Lead Application Development Engineer (Hybrid)

Enterprise Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in software engineering or application development with a focus on enterprise applications.
  • Experience with the Guidewire PolicyCenter platform is strongly preferred but not mandatory.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities in complex technical environments.
  • Proficiency in various programming languages and software development methodologies.
  • Solid understanding of application architecture and system integration strategies.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and technical implementation of the Guidewire CLPC platform.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between technical solutions and business goals.
  • Drive improvements in platform reliability and performance while ensuring operational excellence.
  • Mentor and guide less experienced engineers in best practices and technical solutions.
  • Evaluate new technologies to enhance engineering effectiveness and modernize applications.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for overall health and wellbeing.
  • 401(k) contribution and pension plan for financial planning.
  • Paid time off program with 23 days accrued annually for full-time employees.
  • Student loan repayment program to support educational investments.
  • Paid family leave to assist employees during significant life events.
Full Job Description
As a Lead Application Development Engineer with American Family Insurance, you will provide technical leadership for the Guidewire Commercial Lines PolicyCenter platform, driving the design, development, modernization, and support of critical business applications. You will collaborate with architects, engineering teams, and business stakeholders to deliver secure, scalable, and maintainable solutions, while influencing technical direction, advancing modern engineering practices, and ensuring operational excellence. Through mentorship, problem solving, and strategic decision-making, you will help build a high-performing platform that supports current business needs and future growth.

You will report to Senior Manager Engineering.

Relocation assistance may be available.

Role NOT eligible for sponsorship.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Compensation Range:

$131,000.00 - $220,000.00

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Compensation may vary based on the job level and your geographic work location. Relocation support is offered for eligible candidates.

Primary Accountabilities:

  • Serves as the technical lead for the Guidewire CLPC platform, providing guidance and leadership for complex business and technology solutions.
  • Leads solution design, technical reviews, and engineering decision-making to ensure scalable, secure, and maintainable application architectures.
  • Partners with architects, product teams, engineering leaders, and business stakeholders to align technical solutions with business objectives.
  • Drives platform reliability, resiliency, performance, maintainability, and operational excellence.
  • Leads root cause analysis and resolution of complex production issues and implements long-term corrective actions.
  • Identifies and drives opportunities to reduce technical debt and improve overall platform health and supportability.
  • Establishes and promotes engineering standards, development best practices, and quality expectations across the platform.
  • Provides technical leadership, mentoring, and coaching to engineers through design reviews, knowledge sharing, and guidance on technical solutions.
  • Evaluates emerging technologies and engineering capabilities, including automation and AI-assisted development opportunities, to improve engineering effectiveness.
  • Leads and influences platform modernization initiatives focused on scalability, resiliency, maintainability, automation, and long-term sustainability.
  • Collaborates across teams to understand system dependencies, integration requirements, risks, and technology impacts.
  • Supports estimation, planning, and technical execution activities for complex initiatives and platform enhancements.

Specialized Knowledge & Skills Requirements:

  • Demonstrated experience providing customer-driven solutions, support, or service.
  • Demonstrated experience analyzing and understanding complex software systems.
  • Demonstrated experience communicating technical information.
  • Demonstrated experience developing different solution-delivery and design approaches and solutions to customers.
  • Demonstrated experience developing different solution-delivery and design approaches and solutions to customers.
  • Demonstrated experience developing complex software/systems using one or more programming language.
  • Demonstrated experience analyzing and estimating project size and work efforts for software solutions.
  • Demonstrated experience providing technical guidance and leadership to less experienced staff.
  • Extensive knowledge and understanding of software development and design standards and methodologies.
  • Extensive knowledge and understanding of infrastructure technologies, operating systems, and the interconnectivity between infrastructure platforms and software tools.
  • Extensive knowledge and understanding of systems development life cycle (SDLC).
  • Solid knowledge and understanding of application architecture and design alternatives.
  • Solid Knowledge and understanding of integration and migration strategies and technologies.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in software engineering, application development, or platform engineering supporting complex enterprise applications.
  • Experience with Guidewire PolicyCenter in development, solution design, support, or technical leadership roles strongly preferred.
  • Knowledge of Guidewire BillingCenter, ClaimCenter, integrations, and modernization initiatives.
  • Experience supporting business-critical applications requiring high availability, reliability, and operational excellence.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence technical direction and collaborate effectively across architecture, engineering, product, and business teams.
  • Experience leading technical design discussions, architecture reviews, and solution planning efforts.
  • Experience improving application performance, resiliency, reliability, and operational effectiveness.
  • Experience performing root cause analysis and resolving complex production issues.
  • Familiarity with cloud technologies, automation, observability tools, and modern engineering practices.
  • Interest in emerging technologies, including AI-assisted engineering and intelligent automation.

