Staff Software Engineer
About the job
- A Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
- At least 8 years of experience as a Software Developer or in a related occupation.
- Experience using Microsoft SQL Server and T-SQL to design, develop, and support relational database solutions, including tables, views, stored procedures, functions, complex query optimization, indexing, execution plan analysis, and query tuning.
- Experience using ETL and data integration tools including AWS Glue, AWS Lambda, SQL Server Integration Services, and Azure Data Factory to extract, transform, and load enterprise data, operate pipelines, and validate cloud data accuracy and performance.
- Experience using ASP.NET, C#, VB, ADO.NET, and Python to build application-level data access layers integrated with backend databases.
- Experience using SQL Server Management Studio, SQL Server Agent, Maintenance Plans, and Azure SQL Managed Instance automated management features for backup and restore operations, index maintenance, statistics updates, and database health monitoring.
- Experience using AppDynamics, New Relic, LogicMonitor, and Azure Monitor to monitor production environments, identify performance issues, and troubleshoot database and application systems.
- Experience using SQL Server Reporting Services, SQL Server Analysis Services, and Snowflake to build and support analytical datasets and reporting solutions.
- Experience using Git, Team Foundation Server, Azure DevOps, and Harness CI/CD for source control, continuous integration and deployment, and application and database codebase management.
- Experience with CI/CD processes and tools including Git, Azure DevOps, Bitbucket, Liquibase, Terraform, and Harness for version control, automated deployments, and environment configuration management.
- Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments using Jira and Confluence, including sprint planning, backlog refinement, and team collaboration.
- Experience designing data models and supporting data warehouse environments, including dimensional modeling, and developing datasets and queries for Snowflake, Power BI, or Tableau.
- Experience designing and supporting relational and NoSQL databases including Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MongoDB for structured and semi-structured data and transactional and analytical workloads.
- Experience monitoring and troubleshooting database and application performance using AppDynamics, New Relic, Redgate, AWS CloudWatch, SQL Profiler, and Azure Monitor.
- Legal authorization to work in the United States without current or future employment-based visa sponsorship.
- Apply specialized expertise in large-scale data engineering, ETL architecture, database design, and cloud migration across Azure and AWS.
- Architect and implement enterprise ETL and data processing systems using Azure Data Factory, SSIS, AWS Glue, Azure Data Lake, and AWS S3.
- Design and maintain data models, ingestion frameworks, and transformation logic supporting CRM workflows and enterprise data services.
- Lead the design and buildout of ETL environments for cloud readiness, including migration from on-premises SQL Server and SSIS workloads to Azure Data Factory.
- Lead cross-functional engineering efforts involving data platform, cloud engineering, CRM engineering, security, and infrastructure teams.
- Lead migration of the on-premises ETL environment to Azure Data Factory, including technical planning, dependency management, pipeline conversion, and quality-assurance validation.
- Coordinate delivery for CRM processing systems including dealer data ingestion, reference data processing, customer access databases, and pod migration workflows.
- Solve technical challenges involving large-scale data ingestion, cloud integration, ETL optimization, and legacy system modernization.
- Redesign legacy ETL pipelines for Azure, including conversion of SSIS packages into Azure Data Factory pipelines.
- Modernize legacy VB6-based systems by converting logic to C# and decommissioning outdated components.
- Implement enterprise-wide data retention, archiving, and purging processes.
- Provide architectural leadership and technical direction for cloud migration and enterprise data initiatives.
- Develop system architecture diagrams, migration strategies, and cloud transition plans for ETL workloads.
- Define data integration approaches for the Connected Communications Platform migration from on-premises SQL to AWS S3 and AWS Glue.
- Lead the design and implementation of the Master Data Management Golden ID solution for unified customer identity across dealership platforms.
- Mentor engineers and provide technical guidance on cloud ETL, data modeling, SQL optimization, and cloud migration.
- Provide technical direction on Azure Data Factory pipeline development, data architecture, SQL Server and PostgreSQL optimization, and cloud transformation.
