Churchill Downs Incorporated
TwinSpires is the premier online horse racing wagering platform in the United States. TwinSpires is owned and operated by Churchill Downs, Inc., and is the official online betting partner of the Kentucky Derby, bringing you more than 148 years of wagering experience. Players can wager through the TwinSpires desktop, mobile, and app-based advance-deposit wagering platforms as well as at retail locations and race tracks across the country.
JOB SUMMARY
The Lead Software Engineer will work as a part of a larger team to design and develop custom software solutions that meet the needs of the business. This role will also participate as a kanban team member and must join in mutually deliverable goals. They will have to coordinate efforts that maximize the contributions of the group. The ideal candidate will have strong software engineering and problem-solving skills and a desire to write testable and highly scalable solutions. Provides technical leadership and mentoring but does not directly manage team members
Job Location : In Office (Louisville or Lexington, KY)
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Collaborate with peers and team members to design, write, and support user-facing features that further the organization's objectives. Deliver features by writing code using Angular, Java, and Python within AWS cloud infrastructure Design and develop full-stack applications with Angular frontend, Java/Python backend services, and AWS managed databases (Aurora, DynamoDB) Architect and implement serverless solutions using AWS Lambda for scalable microservices Identify areas of the technology and architecture that need to be improved/updated. Propose technologies, processes, fixes, etc. Help the team identify risks, make them known, and mitigate, if possible. Promptly escalate issues, which affect product delivery and quality that are beyond scope of influence Set an example for the team and gain respect by the quality of work (practice what is preached), character (fair, honest, helpful, professional, admit mistakes, etc.), demeanor (can-do attitude) Help the team avoid and reduce technical debt Mentor new and junior delivery team members on cloud-native development practices and modern web technologies Represent the team to management Research new technologies, techniques, and industry developments, particularly in cloud computing, modern web frameworks, and AI-assisted development tools Leverage AI-powered development tools like GitHub Copilot to enhance productivity while maintaining code quality and understanding potential limitations Design and participate in developing front-end application and back-end business services interaction protocols (e.g., REST APIs, Web Services) for consumer-facing products Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines using AWS services and industry best practices Champions team upskilling by mentoring, teaching, training, and coaching to improve personal and team best practices and skill sets. Document and troubleshoot defects as required to maintain a successful and resilient platform Other duties as assigned by Management. REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Excellent verbal and written communication skills Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software Organizational skills with attention to detail Ability to identify and address the needs of users Thorough understanding of software development best practices and procedures Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks Strong development skills in Object-Oriented Programming and MVC/MVVM patterns Experience with modern JavaScript frameworks, particularly Angular Proficiency in Java development and understanding of enterprise Java patterns Knowledge of Python for serverless and automation solutions Understanding of cloud-native architecture and AWS services Experience with AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot) and understanding of their appropriate use in professional development environments Highly effective oral and written communication; ability to explain complex designs and relationships Ability to be licensed as an Employee by various racing and gaming jurisdictions in which we operate, as required Authorized to work in the US on a full-time basis EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor of Science in Information Science/Systems or equivalent experience and industry certifications 5+ years of demonstrated career progression 2+ years of web automation experience, including web service automation Experience with Angular framework and modern frontend development practices Strong Java development experience with enterprise applications Experience with Python development, particularly in serverless environments Hands-on experience with AWS services including Lambda, DynamoDB, Aurora, and other managed services Recent experience serving as a member of an Agile kanban team Experience with Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery concepts Strong communication, written, and interpersonal skills (required to establish and maintain interdepartmental relationships) Experience developing consumer-facing applications Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, with understanding of both benefits and limitations in enterprise development Experience in the following technologies: AWS Lambda, AWS DynamoDB, AWS Aurora, Java, Angular, Python, Git, REST APIs, JSON/XML, Jenkins or similar CI/CD tools, Maven or Gradle, CSS3, HTML5, JavaScript/TypeScript PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
The following physical and mental demands are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, sometimes for prolonged periods, while working at a desk, on the phone, and the computer; type on a computer keyboard; use hands to finger, handle or feel; talk or hear; reach with hands or arms; walk or stand; and perform some repetitive motion activities. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, color differentiation, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. This position requires working effectively as part of a team and concentrating on various details when faced with interruptions and changing work priorities. The mental demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions, as described above, including but not limited to: demonstrated ability to anticipate and solve practical problems or resolve issues; reason, calculate figures and amounts; collect, interpret, and understand complex data and information, and draw valid conclusions; analyze procedures and policies; and meet schedules in a dynamic and sometimes demanding work environment. The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate. The work environment characteristics represent those employees encounter while performing this job's essential functions in a typical office environment. An employee must meet the physical demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
Work With Us
Churchill Downs Incorporated is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We're always learning, evolving and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.
