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Tech Lead Software Engineer Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Why Wellmark Technology? Wellmark is building innovative, modern solutions using cutting edge ... Lead system development and engineering for highly complex programs. Coordinate the preparation ...

Why Wellmark Technology? Wellmark is building innovative, modern solutions using cutting edge ... Lead system development and engineering for highly complex programs. Coordinate the preparation ...

Software Engineering Manager The Culture Ag Leader was born from a passion and determination to ... Lead the design, implementation, and testing of innovative software solutions that exceed customer ...

Software Developer Lead

West Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$113K - $142K/yr

Athene is seeking a Software Developer Lead to help shape the next generation of AI-native ... technology, innovation, and a culture built on our BEAM values-Believe in your co-workers, Engage ...

Software Developer Lead

West Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$113K - $142K/yr

Athene is seeking a Software Developer Lead to help shape the next generation of AI-native ... technology, innovation, and a culture built on our BEAM values-Believe in your co-workers, Engage ...

BIM Technology Lead

Clive, IA ยท On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Support software lifecycle activities including updates, installations, and deployments ... Build collaborative relationships with architectural, engineering, and corporate partners.

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Tech Lead Software Engineer information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$81K

$142.4K

$193.2K

How much do tech lead software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for tech lead software engineer in Des Moines, IA is $142,377.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,100.00 and $164,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Tech Lead Software Engineer?

A Tech Lead Software Engineer is a senior developer who combines technical expertise with leadership responsibilities. They guide a team of engineers through software development projects, making key technical decisions, setting coding standards, and ensuring that best practices are followed. In addition to writing code, Tech Leads coordinate work, mentor team members, and communicate with stakeholders to align technical solutions with business goals. Their role bridges the gap between hands-on engineering and leadership, ensuring both project success and team growth.

What does a Tech Lead Software Engineer do?

As a Tech Lead Software Engineer, you'll often split your time between writing code and guiding the technical direction of your team. While you remain involved in architecture decisions and complex problem-solving, you also mentor junior engineers, conduct code reviews, and facilitate communication between team members and stakeholders. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong time management and prioritization skills, ensuring that both project delivery and team development are progressing smoothly. It's common to gradually shift from primarily coding to more strategic leadership as your team grows.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tech lead software engineer?

To thrive as a Tech Lead Software Engineer, you need advanced programming skills, deep software architecture knowledge, and experience in leading technical teams, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with tools such as Git, CI/CD pipelines, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), and agile project management systems is essential. Strong communication, mentorship, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These competencies ensure delivery of robust software solutions, foster team productivity, and drive technical excellence in complex projects.

What is the difference between Tech Lead Software Engineer vs Software Architect?

AspectTech Lead Software EngineerSoftware Architect
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, relevant certificationsBachelor's/Master's in CS, often with architecture or design certifications
Work EnvironmentHands-on coding, team leadership, project managementDesigning system architecture, high-level planning, technical strategy
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, startups, enterprise software teamsLarge organizations, system design firms, enterprise software
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, career pathSystem design, technical strategy, architecture planning

The Tech Lead Software Engineer focuses on leading development teams, coding, and project execution, while the Software Architect concentrates on designing overall system architecture and technical strategy. Both roles require strong technical skills, but their primary responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are popular job titles related to Tech Lead Software Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA?

For Tech Lead Software Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Tech Lead Software Engineer job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,377 per year, or $68.5 per hour.

Lead Software Engineer

Wellmark, Inc.

Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Why Wellmark?ย 

We are a mutual insurance company owned by our policy holders across Iowa and South Dakota, and we've built our reputation on over 80 years' worth of trust. We are not motivated by profits. We are motivated by the well-being of our friends, family, and neighbors-our members. If you're passionate about joining an organization working hard to put its members first, to provide best-in-class service, and one that is committed to sustainability and innovation, consider applying today!ย 

Why Wellmark Technology?ย Wellmark is building innovative, modern solutions using cutting edge technology. We are driving organizational transformation and business strategy by empowering our technology team to innovate new and elegant solutions to enhance the customer experience. Together, we are leaning into the future, owning the outcome, and driving organizational change to transform how we work.

Learn more about our unique benefit offeringsย here.ย 

Want to know more? You can learn about life at Wellmarkย here.