- Conduct code reviews, data model reviews, and architectural evaluations.
- Partner with functional leadership to influence platform modernization priorities and architectural decisions.
- Collaborate with product leaders, cloud engineers, and CRM stakeholders to determine migration timelines, resource requirements, and technical priorities.
- Support roadmap discussions related to legacy-system decommissioning and migration to DMSSOR and Gen SOR.
- Support cross-functional teams with technical expertise in cloud systems, data integration, and ETL performance.
- Assist CRM engineering, infrastructure, and security teams with data-flow design, cloud-ingestion patterns, ADF/SSIS processing logic, and ETL optimization.
- Maintain compliance with company policies, security standards, and data-governance requirements.
- Ensure adherence to cloud security, IAM configuration, data encryption, retention policies, and regulatory requirements across ETL and CRM systems.
- Deliver milestones for Azure ETL migration, Connected Communications Platform cloud transition, Master Data Management implementation, and legacy DMS modernization.
About the company
CDK Global provides integrated software tools for the automotive retail industry, serving auto dealerships, OEMs, independent software vendors, and heavy truck businesses. Its platform includes CRM, billing, inventory management, and service scheduling, offered through a subscription model with consulting and support services. The tools streamline dealership operations, improve customer experiences, and help drive sales by connecting core workflows in one system. The goal is to move automotive retail forward by using technology to create practical conveniences and greater operational efficiency, including support for the EV transition.
Company Size
5,001-10,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Founded
1972
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- August 2026 named Sudhakar Ramakrishna CEO, signaling security and execution discipline.
- January 2026 CDP launch and NADA demos deepen upsell opportunities inside existing customers.
- AI integrations and service-suite wins like Middlekauff Ford show monetization across fixed operations.
What critics are saying
- June 2026 ransomware exposed CDK's operational fragility across thousands of dealerships.
- Dealer lawsuits from 2024 still target CDK over alleged negligence and data exposure.
- Reynolds and other dealership platforms attack CDK's core DMS and integration moat.
What makes CDK Global unique
- CDK powers 15,000-plus North American dealerships with deeply embedded DMS workflows.
- CDK's January 2026 Built-In CDP unifies sales, service, parts, and AI summaries.
- Fortellis lets partners like ShortLoop and Yooz write directly into CDK workflows.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Vacation
401(k) Company Match
Tuition Reimbursement
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
0%1 year growth
0%2 year growth
0%Middlekauff Ford boosts revenue and customer trust with CDK suite. Discover how Middlekauff Ford transformed its operations with the CDK Fixed Operations Suite, leading to streamlined workflows and increased revenue, signaling a new era in automotive retail. Key facts. * CDK's integration with Ford boosted Middlekauff's revenue by $8K via Additional Service Recommendations. * Enhanced communication through SMS and video improved customer satisfaction and engagement metrics. * Transition from outdated methods to digital tools signifies a competitive edge in service efficiency. * 14 unique Ford features in the suite create a comprehensive solution, enhancing market positioning. * Increased transparency in service processes fosters customer trust, a vital asset in dealership loyalty. Summary. Middlekauff Ford, a dealership in Twin Falls, Idaho, faced challenges with outdated workflows and communication methods. By implementing the CDK Fixed Operations Suite, they transformed their operations, leading to an increase in revenue of approximately $8,000 from Additional Service Recommendations (ASRs). The integration of modern technology improved customer communication and overall efficiency. Background. Middlekauff Ford operates in the automotive dealership industry, specifically focusing on vehicle sales and service. Prior to the deployment