL (Hybrid, 3 Days Onsite per Week)

Duration: 3-Month Contract-to-Hire

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong hands-on experience building and supporting cloud-native applications and infrastructure within AWS.
• Expert-level development experience with JavaScript, Node.js, and React.
• Experience designing, building, and scaling distributed applications and APIs.
• Previous experience leading engineering teams, technical projects, or major software initiatives.
• Experience building cloud platforms, applications, or infrastructure from the ground up rather than solely maintaining existing environments.
• Strong understanding of software architecture, system design, and application scalability.
• Experience working directly with stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Strong troubleshooting, debugging, and production support experience across application and cloud environments.
• Ability to remain hands-on with coding while providing technical leadership and mentorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building and scaling applications and infrastructure within startup or high-growth environments.
• Experience with API management, integrations, and platforms such as Jitterbit.
• Background spanning Software Engineering, Full-Stack Development, Cloud Engineering, or Technical Leadership roles.
• Experience driving technical direction, architecture decisions, and engineering best practices.

Additional Information

• Hybrid position requiring 3 days per week onsite in Naperville, IL.
• 3-month contract with the intention of converting to a full-time employee.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States. No visa sponsorship available.
• This is a highly visible role focused on both technical leadership and hands-on software engineering.