Lead AI Software Developer

Piper Companies; Egg Harbor Township (NJ); Hybrid; USD 138,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Lead AI Software Developer to modernize real-time, safety-critical air traffic systems. The role blends microservices, systems engineering, and AI-assisted software development in a hybrid Egg Harbor Township, NJ environment.

The successful candidate will design, develop, and maintain microservices, collaborate with engineers and product teams, and ensure software quality through automated testing and modern DevSecOps practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering or related field with 4+ years of experience, or a Master’s with 2+ years
• Hands-on experience developing microservices-based applications
• Proficiency in Java, Python, C++, or a comparable language in Linux
• Experience using AI-assisted engineering tools to analyze code and improve quality
• Experience with AI/ML-enabled systems, automation, or intelligent platforms
• Ability to understand complex software systems and communicate architecture
• Experience in Agile environments and APIs/distributed systems
• Must be eligible for a Public Trust and pass background investigations

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain microservices for real-time, mission-critical apps
• Translate system requirements with systems engineers, architects, and product teams
• Analyze interfaces and data flows to add capabilities while preserving stability
• Integrate services with databases, messaging platforms, and external APIs
• Use AI-assisted tools to support coding, debugging, refactoring, and testing
• Develop automated unit, integration, contract, and end-to-end tests
• Participate in Agile ceremonies with QA, DevSecOps, and platform teams
• Troubleshoot, improve performance, and contribute to CD practices

Skills

Java

Python

C++

Linux

Agile practices

APIs

Distributed systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering or related field

Master’s degree (2+ years)

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Kafka

Git

CI/CD

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

Zachary 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 Egg Harbor Township, NJ, 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 applications
• Translate system requirements into software solutions in collaboration with systems engineers, architects, and product teams
• Analyze existing interfaces, data flows, and codebases to introduce new capabilities while maintaining operational stability
• Integrate services with databases, messaging platforms, and external APIs
• Use AI-assisted tools to support coding, debugging, refactoring, and test development
• Develop automated unit, integration, contract, and end-to-end tests to support reliable software releases
• Participate in Agile ceremonies and technical design discussions alongside QA, DevSecOps, and platform teams
• Troubleshoot software issues, improve application performance, and contribute to continuous delivery practices

Required 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 considered
• Hands-on experience developing and supporting microservices-based applications
• Proficiency in Java, Python, C++, or a comparable programming language in a Linux environment
• Experience using AI-assisted engineering tools to analyze code, develop solutions, and improve software quality
• Experience or exposure to AI/ML-enabled systems, automation, or intelligent platforms
• Ability to understand complex software systems, interfaces, and data flows and communicate architectural concepts
• Experience enhancing existing software while maintaining system stability
• Experience working in Agile environments and knowledge of APIs and distributed systems
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Public Trust and successfully complete required background investigations

Preferred Qualifications for the Lead AI Software Developer include:

• Experience with large-scale distributed, high-availability, or safety-critical systems
• Experience analyzing existing codebases, reverse-engineering designs, or integrating legacy systems
• Familiarity with SAFe, Git, CI/CD pipelines, and DevSecOps practices
• Experience with relational or NoSQL databases and Kafka or other event-streaming technologies
• Familiarity with AWS, Azure, or GCP and container technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
• Experience integrating automated testing frameworks into CI/CD pipelines

Compensation for the Lead AI Software Developer includes:

Salary Range: $138,000–$147,000 annually, depending on experience

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

This 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-HYBRID

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