Lead Software Engineer

McMaster-Carr

$235K — $310K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in software engineering roles
  • Strong proficiency in compiled languages such as C#, Java, C++, or Rust
  • Experience designing and delivering large-scale, service-oriented systems
  • Ability to articulate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Interest in mentoring and developing junior engineers
  • A solid understanding of object-oriented design and SOLID principles

Responsibilities

  • Own the full lifecycle of software projects from design to deployment
  • Write high-quality, maintainable, and scalable code
  • Improve system architecture, testing, and monitoring processes
  • Mentor other engineers through code reviews and knowledge sharing
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, product, and UX teams
  • Contribute to long-term technical strategy while focusing on execution

Benefits

  • 100% tuition reimbursement for continued education
  • Medical, dental, pharmacy, and vision plans with no monthly premiums
  • Paid parental leave for all new parents
  • Adoption and surrogacy assistance programs
  • Industry-leading company-funded retirement accounts
  • Paid vacation and personal time off
Full Job Description
About the job

How You'll Make An Impact

Our technology team builds the software that powers our e-commerce experience and our world-class operations. From customer-facing web features to distribution center automation, we design and scale critical systems that enable McMaster-Carr to deliver same-day or next-day orders reliably and efficiently.

As a Lead Software Engineer, you'll work on projects like:
  • Building modern web experiences using React, Storybook, and experimentation frameworks to improve how customers find what they need and solve problems.
  • Optimizing front-end and back-end code and infrastructure to make performance a competitive advantage.
  • Designing scalable automation systems that integrate with third-party technologies and streamline distribution center operations.
  • Creating custom software and algorithms that improve speed, accuracy, and quality across fulfillment and shipping.
  • Exploring the integration of GenAI tools to improve customer support and internal workflows

What You'll Do

As a Lead Software Engineer, you'll play a key tech leadership role on high-impact projects. You will:
  • Own the full lifecycle of projects-from research and design to development, deployment, and iteration.
  • Write high-quality, maintainable, and scalable code using object-oriented design and SOLID principles.
  • Improve system architecture, testing, and monitoring to ensure reliability and performance.
  • Mentor other engineers through code reviews, technical guidance, and knowledge sharing.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, product, and UX teams to ensure business value and user impact.
  • Contribute to long-term technical strategy while remaining close to the details of execution.

This role is a pathway to senior technical leadership or people management-your growth is determined by your impact, not by tenure.

Cash Compensation
  • Total cash compensation is generally around $235,000 to $310,000 and includes a profit sharing based on company profitability.
  • You will also receive a relocation stipend and signing bonus.

Benefits

Growth & Learning
  • 100% tuition reimbursement
  • Informal and formal mentorship
  • Employee resource groups

Health & Wellbeing
  • Medical, dental, pharmacy, and vision plans with no monthly premiums
  • Inclusive, all-gender benefits

Family & Future
  • Paid parental leave for all new parents
  • Adoption and surrogacy assistance
  • First-time home buyer assistance
  • Industry-leading company-funded retirement accounts

Time Off
  • Paid vacation and personal time

Who You Are

We're looking for curious, driven engineers who thrive in collaborative environments and love solving hard problems. Ideal candidates will have:
  • Experience designing and delivering large-scale, service-oriented systems.
  • Strong proficiency in compiled languages such as C#, Java, C++, or Rust.
  • A thoughtful, analytical approach to problem-solving and software design.
  • Clear, confident communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Interest in mentoring, coaching, and growing as a leader.


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