Lead AI Software Developer

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Lead AI Software Developer to support a company focused on modernizing and advancing next-generation air traffic management systems through cloud-native automation, data mesh architecture, and AI-enabled software solutions. This position is based in Gaithersburg, MD or Egg Harbor Township, NJ with a hybrid schedule requiring 3 days onsite and 2 days remote. The Lead AI Software Developer will serve as a technical leader responsible for designing, developing, and modernizing microservices-based applications supporting real-time, mission-critical transportation systems. This role combines modern software engineering, distributed systems architecture, and AI-augmented development practices to improve system performance, reliability, and innovation. Join a team developing technology that directly supports national air traffic operations and impacts millions of travelers every day.

Responsibilities for the Lead AI Software Developer include:

• Design, develop, and maintain microservices-based applications in a large-scale Agile/SAFe environment.
• Collaborate with architects, systems engineers, product owners, and DevSecOps teams to deliver mission-critical software solutions.
• Integrate applications with databases, messaging platforms, APIs, and distributed system components.
• Implement and maintain automated testing strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and secure software development practices.
• Utilize AI-assisted development tools to accelerate coding, enhance software quality, improve debugging, and optimize development workflows.

Required Qualifications for the Lead AI Software Developer include:

• 4+ years of experience developing and supporting enterprise software applications and microservices-based systems.
• Experience with Java, Python, C++, or similar programming languages within Linux-based development environments.
• Strong understanding of distributed systems, APIs, software architecture, Agile methodologies, and system integration.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance.

Compensation for the Lead AI Software Developer includes:

Salary Range: $87,100 - $157,450 depending on experience

Full Benefits Package: PTO, Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Tuition Reimbursement, Sick Leave as required by law

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Keywords: Lead AI Software Developer, AI Software Engineer, Microservices, Java Developer, Python Developer, C++, Distributed Systems, Cloud Computing, AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes, Docker, Kafka, Event Streaming, DevSecOps, CI/CD, Agile, SAFe, API Development, NoSQL Database, Relational Database, Air Traffic Management, Real-Time Systems, High Availability Systems, Software Architecture, Public Trust Clearance, AI-Assisted Development, Cloud Native Applications, Systems Engineering, Enterprise Software Development, Government Technology, Mission Critical Systems, Hybrid Cloud, Data Mesh Architecture.