Lead Software Engineer / Solutions Architect

Job DescriptionJob Description

Lead Software Engineer / Solutions Architect

Clay Cooley Automotive Group's journey to success is rooted back 25 years ago to Clay's early experiences in DFW's automotive industry. As a premier dealer group, we continue to provide the best buying experience, and we need YOU to accompany us and join our growing successful family!

Clay Cooley Auto Group is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Lead Software Engineer / Solutions Architect to anchor our new in-house development team. You will be instrumental in shaping our technological roadmap, designing robust solutions, and leading the implementation of critical systems that will revolutionize our dealership operations. This role offers unparalleled autonomy to architect solutions and the chance to directly influence strategic business outcomes.

Employee Compensation Package:

• Paid Time Off, Holiday pay, and Company paid life insurance
• Medical, dental, vision, , critical illness, accident, and hospital insurance plans available
• Flexible spending account and employee assistance program accessible
• Retirement Savings Plans (401K / ROTH) plus company matching
• Employee Discounts

Role Prerequisites:

• • Education and experience:
    • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience is essential.
    • 7+ years of progressive experience in software development, with at least 2-3 years in a lead or architect role. Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git), front-end technologies (e.g., JavaScript, React).
    • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
    • Proven ability to translate complex business problems into elegant and scalable technical solutions.
  • Expertise in the following:
    • Python programming and version control systems (e.g., Git) for backend development and scripting.
    • SQL database design, administration, and optimization.
    • Microsoft Azure cloud services (e.g., Azure SQL Database, Azure Functions, Virtual Machines); including databases and integration services.
    • JSON data structures and RESTful API design/consumption
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI), LLM integration/API, and business process automation.

Role Responsibilities:

• Technical Leadership & Architecture:
  • Serve as the primary technical leader, defining and driving the architectural vision for all in-house developed applications and systems.
  • Lead the design, development, and implementation of scalable, secure, and high-performance software solutions from conception to deployment.
  • Establish and enforce coding standards, best practices, and quality assurance processes within the team.
  • Evaluate, select, and recommend new technologies, tools, and methodologies, with a particular emphasis on Azure services, advanced database solutions, and emerging AI capabilities.
• Project Management & Team Mentorship:
  • Translate complex business requirements from senior leadership and operations teams into clear, actionable technical specifications and development tasks.
  • Effectively plan, prioritize, and manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables to ensure successful project completion.
  • Provide expert mentorship and guidance to the Junior Software Developer, fostering their professional growth, conducting thorough code reviews, and ensuring alignment with project goals.
  • Act as the main technical liaison between the development team and business stakeholders.
• Full-Stack Development & Implementation:
  • Design, develop, and maintain robust back-end systems using Python, ensuring high performance and data integrity.
  • Architect, manage, and optimize Azure SQL Database environments, including schema design, query optimization, and data security.
  • Work extensively with APIs for efficient data interchange and seamless integration
  • Integrate and manage third-party APIs and services relevant to dealership operations (e.g., DMS, CRM, marketing platforms).
• Innovation & Business Logic:
  • Proactively identify opportunities and propose innovative applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to optimize dealership processes (e.g., predictive maintenance, inventory optimization, customer behavior analytics, lead scoring).
  • Design and implement complex business logic to automate workflows, streamline operations, and enhance data-driven decision-making across sales, service, and finance departments.
  • Stay at the forefront of AI advancements and their practical applications within the automotive retail sector.

Job Type:

Full-time

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants must be 18 years or older and be authorized to work in the United States. Applicants must have valid identification and must complete the pre-employment screening.