State Farm

Lead Software Engineer

State Farm • $120K — $135K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Advanced experience in Java and enterprise software development.
  • Hands-on skills with Spring Boot and RESTful APIs, alongside proficiency in front-end frameworks like React or Angular.
  • Deep knowledge of relational databases such as PostgreSQL or DB2, focusing on data design and integration patterns.
  • Experience with a variety of systems including mainframe, Linux, AWS, and public cloud services.
  • Familiarity with Git workflows, DevOps tools like GitLab CI/CD, and observability instruments like Dynatrace.
  • Strong software engineering fundamentals including secure coding and CI/CD practices.
  • Proficiency with infrastructure-as-code tools such as Terraform.

Responsibilities

  • Design, build, test, secure, deploy, and support full-stack web solutions that leverage SFPP mainframe capabilities.
  • Maintain and enhance SFPP architecture in collaboration with technical teams.
  • Deliver improvements for SFPP and associated billing applications and services.
  • Translate business requirements into effective technical solutions and communicate limitations clearly.
  • Develop and maintain APIs, UI components, and integration solutions for payment processing.
  • Participate in modernization initiatives, such as cloud migration and technology refresh efforts.
  • Provide mentorship and guidance to fellow engineers, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing.

Benefits

  • Competitive annual compensation with the opportunity for yearly raises and bonus.
  • Comprehensive health and wellbeing programs, with most healthcare premiums covered.
  • Educational benefits including training programs and tuition assistance.
  • Generous time off policies, including up to 20 days annually plus parental and bereavement leave.
  • Retirement planning resources, including a 401(k) plan with company contributions up to 7%.
  • Support for community involvement through matching gifts and grant programs.
Full Job Description
HYBRID Qualified candidates must live within a 180-mile radius of a hub location listed below and should plan to spend time working from home and some time working in the office as part of our hybrid work environment.
HUB LOCATIONS: Bloomington, IL


SPONSORSHIP: Applicants for this position are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the U.S. immediately; employer will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work authorization (e.g. H-1B visa) for this opportunity.

Grow Your Skills, Grow Your Potential

Responsibilities

The Billing and Payments Area is seeking two Lead Software Engineers to support State Farm Payment Plan (SFPP) at the expected job level. The team supports SFPP mainframe and web systems and owns Consent, which manages approval for recurring automated bill payments. Engineers within the team support mainframe, web, services, data, and batch capabilities, with some working across multiple technology stacks however this posting is seeking web engineering skills with the mainframe skills being an added bonus to work across our entire stack. One primary effort is utilizing Artificial Intelligence to see how much of our mainframe system we can migrate over into our web technology stack.

The team partners with business and technology stakeholders to deliver user interfaces, data services, APIs, and batch processing for Agency, Operations, and the Customer Contact Center. SFPP includes stable, business-critical systems that require ongoing maintenance, technical upgrades, security improvements, and targeted business enhancements.

As a Lead Software Engineer, you will design, build, test, secure, deploy, and support full-stack web solutions that integrate with mainframe capabilities. You will influence technical and product direction, maintain high quality and availability for business-critical payment systems, resolve complex issues, and mentor engineers while partnering with leads, Technology Analysts, the Engineering Manager, and stakeholders across the organization.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, build, test, secure, deploy, and support full-stack web solutions that depend on SFPP mainframe capabilities.
  • Maintain the current SFPP architecture while partnering with engineers, leads, and architecture partners on needed changes.
  • Deliver enhancements for SFPP and related Billing and Payments applications and services.
  • Translate business needs into reliable technical solutions and explain technical upgrades or constraints in clear business terms.
  • Develop and maintain APIs, UI components, batch processes, data movement solutions, and integration patterns for payment capabilities.
  • Participate in modernization efforts, including cloud migration, platform upgrades, container adoption, and technology refresh work.
  • Build and enhance applications using Java, Spring Boot, JavaScript, and related technologies; Python experience is beneficial.
  • Diagnose complex production and non-production issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement long-term stability improvements.
  • Apply strong engineering practices across security, source control, CI/CD, unit testing, observability, containers, Linux, mainframe, cloud, and databases.
  • Help shape SFPP technical direction by balancing modernization, business priorities, operational stability, and maintainability.
  • Champion user experience improvements across usability, consistency, accessibility, reliability, and supportability.
  • Mentor engineers through technical guidance, training, code review, work coordination, and delivery support.
  • Promote inner source practices through reusable code, documentation, shared patterns, and collaboration across teams and guilds.
  • Use AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, OpenCode, and Codex with sound engineering judgment and quality controls.


