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Lead Software Developer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Test Software Developer II (IGEN)

Appleton, WI · On-site

$47.50 - $61.50/hr

Lead test automation user training as new features and products are implemented. * Mentoring other ... engineering or equivalent experience with Software Testing or Quality Assurance processes * 2-4 ...

WI · On-site

A consulting firm in Brookfield, WI is looking for a Software Engineering Manager to lead a team of engineers in delivering high-quality SaaS products. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of ...

WI · On-site

Braviant Holdings, located in Addison, TX, is seeking a Head of Software Engineering to lead and manage our software development team. This pivotal role combines leadership with technical expertise ...

Senior Staff Software Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

As a Senior Staff Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in expanding the platform and lead engineering efforts while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

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Showing results 1-20

Lead Software Developer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$81.3K

$132.3K

$172.6K

How much do lead software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead software developer in Wisconsin is $132,251.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,100.00 and $146,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead developer in software?

A lead software developer is a senior technical role responsible for guiding the development team, designing software architecture, and ensuring project deadlines are met. They often coordinate with stakeholders, review code, and mentor junior developers, requiring strong programming skills and leadership abilities.

What does a Lead Software Developer do?

A Lead Software Developer oversees the technical aspects of software development projects, guiding a team of developers to deliver high-quality software solutions. They are responsible for setting coding standards, designing system architecture, and ensuring best practices are followed throughout the development process. Additionally, Lead Software Developers often coordinate with project managers, stakeholders, and other teams to align project goals and timelines. Their role combines hands-on coding with leadership, mentorship, and technical decision-making.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Software Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Software Developer, you need advanced programming skills, in-depth knowledge of software development methodologies, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with code versioning tools (like Git), cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and experience with project management tools are typically required, and certifications like AWS Certified Developer or Scrum Master can be advantageous. Exceptional problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help in guiding teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality software solutions, driving team productivity, and ensuring project success.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those in high-demand fields like machine learning, AI, or working at major tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually. Such compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, and typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities.

What are some common challenges a Lead Software Developer faces when managing a development team?

As a Lead Software Developer, one of the most common challenges is balancing hands-on coding with mentoring and overseeing the team's work. You'll need to ensure effective communication among team members, resolve technical roadblocks, and keep projects on schedule while maintaining code quality. It's also important to support the professional growth of junior developers and foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing. Managing competing priorities and aligning technical solutions with business goals are ongoing aspects of the role.

How much do lead developers get paid?

Lead software developers typically earn between $100,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Seniority, technical skills, and certifications can influence salary levels, and many roles include leadership responsibilities and project management duties.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those in specialized fields like machine learning, data engineering, or with extensive experience at large tech companies, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly in competitive markets or leadership roles.
Senior Manager Software Engineering

Senior Manager Software Engineering

Clarios

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Clarios rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

406th of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

What you will do:
As the Senior Manager, Software Engineering, you will lead and scale Clarios' global software engineering organization as a core within Embedded System Product Engineering. You will build and continuously develop the capabilities required to deliver high-quality, compliant, and scalable embedded software for safety-critical low voltage energy systems.
You will drive the transition from project-based development towards a platform-oriented approach and ensure reliable execution of software delivery across all automotive programs, including SOP and field performance. Your success will be defined by your ability to build a high-performing global organization, strengthen engineering discipline, and enable efficient, scalable software development across the portfolio.
How you will do it:
• Lead, develop grow the global software engineering organization, including structure definition, leadership development, and capability build-up
• Build, scale, and integrate software engineering teams into a unified global organization
• Drive execution of software development across programs, alignment with product engineering and program requirements
• Own and enforce software development processes, standards, and governance aligned with ASPICE, ISO 26262, and ISO 21434 and Clarios' Governance
• Develop and introduce software platform, including configuration management, variant management, and lifecycle management
• Implement and operate modern development environments, including CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and integrated toolchains within the organization
• Define and track software KPIs to manage delivery performance, quality, and efficiency
• Lead software-related supplier and partner management, including sourcing inputs, technical governance, quality/performance management, and ensuring supplier deliverables comply with Clarios' processes and standards (ASPICE/ISO 26262/ISO 21434) across the full lifecycle.
• Ensure strong integration of software engineering into cross-functional development across systems, hardware, and product management
What you look for:
Required:
o 12+ years of experience in embedded software engineering within automotive
environments, preferably safety-critical systems
o 5+ years of leadership managing and developing engineering organizations
o Proven experience in building and scaling global software engineering organizations across multiple regions and cultures
o Proven track record in delivering embedded software for automotive production programs, including SOP and field introduction
o Strong experience in battery management systems (BMS) and LV-Energy Systems or similar systems (e.g. power electronics control)
o Deep understanding of automotive standards including ASPICE (including
assessments), ISO 26262, and ISO 21434
o Proven experience in developing software for safety-critical systems (ASIL C/D)
o Experience in developing or introducing software platforms in the context of product platforms, including modular architectures, reuse, and variant management
o Strong understanding of embedded system architectures and cross-functional system integration
o Experience in industrializing software, including release management, configuration management, and multi-program execution
o Experience with modern development environments, including CI/CD, automated testing (MiL, SiL, HiL), and integrated toolchains
o Proven ability to build engineering capabilities, including hiring, organizational design, and leadership development
o Experience in Tier 1 automotive suppliers or OEM environments strongly preferred.
#LI-TD1
#LI-Hybrid
What you get:
  • Medical, dental and vision care coverage and a 401(k) savings plan with company matching - all starting on date of hire
  • Tuition reimbursement, perks, and discounts
  • Parental and caregiver leave programs
  • All the usual benefits such as paid time off, flexible spending, short-and long-term disability, basic life insurance, business travel insurance, and Employee Assistance Program
  • Global market strength and worldwide market share leadership
  • HQ location earns LEED certification for sustainability plus a full-service cafeteria and workout facility
  • Clarios has been recognized as one of 2026's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere. This prestigious recognition marks the fourth consecutive year Clarios has received this distinction.

Who we are:
Clarios is the force behind the world's most recognizable car battery brands, powering vehicles from leading automakers like Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. With 18,000 employees worldwide, we develop, manufacture, and distribute energy storage solutions while recovering, recycling, and reusing up to 99% of battery materials-setting the standard for sustainability in our industry. At Clarios, we're not just making batteries; we're shaping the future of sustainable transportation. Join our mission to innovate, push boundaries, and make a real impact. Discover your potential at Clarios-where your power meets endless possibilities.
Veterans/Military Spouses:
We value the leadership, adaptability, and technical expertise developed through military service. At Clarios, those capabilities thrive in an environment built on grit, ingenuity, and passion-where you can grow your career while helping to power progress worldwide. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to protected characteristics.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please apply. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to challenging the status quo. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran or other protected characteristics protected by law. As a federal contractor, we are committed to not discriminating against any applicant or employee based on these protected statuses. We will also take affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunities. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process by emailing Special.Accommodations@Clarios.com. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity in our teams in terms of work experience, area of expertise, and all characteristics protected by laws in the countries where we operate. For more information on our commitment to sustainability, diversity, and equal opportunity, please read our latest report. We want you to know your rights because EEO is the law.
A Note to Job Applicants: please be aware of scams being perpetrated through the Internet and social media platforms. Clarios will never require a job applicant to pay money as part of the application or hiring process.
To All Recruitment Agencies: Clarios does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to our careers email addresses, Clarios employees or any other company location. Clarios is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.

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