Software Team Lead

Transportation Research Center Inc.; East Liberty (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Transportation Research Center Inc. seeks a Software Team Lead to oversee a software team delivering data analysis automation, test planning, and quality checking of results in a fast-paced testing environment.

You will mentor engineers, plan roadmaps, manage backlogs, perform code reviews, and collaborate with test engineers, operators and systems engineers to deploy scalable software across multiple facilities. A strong background in C++, data structures and distributed systems is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required; Master’s preferred.
• 5+ years of technical experience developing software solutions.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and instrumentation.
• In-depth knowledge of vehicle systems and subsystems.
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills, including concise technical communication.
• Travel to off-site customers and testing sites (<20%) is required.
• Valid state DMV issued or valid foreign country issued driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operations of a Software Team across multiple testing facilities.
• Direct sprint planning, daily standups, backlog prioritization, and project deliverables.
• Mentor software engineers, provide technical guidance, and conduct thorough code reviews.
• Partner with External technical leads to align team roadmaps with testing priorities.
• Partner directly with client to identify operational friction and define technical requirements.
• Collaborate with test engineers, vehicle operators, and systems engineering teams.
• Manage the inbound software request queue and prioritize high-value feature requests.
• Conduct quarterly roadmap syncs with workstream leads.
• Provide and own code review and architecture design reviews for the Software Team.
• Drive forward deployment model to identify friction and build rapid prototypes.
• Architect, develop, and maintain software solutions to increase testing throughput.
• Own maintenance, system availability, and feature roadmaps for core testing platforms.
• Champion access management, security permissions, and developer productivity workflows.

Skills

Technical leadership

C++

Data structures

Algorithms

OOP design

Distributed systems

CI/CD

Test automation

Version control

Code reviews

Roadmap planning

Backlog management

Mentoring

Communication

Independent judgment

Access management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s degree in engineering

Job description

Software Team Lead shall be responsible for a software team develop team that develops software for the automation of data analysis/processing, test plan development, and quality checking of testing results. The Software Team Lead will have technical and personnel leadership responsibilities for the Software Team personnel including development of team and individual team member technical capabilities.

Essential Functions*

Proven technical leadership experience managing software development teams in fast-paced operational or testing environments.

Strong customer-facing experience gathering requirements from field engineers, test operators, and cross-functional technical teams.

Demonstrated experience designing scalable software architectures, from rapid field prototypes to reliable production systems.

Demonstrated proficiency and capability in C++

Strong foundation in data structures, algorithms, object-oriented design, and distributed systems.

Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing, autonomous vehicle platforms, or robotic test automation.

Demonstrated ability to build developer tools, command-line utilities, automated test pipelines, or AI agentic workflows.

Comprehensive knowledge of software development lifecycles, including version control, rigorous code reviews, and continuous integration.

Strong project management skills, including roadmap planning, backlog management, issue tracking, and resource allocation.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills across technical engineering teams and non-technical operational partners.

Proven track record of mentoring junior engineers and promoting engineering excellence.

Self-driven personality with strong organizational skills, high attention to detail, and ability to exercise independent judgment.

Experience with enterprise access management, permissions, and infrastructure troubleshooting.

Services Provided

Lead the daily operations of a Software Team across multiple testing facilities.

Direct sprint planning, daily standups, backlog prioritization, and project deliverables.

Mentor software engineers, provide technical guidance, and conduct thorough code reviews.

Partner with External technical leads to align team roadmaps with overall testing priorities.

Partner directly with client to identify operational friction and define technical requirements.

Collaborate closely with test engineers, vehicle operators, and systems engineering teams.

Manage the inbound software request queue and prioritize high-value feature requests.

Conduct quarterly roadmap syncs with workstream leads.

Provide and own code review and architecture design reviews for the Software Team.

Drive forward deployment model within your managing team to identify on-track friction and build rapid prototypes.

Architect, develop, and maintain software solutions that help increase testing throughput.

Own maintenance, system availability, and feature roadmaps for core operational testing platforms.

Champion access management, security permissions, and developer productivity workflows.

Other Duties and Responsibilities (Non-Essential Functions)

Make independent and competent technical decisions

Present proposals and report test results before customer representatives

Attend professional society and technical committee meetings

Write technical reports

Accomplish technical projects with little supervision

Manage and monitor the progress and budget of multiple projects

Write final reports

Support TRC Inc.’s Quality and EH&S (Environmental, Health, and Safety) efforts

Improve the quality and coverage of the verification of a system

Build new processes that improve organization, traceability and clarity

Develop new tools that improve the repeatability, efficiency or completeness of testing (e.g. building automation scripts to reduce schedule time and human resources in particular for recurring tests)

Identify missing or untestable requirements, gaps in design and incomplete implementation

Support development and execution of training for test team

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering is required and Master’s degree in engineering is preferred

5+ years technical experience developing software solutions

Demonstrated experience with data acquisition systems and instrumentation

In-depth knowledge of vehicle systems and subsystems

Strong problem-solving capabilities, good attention to detail, organization skills and ability to think systemically

Excellent written & verbal communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to communicate technical information concisely and effectively

In-depth knowledge of computers including work processing and data analysis software

Proficient in technical report writing

Advanced project management skills required

Demonstrated ability to multi-task and work independently in a fast-paced, changing environments

Travel to off-site customers and testing sites (<20%) is required

Ability to complete and pass all internal, position specific job and safety trainings required

Valid state DMV issued or valid foreign country issued driver’s license

Working conditions

Standard office, climate controlled environment

Some travel is required

May be exposed to temperatures below 0 degree and above 95 degrees

May be exposed to inclement weather

May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, such as gas, oil, and paint

Physical requirements

Must be able to remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time

Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment

Ability to communicate with customers and co-workers

Capable of positioning oneself into bending, stretching, climbing, or awkward positions

*TRC Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer and is willing to make a change or adjustment to a job or work environment that allows a qualified individual with a disability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of a particular job.

**Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.