Job Description

Leads system development and the design for highly complex solutions that are efficient and cost effective, which support Wellmark's business and Technology initiatives. Serves as a subject matter expert for other engineers to ensure the end product aligns with business expectations and development logic meets Wellmark standards and security requirements. Utilizes established relationships with Wellmark leaders and acts as a consultant on engineering and business process improvements and technology enhancements or capabilities.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, MIS, or related field of study and at least 5 years of development experience (ex. Angular, NodeJS, TypeScript, C++, .NET, Java, SQL) OR 9 years of related and applicable experience.
  • Strong analytical problem-solving skills. Accuracy and high attention to detail. Previous experience troubleshooting and developing creative technical solutions. Ability to provide innovative solutions to complex issues.
  • Demonstrated experience in software development lifecycle methodologies.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate with and coach/mentor team members, while setting an example in maintaining a positive attitude, staying calm under pressure, being approachable, and respectful and taking responsibility for failures.
  • Big picture thinker with the ability to translate the value of the Wellmark as a Service (WaaS) strategy to company strategy when making design and development decisions.
  • Demonstrated, strong ability to gather information, perform necessary research needed for root cause analysis, problem definition and formulation, recommend solution implementation, verification, and ongoing optimization, using data to support recommendations.
  • Demonstrated ability to build relationships to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all parties. Ability to communicate key information in a timely manner to the appropriate stakeholder audience with the ability to adjust communication style that will best suit the audience.
  • Ability to thrive in fast-paced environment with changing priorities. Excellent organizational skills. Strong time management skills with the ability to set and meet established timeframes with little direction, while assuring data and information integrity.
  • Eagerness to learn and stay current on industry trends and have a continuous learning mindset.
  • Ability to collaborate and work as a team to accomplish goals and/or solve problems. Ability to earn trust and respect from peers, leadership, and stakeholders. Ability to learn by actively listening and applying coaching feedback.
  • Ability to lead, support and work within a diverse development team model including global staffing, crowd sourcing, etc.

Preferred:

  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Experience working within an Agile team environment.
  • Experience partnering with global staffing vendors to deliver projects.
  • Current or recent experience developing and supporting BizTalk middleware integration solutions.
  • Current or recent experience with BizTalk Server installation, configuration, and administration.
  • Experience leading or actively participating in a BizTalk migration initiative.
  • Experience developing and supporting BizTalk replacement solutions with newer technology stack.
  • Experience using BizTalk 360.
  • Experience using IBM MQ Server.
Additional Information

Job Responsibilitiesย 

a. Lead system development and engineering for highly complex programs. Coordinate the preparation, coding, testing, and debugging of complex programs; including the analysis and development of workflows that utilize emerging technology and meet and exceed Wellmark's evolving business needs.

b. Serve as subject matter expert in the implementation of innovative and cost-effective business solutions for multiple applications and systems utilizing information technology, business, and industry trends.

c. Provide leadership, training, and guidance to others on the team in the gathering of information, necessary research needed for root cause analysis, problem definition and formulation, solution implementation, verification, and ongoing optimization. Ensure analysis of defects to find root cause and guide others in the identification of potential improvement opportunities.

d. Mentor, guide and problem-solve with other technology areas in the development and implementation of solutions, including how to use new or enhanced software/applications.

e. Coordinate with company resources to accomplish integration of products and processes and complex solutions. Provide timely and accurate results, and exceptional customer service.

f. Utilize established relationships with Wellmark leaders and acts as a primary consultant on business status, issues, process improvements and technology enhancements or capabilities.

g. Participate in project proposals, estimates and proof-of-concept activities as needed.

h. Maintain awareness of industry's best practices and standards and proactively participates in industry/knowledge reference groups relative to role. Provide direction for enterprise standards. Conduct code reviews and monitor standard adherence.

i. Other duties as assigned.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The policy of Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation due to a disability at any stage of the employment application process should contact us at [emailย protected]

Please inform us if you meet the definition of a "Covered DoD official".

At this time, Wellmark is not considering applicants for this position that require any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please refer to the following resources:Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrantsย 

Wellmark supports and expects the responsible use of AI for our workforce! We welcome the responsible use of these tools by job seekers as well and are interested in learning from you; you will have an opportunity in the application process to share which tools you used and how you applied them.ย