Lead Software Engineer
The Lead Software Engineer at Confidential Client leads a team to design and deliver scalable back-end solutions using a diverse technology stack including Java, Python, Go, and cloud platforms. This role focuses on pioneering AI and machine learning technologies, including large language models, to build intelligent, personalized consumer experiences across omnichannel platforms. The position emphasizes technical leadership, mentorship, and driving innovation within a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Technology, Information and Media.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is hiring a Lead Software Engineer to design and deliver backend systems that power large-scale, personalized customer experiences. You will lead technical delivery across a portfolio of projects, mentor engineers, and architect cloud-native services that incorporate advanced AI/LLM capabilities.
- Lead design, development, testing, and production delivery of distributed microservices and full-stack systems
- Drive architecture decisions for cloud-native, high-throughput services (APIs, event-driven systems, ETL)
- Integrate and apply AI/LLM technologies to product features and engineering workflows
- Collaborate with product managers, data engineers, and platform teams to translate product goals into scalable technical solutions
- Conduct code reviews, set engineering standards, and mentor junior and mid-level engineers
- Improve CI/CD pipelines, observability, and performance tuning across services
Core Responsibilities & Technologies
- Architect and implement backend services using Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, or Go
- Build with frameworks and tools such as Spring, Kafka, Databricks/AWS Glue/Dataflow, and modern cloud services (AWS/GCP/Azure)
- Design reliable data flows and ETL for high-volume data processing
- Use CI/CD, automated testing, and infrastructure-as-code best practices
- Apply generative AI tools and LLMs (prompt engineering, developer productivity tooling) responsibly and effectively
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
- 4+ years of professional software engineering experience (internships excluded)
- 1+ year experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
- Demonstrated experience working on backend systems, microservices, or distributed systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree (preferred)
- 7+ years experience in one or more: Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, Go, or SQL
- 3+ years of hands-on experience with AWS, GCP, or Azure
- 4+ years working with open-source frameworks and libraries relevant to backend/data engineering
- 4+ years leading technical direction and executing large-scale projects across engineering teams
- 2+ years practicing Agile methodologies
- Experience with big-data ETL tools (Dataflow, AWS Glue, Databricks)
- 1+ years using generative AI coding tools, LLMs, or prompt engineering in a production or productivity context
Compensation & Location Notes
The role is full-time and the Confidential Client provides location-based salary ranges. Example ranges from the source posting (for candidates hired to work in these locations):
- McLean, VA: $197,300 - $225,100 (annual)
- New York, NY: $215,200 - $245,600 (annual)
- Richmond, VA: $179,400 - $204,700 (annual)
Actual pay offered will depend on the work location, the candidate’s experience, and applicable local laws. This role may also be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation (cash bonus and/or long-term incentives). Benefits eligibility and details vary by role and location.
Work Authorization & Sponsorship
At this time, the Confidential Client will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or offer immigration-related support for this position (for example: H-1B, F-1 OPT/STEM OPT/CPT, J-1, TN, E-2/E-3, L-1, O-1, or other work authorization that requires employer sponsorship).
Legal & Hiring Transparency
- Confidential Client is committed to inclusive hiring and will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
- No agencies, please.
- Reasonable accommodations: Applicants who require an accommodation during the application or interview process should contact the hiring team as instructed in the employer’s application flow. All accommodation requests will be handled confidentially and in accordance with applicable law.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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