AI Lead, Python Tools

Role Description

We’re looking for an AI Lead to drive the effort of making our Python tools AI-native by shaping the architecture, building key components hands-on, and guiding the team in making strong decisions around AI-powered product development.

• Lead the technical design of AI features in PyCharm and our Python tooling, including MCP integrations, agent workflows, tool design, and context management.
• Prototype and ship features yourself – this is a hands-on technical leadership role.
• Help the team adopt AI technologies effectively by providing technical guidance, reviewing approaches, and sharing practical patterns.
• Evaluate emerging AI tools, frameworks, and providers, and make pragmatic decisions about what to build and what to integrate.
• Work closely with product managers, ML engineers, QA specialists, and senior developers to turn product ideas into solid technical plans.
• Navigate a large Kotlin/Java codebase and expose IntelliJ Platform capabilities – such as code analysis, inspections, refactorings, and type inference – to AI-powered workflows.
• Contribute to cross-team AI efforts and help define shared engineering patterns where appropriate.

Qualifications

• Strong software engineering experience, particularly in Python and/or Kotlin/JVM.
• Deep, hands-on familiarity with modern AI tooling for developers, including coding assistants, agents, MCP, and LLM-based workflows.
• Experience working in large, mature codebases and delivering meaningful technical change without compromising quality.
• Familiarity with LLM evaluation and benchmarking.
• A track record of making good technical decisions in fast-moving, ambiguous areas like proposing architectures, building prototypes, and iterating based on feedback.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to influence technical direction without formal authority.
• A strong product sense and care about solving real user problems, not just building interesting technology.

Requirements

• Nice to have: Experience with IDE or developer tooling internals, such as language servers, code analysis, or related systems.
• Nice to have: Experience with the Python AI/ML ecosystem.

Benefits

• Strong base salary. We offer competitive pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Flexible work location. Enjoy the freedom to work from home or from the office.
• Remote work. Spend up to 30 days per year working remotely from abroad.
• Extra time off. More days to relax, recharge, and do the things you love.
• Medical insurance allowance. Enjoy peace of mind for you and your family.
• Learning and development opportunities. Access to conferences, courses, and language classes.
• Relocation support. We help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
• Language classes. Pick up the local language or sharpen your English skills.
• Fuel your day. Enjoy a hot meal or receive a lunch allowance on workdays.
• Mental health support. To help you feel your best, we provide easy access to professional mental health services.
• Sports benefit. Enjoy an on-site gym or sports club stipend.
• Internal events. Join company-wide celebrations and team gatherings.
• *Some benefits may vary depending on location.