    Licenses:

    Not Applicable.

    Travel Requirements
    Up to 10%.

    Physical Requirements
    Work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

    Working Conditions
    Not Applicable.

    Additional Information
    • To ensure a strong start, all employees participate in our New Employee Orientation during their first week.  This experience is held in person at our Madison, WI Headquarters or one of our AmFam core locations to help you connect with our mission, meet key team members and build relationships that support your growth.  At times, sessions may be delivered virtually based on scheduling and availability. 
    • Offer to selected candidate will be made contingent on the results of applicable background checks
    • Offer to selected candidate is contingent on signing a non-disclosure agreement for proprietary information, trade secrets, and inventions
    • Sponsorship will not be considered for this position unless specified in the posting





    In this hybrid role, you will be expected to work a minimum of 10 days per month out of our Madison, WI or Boston, MA offices.

    We provide benefits that support your physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. You will have access to comprehensive medical, dental, vision and wellbeing benefits that enable you to take care of your health. We also offer a competitive 401(k) contribution, a pension plan, an annual incentive, 9 paid holidays and a paid time off program (23 days accrued annually for full-time employees). In addition, our student loan repayment program and paid-family leave are available to support our employees and their families. Interns and contingent workers are not eligible for American Family Insurance Group benefits.

    #LI-AB1

    About American Family Mutual Insurance Company

    American Family Mutual Insurance Company Careers

    There has never been a better time to explore the job opportunities at American Family Mutual Insurance Company, a leading entity in the insurance sector. This company stands out not only for its robust commitment to clients but also for its dedication to fostering a professional growth environment for its employees.

    Work You’ll Do

    Join American Family Mutual Insurance Company’s esteemed team to assist in pioneering efforts that drive innovation and leadership in the insurance industry. This is where skills meet challenge and excellence. Transform the landscape of insurance with American Family Mutual Insurance Company, where the culture of growth and leadership goes hand in hand with the pursuit of operational excellence. Lead in a unique position in the market, at the nexus of industry knowledge, professional expertise, and digital innovation. Engage with a nationwide team of business and technology advisors to help clients and the company navigate through transformative initiatives. Collaborate with a diverse group of professionals dedicated to upholding the highest standards of service and innovation in the insurance industry.

    Introducing the American Family Mutual Insurance Company Professional Pathways

    The team is actively building a leading-edge environment to support some of the most well-known companies and clients in mastering their challenges with innovative insurance solutions.

    Do Innovative Work

    Be part of a team that stands at the forefront of industry expertise and digital transformation, dedicated to delivering targeted solutions through a depth of consulting experience and innovation that is unparalleled.

    Drive Innovation and Growth

    Work on a wide range of projects that harness the power of teamwork and the latest technologies to deliver impactful results.

    Future-proof Your Career

    American Family Mutual Insurance Company offers nearly limitless opportunities to advance your career, supported by unmatched training, development programs, and certification support.

    Explore

    Discover how American Family Mutual Insurance Company is leading the way in predictive analytics to transform the insurance industry. With advanced tools and strategies, the company helps anticipate client needs and industry shifts.

    The American Family Mutual Insurance Company Leadership and Development Initiative

    This initiative combines service capabilities, global insights, and joint solution development to help clients and employees alike overcome challenges and lead transformation in their fields.

    Stay Connected

    Join the Team

    Search open positions that match your skills and interests. American Family Mutual Insurance Company seeks passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players for various roles from entry-level to leadership positions. SEARCH AMERICAN FAMILY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY JOBS

    Keep Up to Date

    Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the professionals who are part of American Family Mutual Insurance Company.

    READ CAREERS BLOG

    Job Alert Emails

    Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at American Family Mutual Insurance Company.
    Learn more about American Family Mutual Insurance Company

    Similar Jobs

    More Jobs at American Family Mutual Insurance Company

    More Enterprise Technology Jobs

    Find similar Lead Application Development Engineer (Hybrid) jobs: