Lead Software Engineer, AI

Paramount; Burbank (CA); On-site; USD 156,800 - 235,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Tuition assistance program

Job summary

Paramount is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to drive the architecture and development of enterprise-level AI tools and platforms in Burbank, California. The ideal candidate will have over 6 years of experience and a strong track record in building scalable AI systems, including proficiency in backend and full stack development. This role involves leading complex projects and mentoring a team while collaborating with diverse engineering disciplines. The hiring salary range is $156,800 to $235,200, with comprehensive benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of software engineering experience.
• Proven experience building production AI systems.
• Full stack capability, with backend and frontend skills.

Responsibilities

• Architect large‑scale AI platforms.
• Lead design of internal developer tools and APIs.
• Build and maintain full stack systems.

Skills

Backend and architectural expertise

Experience with production AI systems

Frontend proficiency with React

Cloud platforms and distributed systems

Cross-functional influence

Communication skills

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

Vertex AI

Gemini

Job description

Job Title: Lead Software Engineer, AI Tooling & Quality Engineering Platforms

Team: Global Quality Engineering (GQE)

Location: NY, Burbank (Onsite)

Role Type: IC

Overview

Paramount Skydance Corp. is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to architect, lead, and deliver enterprise‑scale AI tooling and internal platforms that transform how Global Quality Engineering operates. This is not an "in test" role — you will be building foundational AI platforms, internal developer tools, and intelligent automation systems used across multiple brands and engineering pillars. You will define technical direction, lead complex initiatives, and build systems that accelerate automation, triage, and analysis at scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect large‑scale AI platforms, RAG systems, and intelligent automation services that support GQE.
• Lead the design of internal developer tools, micro‑platforms, and APIs that integrate AI into core engineering workflows.
• Build and maintain full stack systems — including React‑based UIs — for internal developer tooling platforms.
• Build systems that automatically evaluate failures, classify flakiness, detect patterns, and recommend fixes.
• Partner with QE executive team to define long‑term AI strategy and roadmap.
• Drive cross‑functional alignment with Platform Engineering, Data Engineering, Playback/Video Engineering, and Product.
• Mentor engineers across GQE and elevate engineering maturity through best practices and architectural guidance.
• Evaluate and integrate emerging AI technologies — with a preference for Vertex AI and Gemini — that deliver measurable productivity and quality improvements.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of software engineering experience with deep backend and architectural expertise.
• Proven experience building and scaling production AI systems, including LLM integrations and RAG pipelines.
• Full stack capability — solid frontend proficiency with React or similar frameworks for internal tooling UIs.
• Deep systems thinking and ability to design platforms used across multiple teams and brands.
• Expertise in cloud platforms, distributed systems, and container orchestration (Kubernetes/Docker).
• Demonstrated executive team experience in technical strategy, platform design, and cross‑functional influence.
• Exemplary communication skills and ability to drive alignment across engineering organizations.

Nice to Have

• Prior experience managing or mentoring engineers in addition to IC work.
• Hands‑on experience with Vertex AI or Gemini platforms (or comparable ML platforms such as SageMaker or Azure ML).
• Background in QE, test automation, or quality engineering platforms.
• Experience in streaming, media tech, or video platform engineering.
• Experience building internal developer tooling or micro‑platform ecosystems.

Additional Information

Hiring Salary Range: $156,800.00 - $235,200.00. The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job‑related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable, as otherwise dictated by the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement. This position is bonus eligible.

What We Offer

• Attractive compensation and comprehensive benefits packages. Check out our full list of benefits here: https://www.paramount.com/careers/benefits
• Generous paid time off.
• An exciting and fulfilling opportunity to be part of one of Paramount’s most dynamic teams.
• Opportunities for both on‑site and virtual engagement events.
• Unique opportunities to make meaningful connections and build a vibrant community, both inside and outside the workplace.
• Explore life at Paramount: https://www.paramount.com/careers/life-at-paramount

Paramount is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet.

At Paramount, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran status.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access https://www.paramount.com/careers as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by calling 212.846.5500 or by sending an email to [e-mail]. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned.