Principal Next.js Architect (AI Enablement Lead)

Madfish; Remote; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A tech-forward company is searching for a Principal Next.js Architect & AI Enablement Lead to lead the engineering transformation with AI-augmented workflows. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, exceptional leadership skills, and a vision for improving software delivery. You will architect scalable applications and guide a distributed development team using Next.js, all while promoting a culture of innovation and speed. Competitive compensation is offered.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Autonomy and ownership

Collaboration with a talented team

Culture of innovation and speed

Qualifications

• Proven engineering leadership experience with teams of 10+ developers.
• 5+ years of modern JavaScript experience with expertise in Next.js and Vercel.
• Strong understanding of prompt engineering and AI-driven code generation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the AI Enablement Roadmap and drive adoption of AI-assisted development.
• Architect complex applications using Next.js and resolve technical challenges.
• Mentor engineers in transitioning to AI-oriented solution building.

Skills

Leadership

Next.js expertise

AI-driven code generation

Mentoring

JavaScript

Tools

GitHub Copilot

Cursor

Automated testing tools

Job description

We’re looking for a Principal Next.js Architect & AI Enablement Lead to shape the future of how our engineering organization builds software. This role is ideal for a technical leader who blends deep architectural expertise with a strong vision for AI-augmented engineering. You’ll drive our AI enablement strategy, guide a large cross-functional team, and redefine workflows to dramatically increase delivery speed and quality.

Location: the candidate should be located in LATAM, USA or Canada.

Responsibilities

• Lead the six-month AI Enablement Roadmap and drive adoption of AI-assisted development.
• Introduce AI-first workflows for documentation, testing, code review, and research.
• Guide and support a distributed engineering team of 16+ developers.
• Redesign our SDLC to incorporate AI checkpoints and automation.
• Architect complex, scalable applications using Next.js (App Router, Server Components, Vercel).
• Step into critical path development and resolve high-complexity technical challenges.
• Mentor engineers as they transition from traditional coding to AI-oriented solution building.
• Promote a culture of speed, experimentation, and continuous learning.

Requirements

• Proven engineering leadership experience with teams of 10+ developers.
• 5+ years of modern JavaScript experience with deep expertise in Next.js (App Router, Middleware, ISR/SSG) and Vercel deployment pipelines.
• Daily user of tools like Cursor, GitHub Copilot, v0, or similar.
• Strong understanding of prompt engineering and AI-driven code generation.
• Track record of improving engineering velocity and delivery processes.
• Experience driving organizational change and aligning teams around new technologies.

Nice to Have

• Experience designing or implementing agentic workflows.
• Hands-on experience with v0 for rapid UI creation.
• Strong background in automated testing (Jest, Cypress, Playwright) and AI-enabled test generation.
• Deep expertise in TypeScript and strict typing systems.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead a major transformation in engineering practices and delivery.
• Autonomy and ownership in a high-impact, technically complex environment.
• Collaboration with a talented team eager to adopt modern AI-driven workflows.
• A culture that values innovation, speed, and continuous improvement.
• Competitive compensation package.