Software Engineering Lead

About The Role

The Software Engineering Lead serves as a subject matter expert for a specific team of Software Engineers. In addition to writing code on complex systems and applications, this position provides direction on project plans, schedules, and methodologies. The position has direct reports.

This is a full-time position based in Raleigh, NC.

(Hybrid - 3 days in office)

• 7+ years of Software Engineering experience
• 2+ years of experience building or integrating AI/ML-driven applications (e.g., LLM-based systems, search/recommendation systems, or intelligent automation tools).
• BS Engineering/Computer Science or equivalent experience required

• Advanced knowledge of software development methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
• Experience developing AI-enabled applications, including LLM integrations, prompt engineering, and orchestration frameworks (e.g., Google ADK, OpenAI SDK, Anthropic SDK, Lang Chain, or similar)
• Strong experience with various resource models such as Managed Services and/or Staff Augmentation.
• Strong knowledge in industry best practices in external resource development.
• Ability to partner and lead internal and external technology resources in solving complex business needs.
• Test-driven development.
• Strong research skills.
• Strong proficiency with data manipulation language including optimization techniques.
• Strong understanding of normalized/dimensional data modeling principles.
• Ability to design and work with complex data models.
• Experience with vector databases and semantic search technologies (e.g., Solr, Qdrant, Elasticsearch, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of multiple data storage subsystems.
• Familiarity with RAG architectures, including document ingestion, embedding pipelines, and retrieval optimization
• Expertise in development languages including but not limited to:
  Python, JavaScript, Type Script, C/C++, HTML, XML, SQL.
• Experience working with Python for AI/ML workflows is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge in industry best practices in development.
• Knowledge in using and developing applicable tool sets.
• Ability to write and review portions of detailed specifications for the development of complex system components.
• Experience designing and implementing agent-based systems, including tool usage, multi-step reasoning workflows, and API orchestration.
• Strong skills in setting, communicating, implementing, and achieving business objectives and goals through the direct management of others.
• Strong organization/project planning, time management, and change management skills across multiple functional groups and departments, and strong delegation skills involving prioritizing and reprioritizing projects and managing projects of various size and complexity.
• Strong problem-solving experience involving leading teams in identifying, researching, and coordinating the resources necessary to effectively troubleshoot/diagnose complex project issues; prior success extracting/translating findings into alternatives/solutions; and identifying risks/impacts and schedule adjustments to facilitate management decision-making.
• Ability to evaluate AI system performance, including hallucination mitigation, evaluation frameworks, and monitoring of model outputs.
• Strong communication (verbal and written) and customer service skills. Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills applicable to a wide audience including senior and executive management, customers, etc., including diction/terminology and presenting information in a concise and effective manner to clients, management, and various departments using assorted communication mediums.

• Serve as the initial point of escalation for software development issues within specific area of responsibility.
• Interface with other technical personnel or team members to finalize requirements.
• Lead the design and implementation of AI-powered features, including LLM-based workflows, RAG pipelines, and intelligent agents.
• Write and review portions of detailed specifications for the development of system components of moderate complexity.
• Complete complex bug fixes.
• Work closely with other development team members to understand moderately complex product requirements and translate them into software designs.
• Translate business problems into AI-driven solutions, selecting appropriate models, tools, and architectures.
• Successfully implement development processes, coding best practices, and code reviews.
• Operate in various development environments (Agile, Waterfall, etc.) while collaborating with key stakeholders.
• Resolve complex technical issues as necessary.
• Establish best practices for prompt engineering, model evaluation, and safe/secure use of AI systems.
• Mentor and/or train entry-level software engineers as directed by department management, ensuring they are knowledgeable in critical aspects of their roles.
• Mentor engineers on AI/LLM development patterns, including prompt design, evaluation, and system integration.
• Keep abreast of new technology…