Lead Software Engineer, AI Email Applications, Artificial Intelligence

Next Step Systems - National IT Recruiting Firm

. Own the application engineering strategy and execution across backend, mobile, and desktop .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeRemote • California • United StatesSenior💰 $175,000 - $195,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, with a strong focus on building and shipping reliable backend systems. Proven ability to lead engineering teams, make high-impact decisions, and establish production foundations for scalable applications.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Artificial Intelligence ExperienceBackend System DevelopmentTeam LeadershipMachine Learning IntegrationProduction System Reliability

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

API DevelopmentSystem DesignObservabilityMonitoringTestingOperational ExcellenceLatency ImprovementReliability EngineeringCode QualityEngineering Fundamentals

Soft Skills

Technical JudgmentOwnershipMentorshipDecision-MakingLearning Orientation

Industry Keywords

AI-Powered WorkflowsComplex SystemsMachine LearningLarge Language ModelProduction Systems

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the application engineering strategy and execution across backend, mobile, and desktop
Design reliable systems for AI-powered workflows, including state, orchestration, tool use, retries, fallbacks, and failure handling
Build APIs and abstractions connecting AI systems to real-world product experiences
Lead a small, senior engineering team through design reviews, code reviews, and hands-on mentorship
Make high-impact trade-offs across latency, reliability, cost, security, and user experience
Establish production foundations including observability, monitoring, testing, and operational excellence
Partner with Machine Learning leadership to turn model capabilities into robust, shippable product experiences
Keep architecture simple, maintainable, and ready to scale
Deliver observable, monitored, stable production systems
Improve latency and reliability measurably over time

Requirements

What you’ll need

Artificial Intelligence (AI) experience is required
Significant experience leading application or product engineering for complex systems
Strong hands-on background building and shipping backend systems used in production
Experience building AI-powered products or systems that integrate with modern Machine Learning (ML)/Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities
Strong technical judgment and the ability to make decisions with incomplete information
Comfortable working across backend and client platforms, with deep expertise in at least one
A strong bias toward ownership, shipping, and learning from real-world usage
High standards for code quality, reliability, and engineering fundamentals
Must be willing to take a 60 minute coding assessment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Savings Plan Options
PTO
Remote work / work from home