Already Work Here?
Here's a link to apply internally:
Employee Login
JOB SUMMARY
The Lead Software Engineer will work as a part of a larger team to design and develop custom software solutions that meet the needs of the business. This role will also participate as a kanban team member and must join in mutually deliverable goals. They will have to coordinate efforts that maximize the contributions of the group. The ideal candidate will have strong software engineering and problem-solving skills and a desire to write testable and highly scalable solutions. Provides technical leadership and mentoring but does not directly manage team members
Job Location : In Office (Louisville or Lexington, KY)
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Collaborate with peers and team members to design, write, and support user-facing features that further the organization's objectives. Deliver features by writing code using Angular, Java, and Python within AWS cloud infrastructure Design and develop full-stack applications with Angular frontend, Java/Python backend services, and AWS managed databases (Aurora, DynamoDB) Architect and implement serverless solutions using AWS Lambda for scalable microservices Identify areas of the technology and architecture that need to be improved/updated. Propose technologies, processes, fixes, etc. Help the team identify risks, make them known, and mitigate, if possible. Promptly escalate issues, which affect product delivery and quality that are beyond scope of influence Set an example for the team and gain respect by the quality of work (practice what is preached), character (fair, honest, helpful, professional, admit mistakes, etc.), demeanor (can-do attitude) Help the team avoid and reduce technical debt Mentor new and junior delivery team members on cloud-native development practices and modern web technologies Represent the team to management Research new technologies, techniques, and industry developments, particularly in cloud computing, modern web frameworks, and AI-assisted development tools Leverage AI-powered development tools like GitHub Copilot to enhance productivity while maintaining code quality and understanding potential limitations Design and participate in developing front-end application and back-end business services interaction protocols (e.g., REST APIs, Web Services) for consumer-facing products Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines using AWS services and industry best practices Champions team upskilling by mentoring, teaching, training, and coaching to improve personal and team best practices and skill sets. Document and troubleshoot defects as required to maintain a successful and resilient platform Other duties as assigned by Management. REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Excellent verbal and written communication skills Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software Organizational skills with attention to detail Ability to identify and address the needs of users Thorough understanding of software development best practices and procedures Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks Strong development skills in Object-Oriented Programming and MVC/MVVM patterns Experience with modern JavaScript frameworks, particularly Angular Proficiency in Java development and understanding of enterprise Java patterns Knowledge of Python for serverless and automation solutions Understanding of cloud-native architecture and AWS services Experience with AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot) and understanding of their appropriate use in professional development environments Highly effective oral and written communication; ability to explain complex designs and relationships Ability to be licensed as an Employee by various racing and gaming jurisdictions in which we operate, as required Authorized to work in the US on a full-time basis EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor of Science in Information Science/Systems or equivalent experience and industry certifications 5+ years of demonstrated career progression 2+ years of web automation experience, including web service automation Experience with Angular framework and modern frontend development practices Strong Java development experience with enterprise applications Experience with Python development, particularly in serverless environments Hands-on experience with AWS services including Lambda, DynamoDB, Aurora, and other managed services Recent experience serving as a member of an Agile kanban team Experience with Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery concepts Strong communication, written, and interpersonal skills (required to establish and maintain interdepartmental relationships) Experience developing consumer-facing applications Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, with understanding of both benefits and limitations in enterprise development Experience in the following technologies: AWS Lambda, AWS DynamoDB, AWS Aurora, Java, Angular, Python, Git, REST APIs, JSON/XML, Jenkins or similar CI/CD tools, Maven or Gradle, CSS3, HTML5, JavaScript/TypeScript PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
The following physical and mental demands are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, sometimes for prolonged periods, while working at a desk, on the phone, and the computer; type on a computer keyboard; use hands to finger, handle or feel; talk or hear; reach with hands or arms; walk or stand; and perform some repetitive motion activities. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, color differentiation, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. This position requires working effectively as part of a team and concentrating on various details when faced with interruptions and changing work priorities. The mental demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions, as described above, including but not limited to: demonstrated ability to anticipate and solve practical problems or resolve issues; reason, calculate figures and amounts; collect, interpret, and understand complex data and information, and draw valid conclusions; analyze procedures and policies; and meet schedules in a dynamic and sometimes demanding work environment. The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate. The work environment characteristics represent those employees encounter while performing this job's essential functions in a typical office environment. An employee must meet the physical demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
Work With Us
Churchill Downs Incorporated is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We're always learning, evolving and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.
Already Work Here?
Here's a link to apply internally:
Employee Login