Software Engineer Independent Contractor Jobs in Kentucky

Lead Software Engineer

Business Unit: Sargent & Greenleaf 

Department:  New Product Development
Location:       Nicholasville, KY
Work Arrangement: On-site preferred; hybrid candidates will be considered

S&G Vision & Values

S&G is a passionate team committed to a culture of continuous improvement and dedicated to delivering trusted, transformative locking solutions that consistently exceed customer expectations.

The ideal candidate must be a strong champion of S&G's core values:

• Accountability
• Integrity
• Respect
• Teamwork
• Community
• Innovation
• Leadership

Position Summary

The Lead Software Engineer is a hands-on technical leader responsible for driving the development, integration, and support of software solutions across internal teams and external partners. This role combines software architecture, development, project leadership, and people coordination to ensure successful execution of strategic product initiatives.

A key responsibility of this position is assuming ownership of acquired intellectual property, including lock firmware, Bluetooth communications, iOS and Android mobile applications, PCBA software interfaces, and cloud-based lock management platforms. The Lead Software Engineer will drive the continued evolution of these technologies while ensuring alignment with product strategy, customer requirements, and business objectives.

This role works closely with internal engineering teams, remote IT resources, external consultants, contractors, and software support partners to deliver scalable, secure, and high-quality connected-product solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Software Development & Technical Leadership

• Lead and actively contribute to software development projects from concept through implementation and ongoing support.
• Assume ownership, integration, maintenance, and evolution of acquired lock-related intellectual property.
• Serve as the technical subject matter expert across firmware, mobile applications, Bluetooth communications, PCBA software interfaces, and cloud-based platforms.
• Provide technical leadership while remaining actively involved in architecture, design, coding, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Architect and implement scalable SaaS and connected-device solutions.
• Drive software design decisions that support product performance, reliability, maintainability, and future growth.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate work across internal teams, remote engineering resources, external consultants, contractors, and technology partners.
• Collaborate closely with software, electrical, mechanical, quality, and product management teams.
• Facilitate effective communication among stakeholders to ensure alignment on project goals, timelines, and deliverables.

Software Systems & Product Development

Oversee and contribute to the design, development, and integration of:

• Front-end and back-end applications
• Mobile applications (iOS and Android)
• Hardware/software interfaces
• Bluetooth and BLE communications
• User interface and user experience design
• Cloud-based software platforms
• Database architecture and management
• APIs and software integrations

Project & Process Leadership

• Lead Agile development practices, including sprint planning, backlog prioritization, and release management.
• Establish and enforce software development best practices, coding standards, and quality processes.
• Conduct code reviews and mentor team members to promote technical excellence.
• Identify and manage technical risks, dependencies, and project schedules.
• Ensure software products meet performance, reliability, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements.
• Support vulnerability assessments, penetration testing efforts, and continuous security improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Seven (7) or more years of professional software engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical projects, software teams, or cross-functional development initiatives.
• Strong understanding of Agile and Scrum development methodologies.
• Experience working with distributed teams, external partners, and third-party development resources.

Technical Expertise

• Full-stack software development, including mobile application development
• SaaS architecture and cloud-based software solutions
• API design and integration; RESTful APIs preferred
• SQL and NoSQL database design and administration
• UI/UX design principles and best practices
• Software architecture, testing, and deployment methodologies

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hardware/software integration, embedded systems, and firmware development.
• Experience deploying and supporting cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services (AWS).
• Experience developing connected products and IoT solutions, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technologies.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and experience supporting penetration testing activities.
• Previous experience in a Lead Software Engineerership or technical management role.
• Experience developing, deploying, and supporting iOS and Android mobile applications.
• Experience integrating, maintaining, or enhancing acquired technologies and working with external engineering or IT support organizations.
• Experience in physical security, access control, locking systems, or related security technologies

We are the ASSA ABLOY Group
Our people have made us the global leader in access solutions. In return, we open doors for them wherever they go. With nearly 63,000 colleagues in more than 70 different countries, we help billions of people experience a more open world. Our innovations make all sorts of spaces - physical and virtual - safer, more secure, and easier to access. 

As an employer, we value results - not titles, or backgrounds. We empower our people to build their career around their aspirations and our ambitions - supporting them with regular feedback, training, and development opportunities. Our colleagues think broadly about where they can make the most impact, and we encourage them to grow their role locally, regionally, or even internationally.

As we welcome new people on board, it's important to us to have diverse, inclusive teams, and we value different perspectives and experiences.