Lead Software Engineer (External Tools)

For over 18 years, Catalist has been a leader in civic data and data science innovation. Our mission is to provide progressive organizations with the data, software, and services needed to better identify, understand, and communicate with the people they need to engage and mobilize. Our clients include the largest, most influential organizations in the U.S. active in civic engagement, advocacy, and political campaigns.

Catalist is home to a dedicated, creative team of technologists, data scientists, and campaign experts committed to using our talents and technology to nurture a vibrant and growing progressive community.

We are looking for a dedicated Lead Software Engineer to project manage our External Tools development team. The successful candidate will play a critical role in leading development efforts, assisting other developers on the team to meet project goals, and ensuring high-quality code standards. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and consistency of our software development efforts while acting as a key technical resource within the organization.

This position reports to the Director of Software Engineering.

This position is included in our CWA bargaining unit.

• Assist the team with meeting day-to-day tasks and completing technical aspects of the work
• Act as a point of contact for technical issues, providing consultation, assistance, and mentorship to team members
• Ensure the team adheres to technical best practices and meets project goals
• Carry out management-directed decisions related to technical implementation and task assignments
• Resolve immediate technical issues alongside the team
• Actively participate in coding, troubleshooting, or designing solutions
• Serve as the technical authority for all client-facing tools workflows and processes, providing insights and solutions
• Oversee the client facing tools infrastructure as top-tier components: M Tool, Q Tool, CEPI, APIs, Fusion
• Ensure code quality through thorough reviews, enforcing best practices, and maintaining high standards across the development team
• Maintain an understanding of all tools and applications within their scope of projects
• Act as a technical backup for their team
• Collaborate closely with the lead developer to ensure consistency across projects and contribute to system-wide implementation decisions
• Act as a bridge between their team and management, translating technical challenges into concise updates for managers

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, a related field, or the equivalent in work experience
• 7 years of software development experience, with at least 2 years in a project lead role
• Strong technical proficiency in relevant programming languages and technologies including Java, Python, Bash, SQL
• Strong understanding of software development methodologies and best practices
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on teamwork, collaboration, and mentorship
• Background check required

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug

Catalist offers Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug coverage for eligible staff and their eligible dependents. Catalist’s Medical plan is a comprehensive PPO program including Prescription Drug coverage with 85% of the premium paid by Catalist. Dental and Vision coverage is provided at no cost to employees.

Group Term Life Insurance and Long-Term & Short-Term Disability Coverage

Group Term Life Insurance and Long-Term and Short-Term Disability coverage is available for eligible staff. These benefits are provided at no cost to Catalist employees.

401(k) Safe Harbor Plan

A 401(k) Safe Harbor Plan is available to eligible staff with a 3% contribution from Catalist from the date of hire. Employees may contribute pre-tax or post-tax from their salary up to the legal limits set forth by the IRS.

Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Catalist offers an FSA Program that gives eligible staff the ability to pay out-of-pocket medical/dental/vision/child care expenses from pre-tax earnings.

Transit Benefits

Catalist also makes available a Transit benefit FSA program to eligible employees using pre-tax contributions with a company match.

Professional Development and Remote Work Expenses

Eligible employees may be reimbursed up to $750 each year for professional development / education and remote work expenses.

Student Loan PayDown or SaveUp

Catalist offers a Student Loan PayDown and College SaveUp benefit for eligible staff.

Vacation, Personal Leave, Sick Leave Benefits

Catalist offers generous vacation benefits to all eligible staff. Eligible employees also receive:

- 14 Paid Holidays

- Personal Days

- Sick Leave

- Parental Leave

Hybrid Office/Remote Work

Certain positions at Catalist are eligible for Office/Remote Hybrid or full Remote status.

Salary : $114,000 - $122,000