Lead AI Software Developer

Job Id: 0000177285Job Category: Information TechnologyJob Location: Gaithersburg, MarylandSecurity Clearance: Public Trust or UnclearedBusiness Unit: Zachary PiperPosition Owner: Madeline RemingtonZachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Lead AI Software Developer to support the modernization of mission-critical air traffic systems. This is a hybrid position in Gaithersburg, MD, requiring three days on-site and two days remote each week. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Public Trust.The Lead AI Software Developer will develop and modernize real-time software used in safety-critical environments. This role combines microservices development, systems engineering, and AI-assisted software development to improve the quality and reliability of complex applications.Responsibilities for the Lead AI Software Developer include:Design, develop, and maintain microservices that support real-time, mission-critical applicationsTranslate system requirements into software solutions in collaboration with systems engineers, architects, and product teamsAnalyze existing interfaces, data flows, and codebases to introduce new capabilities while maintaining operational stabilityIntegrate services with databases, messaging platforms, and external APIsUse AI-assisted tools to support coding, debugging, refactoring, and test developmentDevelop automated unit, integration, contract, and end-to-end tests to support reliable software releasesParticipate in Agile ceremonies and technical design discussions alongside QA, DevSecOps, and platform teamsTroubleshoot software issues, improve application performance, and contribute to continuous delivery practicesRequired Qualifications for the Lead AI Software Developer include:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field and 4+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree and 2+ years; equivalent experience may be consideredHands-on experience developing and supporting microservices-based applicationsProficiency in Java, Python, C++, or a comparable programming language in a Linux environmentExperience using AI-assisted engineering tools to analyze code, develop solutions, and improve software qualityExperience or exposure to AI/ML-enabled systems, automation, or intelligent platformsAbility to understand complex software systems, interfaces, and data flows and communicate architectural conceptsExperience enhancing existing software while maintaining system stabilityExperience working in Agile environments and knowledge of APIs and distributed systemsMust be eligible to obtain and maintain a Public Trust and successfully complete required background investigationsPreferred Qualifications for the Lead AI Software Developer include:Experience with large-scale distributed, high-availability, or safety-critical systemsExperience analyzing existing codebases, reverse-engineering designs, or integrating legacy systemsFamiliarity with SAFe, Git, CI/CD pipelines, and DevSecOps practicesExperience with relational or NoSQL databases and Kafka or other event-streaming technologiesFamiliarity with AWS, Azure, or GCP and container technologies such as Docker and KubernetesExperience integrating automated testing frameworks into CI/CD pipelinesCompensation for the Lead AI Software Developer includes:Salary Range: $138,000–$147,000 annually, depending on experienceFull Benefits Package: PTO, Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Tuition Reimbursement, Sick Leave as Required by LawThis job opens for applications on 10/26/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.#LI-MR1 #LI-HYBRIDKeywords: Lead AI Software Developer, AI Software Developer, Lead Software Developer, AI Software Engineer, Software Developer, Microservices Developer, AI-Assisted Development, AI Coding Tools, Claude Code, AI/ML, Artificial Intelligence, Java, Python, C++, Linux, Microservices, Distributed Systems, APIs, Real-Time Systems, Safety-Critical Systems, Agile, SAFe, DevSecOps, CI/CD, Automated Testing, Kafka, Event Streaming, SQL, NoSQL, AWS, Azure, GCP, Docker, Kubernetes, Legacy Modernization, Public Trust, Gaithersburg MD Jobs, Maryland Software Developer, Gaithersburg AI Developer