Lead Engineer

Raft

. Drive architectural decisions across the [R]AIMS platform, evaluating performance, scalability, security, and maintainability tradeoffs .

Posted 10/21/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSenior💰 $180,000 - $230,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in building and shipping production software systems across the full stack, with a strong focus on distributed systems architecture, performance optimization, and AI/ML integration. Proven ability to lead technical initiatives, mentor engineers, and engage with stakeholders in high-stakes environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Distributed Systems DesignKubernetes ExpertiseAI/ML IntegrationTechnical LeadershipSecurity+ Certification Eligibility

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Full Stack DevelopmentSystem DesignPerformance OptimizationCloud-Native ArchitectureService DecompositionFault ToleranceObservabilityData-Intensive SystemsReal-Time InferenceOperational AI Systems

Soft Skills

Technical CommunicationMentoringInfluential Leadership

Tools & Technologies

KubernetesCloud PlatformsAI/ML Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Security+ CertificationTop Secret/SCI Clearance Eligibility

Industry Keywords

DefenseNational SecurityClassified ProgramsAgentic SystemsEvent-Driven Architectures

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudDistributed SystemsKubernetes

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Drive architectural decisions across the [R]AIMS platform, evaluating performance, scalability, security, and maintainability tradeoffs
Lead major technical epics from conception through delivery
Simplify and rationalize distributed system architecture as the platform scales
Optimize platform performance across edge and cloud deployment targets
Establish reusable engineering patterns that improve developer productivity and code quality
Mentor engineers, conduct design reviews, and provide substantive code feedback
Partner with AI/ML engineers on model integration, inference optimization, and operational deployment of agentic workflows
Engage directly with Department of Defense customers and program stakeholders
Evolve the architecture, execution, and engineering rigor of Raft’s [R]AIMS AI Mission System
Deliver coherent, documented architecture; timely, high-quality platform initiatives; stronger engineering execution; and reduced platform complexity

Requirements

What you’ll need

6+ years of hands-on experience building and shipping production software systems across the full stack (frontend, backend, infrastructure, and ML)
Deep software engineering fundamentals and ability to design, build, and evolve complex systems that perform reliably at scale
Exceptional technical communication skills and ability to lead through influence across engineering, product, and leadership stakeholders
Proven experience designing and evolving distributed systems, including service decomposition, inter-service communication patterns, fault tolerance, and observability
Strong hands-on experience with Kubernetes and cloud-native platform architecture in production environments
Experience building data-intensive or AI-enabled production systems with real operational users and real performance constraints
Demonstrated technical leadership over large, cross-functional engineering initiatives with clear ownership and accountability for outcomes
Strong system design and architecture decision-making ability
Some experience or exposure to training, fine-tuning, or deploying machine learning models in production contexts
Ability to obtain Security+ certification within the first 90 days of employment
U.S. citizenship required
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance
No clearance required to start; must be eligible for and willing to obtain a Top Secret/SCI clearance
Highly preferred: AI/ML infrastructure or agentic systems; streaming and event-driven architectures; platform engineering and internal developer tooling; real-time inference or operational AI systems; secure, compliant systems; defense, national security, or classified program experience; active clearance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) and company match
Take as you need PTO + 11 paid holidays
Education & training benefits
Generous Referral Bonuses
Up to 25% travel