Qualifications

  • Advanced experience developing and supporting Java applications and enterprise software solutions.
  • Experience with Spring Boot, RESTful APIs, and modern frontend frameworks such as React or Angular.
  • Advanced understanding of relational databases such as PostgreSQL or DB2, including data design, data movement, and integration patterns.
  • Experience delivering solutions across mainframe, Linux, AWS, ROSA, public cloud services, and container environments.
  • Experience with Git-based workflows, code review, automated testing, GitLab CI/CD, Dynatrace, or similar DevOps and observability tools.
  • Strong software engineering fundamentals, including secure coding, maintainable design, source control, unit testing, and CI/CD.
  • Experience with infrastructure-as-code tools such as Terraform.
  • Experience supporting high-volume, business-critical enterprise applications and distributed systems.
  • Strong analytical skills for troubleshooting complex application, data, integration, and production support issues.
  • Ability to collaborate with technical teams, business partners, product partners, and leaders across the organization.
  • Ability to help define product vision and technical direction while balancing delivery, modernization, quality, and operations.
  • Experience mentoring engineers, leading technical design discussions, and influencing quality engineering practices.
  • Self-motivated learner with strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical topics clearly.
  • Experience using AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, Codex, or OpenCode.
  • Experience participating in modernization, cloud migration, platform upgrade, container adoption, or technology refresh initiatives.
  • Experience contributing to technical communities, guilds, reusable patterns, shared documentation, or inner source initiatives.
  • Demonstrated leadership competencies with ability to be a role model within the team and professionally manage conflicts.

Preferred Skills
  • Experience developing applications within the State Farm technology environment.
  • Understanding of State Farm's organizational structure or demonstrated ability to navigate a large enterprise.
  • Knowledge of Billing and Payment systems.
  • Experience with State Farm Design System or similar design systems for consistent, accessible user experiences.

Our Benefits

Because work-life balance is a priority at State Farm, compensation is based on our standard 38:45-hour work week!

  • Potential starting salary range: $120,000 - $135,000
    • Starting salary will be based on skills, background, and experience
    • High end of the range limited to applicants with significant relevant experience
  • Potential yearly incentive pay up to 15% of base salary


At State Farm, we offer more than just a paycheck. Check out our suite of benefits designed to give you the flexibility you need to take care of you and your family!

  • Get Paid! On top of our competitive pay, you are eligible for an annual raise and bonus.
  • Stay Well! Focus on you and your family's health with our robust health and wellbeing programs. State Farm pays most of your healthcare premium, and we offer multiple healthcare plan options, including a high deductible plan. All medical plans provide 100% coverage for in-network preventative care, AND you and your family have access to vision, dental, telemedicine, 24/7 mental health professionals, and much more!
  • Develop and Grow! Take advantage of educational benefits like industry leading training programs, top-notch tuition assistance programs, employee resource groups, and mentoring.
  • Plan Ahead! Plan for those big moments in life with benefits like fertility/IVF/adoption assistance, college coaching, national discount programs, interactive monthly financial workshops, free financial coaching, and more. You can also start a savings account or consider financing through our State Farm Federal Credit Union!
  • Take a Little "You" Time! You will have access to our generous time off policies designed so you can plan around holidays, family events, volunteering, or just to take a relaxing day off. With the opportunity to initially earn up to 20 days annually plus parental leave, paid holidays, celebration day, life leave (40 hours/year), bereavement leave, and community service/education support days, there will be plenty of time for you!
  • Give Back! We offer several ways to give back through our Matching Gift Program, Good Neighbor Grant Program, and the Employee Assistance Fund.
  • Finish Strong! Plan for retirement using free financial advisors and a 401(k) plan with company contributions of up to 7% of your salary.


About State Farm

State Farm is a large group of insurance companies throughout the United States. State Farm participates in many online communities they want these to be places where people can share, discuss and discover great information and ideas. In keeping with the spirit of these communities they have a core set of guidelines for everyone to follow. These will make their State Farm online communities a place everyone can enjoy.

State Farm Careers

Joining State Farm means becoming part of a community of driven professionals dedicated to innovation and leadership in the insurance industry. As one of the leading insurance providers, State Farm offers unparalleled job opportunities and career growth prospects within a culture that values diversity and inclusion.

Work You’ll Do

At State Farm, your work will directly contribute to our mission of helping people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. Our team is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Empower Your Professional Growth

State Farm is not just about insurance; it's about fostering a culture of continuous professional development and leadership. With a variety of career paths available, the potential for growth is limitless. Whether you're looking to advance in claims handling, underwriting, marketing, or customer service, State Farm provides the training and support needed to advance your career.

Innovate with Us

Our commitment to innovation is fundamental to our success. At State Farm, you will work alongside industry experts to develop solutions that not only meet current customer needs but also anticipate future trends in the insurance industry. Our collaborative environment encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking to drive innovation and efficiency.

Join Our Diverse Team

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our company culture. State Farm believes that a diverse workforce fosters better decision-making and more effective teams. We are committed to providing diversity training and networking opportunities that enhance the skills and potential of all team members.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

State Farm offers a range of internship and employment opportunities that provide hands-on experience in the insurance industry. Our internships are designed to give you a solid foundation in your chosen field, while full-time positions offer benefits and the chance to work as part of a dynamic team.

Benefits of Working at State Farm

Choosing a career at State Farm means enjoying a competitive package of benefits that support both your professional and personal life. From health and wellness programs to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are well taken care of.

How to Apply

Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore the open positions on our State Farm Jobs page. Tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that align with the position you are interested in. Prepare for your interview by researching common questions and practicing your responses. Our hiring process is designed to identify passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to make a difference.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at State Farm by following our Careers Blog. Here, you’ll find career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights that you can put to use today—all from the people who work here.

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at State Farm. Join State Farm today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a commitment to its employees.
Learn more about State Farm
Size
58,000 employees
Industry

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at State Farm

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Lead Software Engineer jobs: