Lead Software Developer

Our Flavor — Why Whataburger

Whataburger isn’t just a fast-food burger chain it is where bold leadership starts — and where potential doesn’t just grow, it heats up. Whether you're leading the line or working behind the scenes, this is the place where opportunities stack up, and every day gives you a chance to Make a Difference.

Since 1950, we’ve invested in people who lead with integrity, Serve with Heart, and bring their best flavor to the team. We believe in working together, speaking up, having a little fun, and Winning as One — because great burgers (and great teams) start with the right ingredients. If you're ready — to learn, grow, impact, and Move Forward Boldly — we’ve got your back and your path cooked to perfection.

Your Recipe for Impact — What You’ll Do

As a Lead Software Developer, you’ll play a critical role in shaping the technology that powers our business and guest experience. You’ll lead the design and development of scalable, high-performing mobile and enterprise applications, while guiding teams to deliver innovative solutions that move our organization forward.

In this role, you’ll Make a Difference by driving impactful digital solutions that enhance how we serve our customers and operate our business. You’ll Serve with Heart by mentoring and supporting fellow developers, building a culture of collaboration and continuous growth. By partnering across teams and aligning technology with business goals, you’ll Win as One—ensuring shared success across the organization. And through innovation, technical leadership, and forward-thinking design, you’ll help us Move Forward Boldly into the future of enterprise and mobile technology.

Day-to-Day Ingredients — Responsibilities

As a Lead Software Developer, you will:

• Lead architecture, design, and development of scalable mobile and enterprise applications
• Define and enforce development standards, frameworks, and best practices
• Serve as technical authority on application architecture and emerging technologies
• Deliver complex, large-scale development initiatives across multiple teams
• Design high-performance, scalable systems and integration patterns
• Conduct advanced code reviews to ensure quality and maintainability
• Mentor and coach developers to strengthen technical capability
• Collaborate with architecture, product, QA, DevOps, and business teams
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex application and performance issues
• Drive continuous improvement in development processes, CI/CD, and DevOps practices

The Sauce — Pay & Perks

As a Lead Software Developer, you will receive:

• Competitive Weekly Pay
• Bonus Program that scales up to 2.5X payout potential based on company results
• 5 weeks PTO
• Flex Weeks
• Paid Corporate Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave*
• 401(k) match $1/$1 up to 4%
• Competitive Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits*
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Benefits*
• Opportunities for Career Development and Growth
• Whataburger Family Foundation - Scholarship Program (dependents eligible) and Hardship Grant Assistance
• Discounted Meals for You and a Guest
• Wireless Service Discounts
• Computer & Software Discounts
• Fitness / Gym Discounts
• Awards and recognition for all you do
• Retirement Celebration Program

What You Bring to the Table — Required Experience

As a Lead Software Developer, you must have: 

• 5+ years of experience in application/software development
• Strong expertise in mobile and enterprise application architecture
• Advanced proficiency in .NET, C#, ASP.NET, TypeScript, and Node.js
• Experience with cloud platforms (Azure), CI/CD pipelines, and DevOps practices
• Deep understanding of APIs, microservices, and scalable system design
• Proficiency with tools such as Azure DevOps, Visual Studio, and SQL Server
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for complex technical challenges
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and influence development teams
• Excellent communication skills across technical and business stakeholders

Extra Toppings — Desired Experience

As a Lead Software Developer, we prefer you to have: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
• Experience with cross-platform mobile technologies
• Familiarity with Kubernetes and containerized environments
• Experience leading enterprise-level or multi-team development initiatives
• Exposure to performance optimization and large-scale system reliability
• Passion for continuous learning and evaluating emerging technologies

Where & How You’ll Work

This role is based at the San Antonio Home Office, working on‑site Monday through Thursday with remote flexibility on Fridays. In this role, you’ll have strong collaboration with leadership, across cross-functional teams, and with external partners to align capabilities with restaurant realities. The work environment is fast‑paced and requires sound judgment, strategic thinking, and strong collaboration skills. Full‑time availability is required, with occasional extended hours based on business needs, along with occasional travel to properties, project sites, and external meetings. Candidates must reside within commuting distance of the San Antonio Home Office.

Whataburger is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, age, or other condition or status protected by law. Whataburger participates in the federal E-Verify Program. For more information go to www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

*Eligibility rules may apply

300 Concord Plaza Dr San Antonio TX 78216-6903