Lead AI Platform Engineer - Generative AI and Cloud-Native

BlackCube Labs; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

BlackCube Labs is seeking a Lead Software Engineer for Generative AI and Platform Engineering in a hybrid role across Chicago, IL (preferred) and additional U.S. locations.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, modern software design, and deployment of scalable enterprise solutions with Generative AI and RAG capabilities. The ideal candidate will guide architecture, prototyping, and SDLC execution while mentoring engineers and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant professional experience with a technical degree or 10+ years without a degree.
• Hands-on software engineering of complex applications, APIs, and cloud-native solutions.
• Proven SDLC leadership and architectural ownership.
• Proficiency in Python, Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, C#, Go, or other modern languages.
• Strong understanding of architecture, API development, and distributed systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, design, development, testing, and deployment of modern software applications and platform capabilities.
• Prototype and implement emerging technologies including Generative AI and RAG.
• Translate business needs into scalable technical roadmaps and implementation plans.
• Drive end-to-end SDLC activities including requirements, design, testing, deployment, and production support.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership, mentorship, and code reviews; establish best practices.
• Collaborate with product managers, data scientists, security, and infrastructure teams.
• Define PoC objectives, success criteria, and production-readiness standards.
• Identify risks, dependencies, and security/operational considerations.
• Develop reusable architecture patterns and platform accelerators.
• Transition AI initiatives from PoC to enterprise-scale production environments.

Skills

Python

Java

JavaScript/TypeScript

C#

Go

Cloud-native architecture

APIs

Software design patterns

Distributed systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related

No bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of experience

Tools

Kubernetes

CI/CD

Git

Cloud platforms

Job description

BlackCube Labs is seeking a Lead Software Engineer for Generative AI and Platform Engineering in a hybrid role across Chicago, IL (preferred) and additional U.S. locations.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, modern software design, and deployment of scalable enterprise solutions with Generative AI and RAG capabilities. The ideal candidate will guide architecture, prototyping, and SDLC execution while mentoring engineers and collaborating with cross-functional teams.