Lead Software Engineer - Platform Engineering

About the role

Being good neighbors – helping people, investing in our communities, and making the world a better place – is who we are at State Farm. It is at the core of how we operate and the reason for our success. We're moving with urgency to become a Next Gen Good Neighbor, with technology that strengthens human connections and enhances the customer experience. As an employee, you'll spend less time navigating systems and more time applying judgment, empathy, and expertise in the moments that matter most.

This is a hybrid role. Qualified candidates (in or near hub locations listed below) should plan to spend time working from home and some time working in the office as part of our hybrid work environment. Hybrid work arrangement for Enterprise Technology is defined as residing within a 180-mile radius of the Hubs and Corporate.

Hub locations: Dunwoody, GA; Richardson, TX; Tempe, AZ; or Bloomington, IL.

Applicants must 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.

Responsibilities

The Infrastructure, Workplace, and Technology Services (IWTS) Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Engineering team works across a large breadth of technologies, offering unique learning opportunities. IWTS Engineering teams focus on hands-on prototyping, research efforts, and Proof of Concepts (POCs) without day-to-day support obligations.

• Collaborate with ET product teams to understand and evaluate technical requirements that may result in infrastructure offering modifications.
• Work closely with the IWTS Service Delivery teams and a Managed Service Provider (MSP) to evaluate and validate proposed technical solutions and changes.
• Partner with IWTS Area Level Architecture to identify areas of improvement, changes to architectural standards, and future state capability strategies.
• Serve as a technical resource for the Project Support Office (PSO) in validation of project estimates and requirements or as a technical resource on defined projects.
• Focus on IaaS Engineering with a specialty in platform engineering, Virtual Machine (VM) provisioning, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC)/automation.
• Expand knowledge to other IaaS technologies and influence future infrastructure designs.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to technical direction, platform standards, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Required:

• Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., Go, Python).
• Proficiency with containerization and container orchestration technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proficiency with Git and modern version control practices.
• Proficiency in designing and developing APIs.
• Intermediate knowledge of infrastructure concepts/design.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as a results-driven self-starter with a passion for research, hands-on proof-of-concept development, and continuous learning.
• Ability to identify technical challenges, evaluate options, and independently develop innovative solutions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex software and infrastructure issues.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively across teams, document research findings/POC results/architectural decisions, and showcase technical solutions to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with vendors and external technology partners.
• Ability to represent State Farm professionally at industry conferences, technical events, and other external engagements.

Preferred:

• Understanding of platform engineering principles and objectives.
• Understanding of server virtualization concepts.
• Understanding of monitoring, observability, reporting, and logging tools to support system performance, reliability, and availability.
• Proficiency in developing, maintaining, and utilizing GitOps.
• Working knowledge of security principles, governance, risk management, and compliance processes.
• Demonstrated ability to foster innovation, encourage diverse perspectives, and incorporate new ideas into technical solutions and team practices.
• Relevant industry certifications in infrastructure, cloud platforms, virtualization, or related technical disciplines.

Pay

Compensation is based on a standard 38:45-hour work week. Potential starting salary range: $110,000 - $160,000. Starting salary will be based on skills, background, and experience. The high end of the range is limited to applicants with significant relevant experience. Potential yearly incentive pay up to 15% of base salary.

Benefits

• Get Paid: Eligible for an annual raise and bonus.
• Stay Well: Robust health and wellbeing programs. State Farm pays most of your healthcare premium, with multiple plan options including a high-deductible plan. All medical plans provide 100% coverage for in-network preventative care. Access to vision, dental, telemedicine, 24/7 mental health professionals, and more.
• Develop and Grow: Educational benefits including training programs, tuition assistance, employee resource groups, and mentoring.
• Plan Ahead: Benefits like fertility/IVF/adoption assistance, college coaching, national discount programs, financial workshops, free financial coaching, and savings/financing options through State Farm Federal Credit Union.
• Take a Little “You” Time: Generous time off policies including 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.
• Give Back: Matching Gift Program, Good Neighbor Grant Program, and Employee Assistance Fund.
• Finish Strong: Retirement planning with free financial advisors and a 401(k) plan with company contributions of up to 7% of your salary.