Lead Software Engineer

About the Role

AutoNation is seeking a hands-on Lead Software Engineer to help design and deliver digital platforms used by our customers, Associates, and business operations nationwide. You will write and review production code, guide technical decisions, mentor engineers, and partner with product, architecture, quality engineering, delivery, and application operations teams.

Our platforms use Java, AWS, microservices, APIs, and modern data technologies. You will also help advance AutoNation's person-centered approach to AI-enabled engineering - applying leading-edge AI capabilities to improve quality, accelerate feedback, and help teams focus on meaningful customer and business problems while preserving human judgment and accountability.

What You'll Do

• Lead the design, development, testing, implementation, and operation of scalable, highly available software products.

• Remain hands-on by contributing production code, reviewing designs and code, and troubleshooting complex technical issues.

• Translate product and business objectives into practical architecture, technical plans, estimates, and delivery priorities.

• Mentor engineers and promote strong practices in software design, automated testing, security, reliability, observability, and DevOps.

• Develop reusable solution patterns in partnership with architecture and other engineering teams.

• Balance delivery speed with maintainability, operational readiness, and long-term platform health.

• Communicate technical decisions, risks, dependencies, and tradeoffs clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Help teams adopt AI-assisted development practices responsibly across requirements, design, coding, testing, documentation, troubleshooting, and code review.

What You Bring

• Eight or more years of Java software-development experience with progressively increasing technical responsibility.

• Experience providing technical leadership to a team of at least three software engineers.

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.

• Experience designing and delivering large-scale, highly available, mission-critical systems.

• Strong knowledge of Java-based microservices or multi-tier architectures, REST APIs, JSON, OAuth, SQL, relational databases, and data modeling.

• Strong solution-design, architectural decision-making, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Experience working within Agile or another structured software-delivery methodology.

Preferred Experience

• AWS or another major cloud platform; cloud-native architecture; distributed systems; automated delivery; observability; and modern DevOps practices.

• AI-assisted software-engineering tools and methodologies, or a strong interest in helping teams adopt them responsibly.

• Ecommerce, retail, automotive, financial services, or consumer-facing digital platforms.

Why AutoNation?

• Lead high-impact engineering work across a nationwide organization while remaining close to the technology.

• Influence architecture, engineering practices, product delivery, and the growth of other engineers.

• Help shape how AutoNation applies person-centered AI across the software-development lifecycle.

• Join a team focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and measurable customer and business outcomes.

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated base salary: $130,000-$170,000 annually, plus eligibility for the company annual bonus program. Program terms and payouts are determined at the company's discretion and are subject to change. AutoNation offers competitive compensation, 401(k) matching, health, dental and vision plans, family-support benefits, Associate vehicle and service discounts, YouDecide offers, and opportunities to support our DRV PNK mission.

Work Authorization

At this time, we are not considering applicants who require employment authorization sponsorship (1) as a condition of eligibility for employment with the Company or (2) at any point during the term of their employment. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship by the Company.

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Exciting Benefits and Perks Await You:

• Competitive compensation and 401k matching

• Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with insurance plans (health, dental, vision) and maternity benefits.

• Associate purchase and discount programs for new and pre-owned vehicles, services, parts, collision, accessories, and AutoGear

• Access amazing deals and discounts through YouDecide, a website with offers from top providers and retailers

• Join our DRVPNK mission to raise and donate millions of dollars to cancer research and treatment, partnering with cancer charities nationwide

AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, offering innovative products, exceptional services, and comprehensive solutions, empowering our customers to make the best decisions for their needs. With a network of dealerships nationwide strengthened by a recognized brand, we offer a wide variety of new and used vehicles, customer financing, parts, and provide expert maintenance and repair services. Through DRV PNK, we have raised over $40 million for cancer-related causes, demonstrating our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our Associates, Customers, and the communities we serve.

AutoNation is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in our workplace and the services we provide. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who are passionate about making a positive impact. Even if you do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and help us foster a culture of belonging while contributing to our revolutionary work in the automotive industry. We value innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world.