Lead Backend Engineer - C++/.NET Core Hybrid

Innova Solutions is seeking a seasoned Lead Backend Engineer with deep expertise in C++ and .NET Core to take ownership of a complex backend ecosystem powering a mission-critical desktop application. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on codebase mastery, team coaching, and architectural refinement. You'll lead efforts to clean up legacy code, enforce consistency, and modernize build pipelines within a Kubernetes-based infrastructure. Candidates are expected to be local to KC MO and willing/able to work onsite 2 days per week starting out This Position is a contract to hire that does NOT offer sponsorship. Must be able to work on W2 at FTE conversion.

What You'll Do Lead and mentor a team of backend developers, fostering growth through coaching and technical guidance Dive deep into a C++ codebase to understand architecture, identify inconsistencies, and drive cleanup initiatives Overhaul and optimize middleware tier built in .NET Core, ensuring scalability and maintainability Tightly manage dependencies and build processes, improving reliability and reducing friction across environments Collaborate cross-functionally to align backend architecture with product goals and deployment strategies Champion clean code principles, enforce standards, and drive consistency across the backend stack Operate within a Kubernetes cluster, contributing to deployment and orchestration improvements What You Bring 15+ years of professional experience in software engineering, with deep expertise in C++ and .NET Core Proven track record of leading backend teams, mentoring developers, and improving code quality Strong understanding of desktop application architecture, especially in tightly coupled systems Experience with middleware design, dependency management, and build optimization Familiarity with Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, and containerized environments Passion for clean code, refactoring, and building maintainable systems Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset

Bonus Points Experience modernizing legacy systems or migrating monoliths to microservices Knowledge of DevOps practices and infrastructure-as-code Prior work in high-performance or resource-constrained environments

PAY RANGE AND BENEFITS:$60-100/hour pay range offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors, including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc.Benefits: Innova Solutions offers benefits( based on eligibility) that include the following: Medical & pharmacy coverage, Dental/vision insurance, 401(k), Health saving account (HSA) and Flexible spending account (FSA), Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, Short term and Long term Disability, Accident & Critical illness coverage, Pre-paid legal & ID theft protection, Sick time, and other types of paid leaves (as required by law), Employee Assistance Program (EAP).ABOUT INNOVA SOLUTIONS: Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Innova Solutions employs approximately 50,000 professionals worldwide and reports an annual revenue approaching $3 Billion. Through our global delivery centers across North America, Asia, and Europe, we deliver strategic technology and business transformation solutions to our clients, enabling them to operate as leaders within their fields.Website: https://www.innovasolutions.com/ Innova Solutions offers a referral bonus for qualified Ambassadors who refer eligible referrals. Submit referrals at https://innovasolutions.workllama.com/atsuser/anonreferafriend and earn $250-$1,000 per referral.Innova Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits any kind of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Innova Solutions is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national origin, citizenship, social or ethnic origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by the statutes, rules, and regulations in the locations where it operates. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, please contact us at hr@innovasolutions.com or (770) 493-5588. Please indicate the specifics of the assistance needed. Innova Solutions encourages all interested and qualified candidates to apply for employment opportunities. Innova Solutions (HireGenics/Volt) does not discriminate against applicants based on citizenship status, immigration status, or national origin, in accordance with 8 U.S.C. § 1324b.The company will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner that complies with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.