Lead Software Engineer - Platform Engineering

The Infrastructure, Workplace, and Technology Services (IWTS) Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Engineering team works across a large breadth of technologies allowing a unique learning opportunity amongst the team. IWTS Engineering teams have the freedom to focus on hands-on prototyping, research efforts, and Proof of Concepts (POCs) without day-to-day support obligations. IWTS Engineering teams are responsible for collaborating with ET product teams to understand and evaluate technical requirements that may result in infrastructure offering modifications. IWTS Engineering teams will work closely with the IWTS Service Delivery teams and a Managed Service Provider (MSP) to evaluate and validate proposed technical solutions and changes. IWTS Engineering teams will work closely with IWTS Area Level Architecture to identify areas of improvement, changes to architectural standards, and future state capability strategies. Additionally, IWTS Engineering teams work with the Project Support Office (PSO) as technical resources in validation of project estimates and requirements or as technical resources on defined projects. This position is focused on IaaS Engineering with a specialty in platform engineering, Virtual Machine (VM) provisioning, and Infrastructure as Code(IaC)/automation. There are several opportunities within the team to expand knowledge to other IaaS technologies and influence future infrastructure designs. As a member of the IWTS IaaS Engineering team, you will be challenged and empowered to grow professionally. We appreciate your interest in this role.

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.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to technical direction, platform standards, and continuous improvement.
• 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/proof-of-concept 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 principals 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., * 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.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to technical direction, platform standards, and continuous improvement.
• 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/proof-of-concept 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 principals 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.

Pulled from the full job description

• Tuition reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Health insurance
• Employee discount
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Bereavement leave, Because work-life balance is a priority at State Farm, compensation is based on our standard 38:45-hour work week!
• Potential starting salary range: $110,000 - $160,000
• Starting salary will be based on skills, background, and experience
• High end of the range limited to applicants with significant relevant experience
• Potential yearly incentive pay up to 15% of base salary

At State Farm, we offer more than just a paycheck. Check out our suite of benefits designed to give you the flexibility you need to take care of you and your family!

• Get Paid! On top of our competitive pay, you are eligible for an annual raise and bonus.
• Stay Well! Focus on you and your family’s health with our robust health and wellbeing programs. State Farm pays most of your healthcare premium, and we offer multiple healthcare plan options, including a high deductible plan. All medical plans provide 100% coverage for in-network preventative care, AND you and your family have access to vision, dental, telemedicine, 24/7 mental health professionals, and much more!
• Develop and Grow! Take advantage of educational benefits like industry leading training programs, top-notch tuition assistance programs, employee resource groups, and mentoring.
• Plan Ahead! Plan for those big moments in life with benefits like fertility/IVF/adoption assistance, college coaching, national discount programs, interactive monthly financial workshops, free financial coaching, and more. You can also start a savings account or consider financing through our State Farm Federal Credit Union!
• Take a Little “You” Time! You will have access to our generous time off policies designed so you can plan around holidays, family events, volunteering, or just to take a relaxing day off. With the opportunity to initially earn 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, there will be plenty of time for you!
• Give Back! We offer several ways to give back through our Matching Gift Program, Good Neighbor Grant Program, and the Employee Assistance Fund.
• Finish Strong! Plan for retirement using free financial advisors and a 401(k) plan with company contributions of up to 7% of your salary.

The Infrastructure, Workplace, and Technology Services (IWTS) Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Engineering team works across a large breadth of technologies allowing a unique learning opportunity amongst the team. IWTS Engineering teams have the freedom to focus on hands-on prototyping, research efforts, and Proof of Concepts (POCs) without day-to-day support obligations. IWTS Engineering teams are responsible for collaborating with ET product teams to understand and evaluate technical requirements that may result in infrastructure offering modifications. IWTS Engineering teams will work closely with the IWTS Service Delivery teams and a Managed Service Provider (MSP) to evaluate and validate proposed technical solutions and changes. IWTS Engineering teams will work closely with IWTS Area Level Architecture to identify areas of improvement, changes to architectural standards, and future state capability strategies. Additionally, IWTS Engineering teams work with the Project Support Office (PSO) as technical resources in validation of project estimates and requirements or as technical resources on defined projects. This position is focused on IaaS Engineering with a specialty in platform engineering, Virtual Machine (VM) provisioning, and Infrastructure as Code(IaC)/automation. There are several opportunities within the team to expand knowledge to other IaaS technologies and influence future infrastructure designs. As a member of the IWTS IaaS Engineering team, you will be challenged and empowered to grow professionally. We appreciate your interest in this role.