of the CDK Fixed Operations Suite, their service department relied heavily on outdated, pen-and-paper processes, which hindered efficiency and customer engagement. Challenge. The primary challenge was the inefficiency of their service operations, which were described as being "stuck in the Stone Age." The team struggled with outdated communication methods and lacked effective integration of their tools, which limited their ability to optimize revenue opportunities and improve technician satisfaction. Solution. Middlekauff Ford implemented the CDK Fixed Operations Suite, which includes 14 unique Ford features designed to enhance service operations. The suite integrates a video and communication platform that utilizes AI to improve customer engagement and streamline communication. This integration allowed for quicker and more effective communication with customers through SMS text messages, as well as video inspections that provided transparency regarding vehicle issues. Results. The implementation of the CDK Fixed Operations Suite resulted in an increase in revenue of approximately $8,000 from ASR approvals. The dealership also experienced improved customer satisfaction, as evidenced by positive feedback regarding the video inspection feature, which provided customers with a clear view of their vehicle's condition. Key insights. Businesses looking to modernize their operations should consider the importance of integrating technology that enhances communication and efficiency. The use of AI-driven tools can significantly improve customer engagement and lead to increased revenue. Additionally, transparency in service processes can foster better customer relationships. Customer testimonial. "Our Service department was stuck in the Stone Age... I would say the biggest win is just a better process, better streamlining, better communication with our customers in a more timely manner." - Cody Cole, Service Manager, Middlekauff Ford Entities mentioned. Middlekauff Ford Dealertrack CDK Fixed Operations Suite Technologies Consumer Portal video messaging Key concepts. modernized workflows optimized integration increased revenue customer communication video inspections service efficiency technician satisfaction customer rapport Definitions. * Fixed Operations Suite - A comprehensive service solution designed to enhance dealership operations and customer experiences. * ASR - Additional Service Recommendations, which are suggestions for additional services that can be performed on a vehicle to increase revenue. * Consumer Portal - A digital platform that allows customers to communicate with the service department and receive updates via SMS. * video messaging - A communication method that uses video to convey information to customers, enhancing engagement and clarity. * CSI - Customer Satisfaction Index, a measure of customer satisfaction with service experiences. Use cases. * | transforming pen-and-paper operations into digital workflows * | increasing revenue through ASR approvals * | enhancing customer communication via SMS and video * | improving technician satisfaction and efficiency * | streamlining service processes * | building customer rapport through transparency Frequently asked questions. How has the CDK Fixed Operations Suite improved operations at Middlekauff Ford? The suite has transformed Middlekauff Ford from a sluggish operation to a modern, efficient business by integrating advanced technology into their workflows. What are the financial benefits observed from using the Fixed Operations Suite? Middlekauff Ford reported an increase in revenue of $7,000 to $8,000 from Additional Service Recommendations alone, showcasing the suite's financial impact. How does the Consumer Portal enhance customer communication? The Consumer Portal allows for seamless communication through SMS, making it easier for customers to receive updates and engage with the service department. What role does AI play in the Fixed Operations Suite? AI is utilized within the suite to enhance customer engagement and improve the effectiveness of Additional Service Recommendations. What feedback have customers provided about the video inspections? Customers have expressed positive feedback, noting that video inspections provide a transparent view of their vehicle's condition, which enhances trust and satisfaction.
