Marketing - Lead Developer

Message From Hiring Manager
As someone who has hired and managed people for years, I believe it’s important that a job posting outlines not just the job’s responsibilities, but what it would actually be like working in that role. I also believe that while we have jobs to earn a living, we have work fields to fulfill what we feel is our purpose. I’m looking for people who find purpose in exploring problems and building solutions that solve those problems - innovating and collaborating with customers and team members along the way. I’m here to empower our team members at TOPS Products to pursue that purpose in a way that aligns with our business mission. If this sounds like a fit, then I encourage you to apply so we can discuss further.

Thank you.
Position Summary
TOPS Products, a leader in the tax software industry, is seeking an experienced Lead Developer to guide our product development team through the entire lifecycle of innovative tax software solutions. This pivotal role involves leading product discovery, understanding user needs, and crafting intuitive, high-quality software using Microsoft .NET Core with MVC, JavaScript, and other technologies. The ideal candidate will drive projects from concept to launch, emphasizing prototyping, user testing, and iterative development, while ensuring the implementation of robust security measures and efficient database management with Azure SQL Database.

As the Lead Developer at TOPS Products, you will mentor a team of developers, instill best practices in software engineering such as unit testing, code reviews, and CI/CD processes, and maintain a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Your role will also involve close collaboration with stakeholders to align technical solutions with business goals and user needs. This position requires a strong technical background, leadership skills, and a deep commitment to delivering exceptional user experiences in the tax software domain.
Location
St. Louis, MO
Key Responsibilities

Lead the product discovery process, working closely with users to understand their needs, and ideating innovative solutions to complex tax preparation challenges.

Drive the development lifecycle of tax software solutions from concept to launch, emphasizing prototyping, user testing, and iteration.

Implement robust software solutions using Microsoft .NET Core with MVC, ensuring responsive and intuitive application design with JavaScript, Bootstrap, and SASS/CSS.

Uphold secure programming practices by leveraging Microsoft Identity for authentication and authorization.

Design and manage efficient and scalable database solutions using Microsoft Entity Framework and Azure SQL Database, tailored to the high-demand tax sector.

Instill best practices in software development and testing within the team, including unit testing, code reviews, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), vulnerability mitigation, and performance optimization.

Mentor and lead a team of developers, promoting a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Act as a liaison between the development team and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication of technical challenges and project progress.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.

Minimum of 8 years’ experience in software development.

Proven experience leading product discovery phases, including user research, prototyping, and user testing.

Expertise in Microsoft .NET Core with MVC, JavaScript, Bootstrap, SASS/CSS, Microsoft Identity, and Microsoft Entity Framework.

Strong background in Azure SQL Database and cloud architectures, with a focus on security and scalability.

Demonstrated ability to mentor developers, instill best practices in software engineering, and lead by example in development and testing disciplines.

Exceptional problem-solving skills, along with excellent communication and project management abilities.

Familiarity with Agile and DevOps methodologies, and a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation in a fast-paced industry.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with tax and/or compliance software, demonstrating knowledge in government integrations or regulations.

Certifications in .NET Core, Azure, or related technologies.

A portfolio showcasing innovative software solutions.

Master’s degree in a related field.