Spyne announces CDK integration through The Fortellis Marketplace with Vini AI. Sep 03, 2026, 10:00 ET SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Spyne, an AI-powered retail technology company for the automotive industry, today announced its integration with CDK to publish on The Fortellis Marketplace. This integration offers dealers, developers, and OEMs the ability to quickly create new solutions designed to streamline dealer operations. "Our goal at Spyne is to make AI genuinely useful for automotive dealerships. Our integration with CDK and availability through Fortellis brings Vini closer to the day-to-day workflows of dealerships, helping sales and service teams engage customers faster, more consistently, and at scale. We're excited to see the impact this can have across the U.S. automotive market," said Sanjay Varnwal, Co-Founder & CEO, Spyne. Spyne's Vini AI is designed to support inbound and outbound customer engagements across dealership sales and service operations. It helps dealerships respond to customer inquiries, manage follow-ups, and handle customer communication at scale. Through the CDK integration, Vini can connect with workflows and systems dealerships already use, helping teams improve response times, automate repetitive customer communication, and focus more of their time on high-value customer interactions. The Fortellis Marketplace is an online automotive commerce exchange that enables a true exchange of information and data in an open, secure and accessible global network. The CDK platform enables Spyne to provide dealers with access to an AI-powered sales and service engagement tool through Vini, which helps dealerships manage inbound and outbound customer interactions, improve responsiveness and support larger volumes of customer communication within their existing technology environment. About Spyne Spyne is an AI-native automotive retail technology company founded by Sanjay Varnwal and Deepti Prasad. Spyne empowers automotive dealers with end-to-end digital solutions that eliminate inefficiencies, unlock more opportunities from their CRM, and accelerate vehicle sales. Today, Spyne supports over 3,000 dealerships worldwide in building AI-powered digital storefronts with premium merchandising and conversational agents that drive appointments through seamless lead handling and customer engagement. Serving dealerships and OEMs across the United States, Europe, EMEA, and APAC, Spyne is shaping the future of automotive retail with cutting-edge AI solutions. The company has raised over $25 million in funding from investors, including Vertex Ventures SEA and India, Accel, Storm Ventures, and Alteria Capital. About Fortellis Fortellis is a technology platform by CDK that enables the automotive industry to leverage, build, innovate and integrate solutions and workflows to transform business. The Fortellis platform - with its Developer Network and Marketplace - connects software developers, OEMs and dealers so they can create new and unique experiences efficiently and seamlessly. Visit www.fortellis.io to learn more. SOURCE Spyne
CDK leadership: New CEO named after MacDonald's retirement - Automotive News. Longtime CDK Global CEO Brian MacDonald is retiring and will be replaced by veteran technology executive Sudhakar Ramakrishna as the dealership management system company's new leader. Unlock this content with a Standard subscription. Standard gets you access to Future Product news and articles, covering brand strategies, new vehicles and updates, plus subscriber-only newsletters and more. Want it all? Digital All Access includes complete access to Future Product Pipeline and other exclusive reports at $699/year.
CDK global names Sudhakar Ramakrishna president and CEO. AUSTIN, Texas - Aug. 27, 2026 - CDK, the leading automotive retail software provider, today named Sudhakar Ramakrishna president and CEO and member of the CDK board of directors, effective Oct. 5. He succeeds Brian MacDonald, who will retire and serve as a senior strategic advisor to Brookfield and CDK, providing continuity and perspective through the planned transition. Ramakrishna is a seasoned enterprise technology leader with decades of experience building and scaling software businesses across cloud, mobility, networking, security and collaboration markets. He most recently served as president and CEO of SolarWinds, a leading provider of infrastructure management software, and previously led Pulse Secure, where he worked closely with customers and partners in complex, mission-critical environments. He also held senior leadership roles at Citrix, Polycom, Motorola, 3Com and U.S. Robotics. "We are grateful to Brian for his leadership and the lasting impact he has had on CDK. He returned to the company at an important moment and led a multi-year transformation that strengthened CDK's strategy, product roadmap, and financial foundation," said Doug Bayerd, managing partner in Brookfield's Private Equity Group and director of CDK's board of directors. "Sudhakar is the right leader to build on that foundation. His experience leading technology organizations, scaling innovation and commercializing customer-centric products makes him well suited to advance CDK's momentum and help its customers succeed in a changing automotive landscape." CDK enters this transition positioned for its next phase of growth, supported by more than $500 million invested over several years to evolve its platform from an industry-leading system of record into a system of intelligence and engagement. As technology becomes more central to automotive retail, CDK's unmatched automotive-specific data - including 257 million unique customer IDs reflecting most U.S. consumers and vehicles on its platform - creates a strong foundation for AI, analytics and customer insights. That advantage allows CDK to embed intelligence directly into the workflows customers already rely on without disruption. "CDK has the people, scale, expertise and product depth to help customers get more from the solutions they rely on to operate their businesses," said Ramakrishna. "Our opportunity is to deliver more customer value and success through innovation, disciplined execution and reliable delivery. I look forward to spending time with our customers, learning from our teams and partners, and carrying forward our commitment to earning the industry's trust every day."
Covideo's Margaret Henney and CDK's Jessica Hammonds to host session at #DDCE2026. Published: August 10, 2026 Ian McCafferty, Digital Dealer Margaret Henney, Vice President of Marketing and Video Strategist at Covideo and Jessica Hammonds, Sr, Product Marketer at CDK will be hosting an insightful session at Digital Dealer Conference & Expo 2026! The 20-minute talk is titled "Stop Checking the Box: The Small Fixes That Make or Break Engagement" and will take place at 10:40 AM on September 22 at the DealerTech Live Stage. AI and automation are transforming how dealerships engage with customers - but technology alone doesn't create better experiences. The dealers winning today are pairing smart tools with proven communication practices. Join this practical session to discover what actually drives engagement, appointments, and showroom visits. The session will cover the small details that often get overlooked: subject lines, email and SMS strategy, personalized video, timely follow-up, better questions, and clear next steps. You'll leave with actionable tactics your team can put into practice immediately. Less busywork. More conversations. Better results. About Margaret Henney. Margaret Henney is the Vice President of Marketing and Video Strategist at Covideo, the automotive industry's leading video messaging platform. With nearly 10 years at Covideo, she has helped shape the company's brand, go-to-market strategy, and dealer education efforts while working closely with dealerships to implement high-impact video strategies. A passionate advocate for humanizing the car buying process, Margaret believes video helps dealerships build trust, create transparency, and stand out in a crowded market. She is also the co-host of the Sales Unscripted Podcast, where she shares candid, practical insights on sales, marketing, and communication. Henney will also be hosting the session "AI + Authenticity: How Dealers are Balancing Intelligence with the Human Advantage AI should reduce friction - not remove the human element" on Wednesday, September 23 at 2:40 PM in room 330A. About Jessica Hammonds. Jessie is a Senior Product Marketer at CDK, responsible for assisting dealerships with the CDK Modern Retail portfolio, including CRM solutions that empower automotive retailers to address operational challenges, strengthen customer engagement, and accelerate business growth. Jessie manages critical dealership workflows that benefit from hybrid intelligence, including go-to-market strategies for CRM AIVA - CDK's Artificial Intelligence Virtual Assistant - as well as other emerging technologies. She has deep experience in event operations, having led CDK dealer event logistics nationwide, including CDK Connect and CDK's presence at NADA. Prior to joining CDK, Jessie was an account development representative and held marketing and social media roles across various organizations. Jessie earned her bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing at Dominican University. The Digital Dealer 2026 experience. #DDCE2026 is built to work for you, providing the perfect combination of access to solution providers, networking time, and high-impact sessions. As Digital Dealer continue to cultivate an essential learning experience, Digital Dealer has also tweaked a few things for this year's show. Its 20-minute Expo Hall talks no longer overlap, allowing you to get the most out of your time on the floor and ensuring you don't have to choose between which insights you value the most. Last year's 90-minute workshops have been slimmed down as attendees can now get hands-on experience in its 60-Minute Learning Labs as well as deeper knowledge in its 45-minute sessions. With insight into advertising, AI, digital retail and more, Digital Dealer is built to deliver real discernable outcomes you can take right back to the dealership. Learn strategies to improve your customer retention, revitalize your service lane to grow fixed ops revenue and utilize social media to generate high-quality leads. It isn't just value for when you return home either. In 2025, attendees were able to start creating real business impact while still at Digital Dealer. Live dealership website audits, analysis of real dealership data stacks and hands-on creation of AI marketing workflows were all on offer. Dealers were formulating plans to improve profitability before they had even headed to the closing reception. Secure your pass now to lock in the best rates and guarantee access to: * Expert-Led Sessions: Actionable insights to solve all the biggest challenges your dealership is facing. * Innovative Solutions: Dynamic tools on the show floor to help optimize operations. * Real Meaningful Outcomes: Create real business impact to increase sales and improve profitability. Posted In: News