Lead Software Engineer

We are seeking a senior Lead Software Engineer to architect and deliver next-generation software platforms powered by Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Models (LLMs), and agentic workflows. This role combines deep Java Back End and distributed-systems architecture with hands-on AI/LLM integration, cloud-native development, and technical leadership. The engineer will design production-grade AI systems, establish engineering standards, mentor teams, and help integrate AI-assisted development tools into the software development lifecycle., * Architect and develop multi-agent and stateful AI systems using frameworks such as LangChain, LangGraph, AutoGen, or CrewAI.

• Integrate foundation models such as Claude, GPT, and Gemini through secure APIs while managing token usage, costs, and rate limits.
• Design RAG and semantic-search architectures, integrating relational data with vector databases.
• Lead architecture for Java Back End systems, APIs, microservices, distributed systems, and cloud-native applications.
• Establish engineering standards and architectural governance across multiple development teams.
• Integrate AI development tools such as Cursor, Claude Code, and Windsurf into engineering workflows and establish responsible AI-development practices.
• Mentor engineers and technical leads while driving architecture reviews, RFCs, automation, modernization, and engineering excellence.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field with 10+ years of experience, OR Master’s degree with 8+ years of experience.
• Deep hands-on Java Back End development, including microservices and API design.
• Strong software architecture and experience designing large-scale distributed systems.
• Extensive AWS, Docker, and Kubernetes experience.
• Hands-on experience building production-level AI agents, prompt engineering, and agentic development patterns.
• Practical experience with vector databases such as Pinecone, Milvus, Chroma, or pgvector.
• Experience with Generative AI, LLM-powered applications, AI agents, or intelligent automation platforms.
• Strong familiarity with AI coding assistants and an understanding of Model Context Protocol (MCP).
• Experience leading architectural initiatives, mentoring engineers, and influencing multiple engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with LangChain, LangGraph, AutoGen, or CrewAI.
• Experience designing RAG systems and semantic-search solutions.
• Knowledge of application, cloud, and security architecture best practices.
• Experience establishing technical governance and engineering standards across multiple teams.
• Experience implementing evaluation and testing strategies for AI outputs, including factual accuracy, hallucination monitoring, and safety.

Cullerton Group has a new opportunity for a Lead Software Engineer - AI Systems, Architecture & Developer Experience. The work will be done hybrid in Chicago or Peoria, IL, with Chicago preferred, requiring 2 days per week onsite. This is a 12-month position with the possibility of extension that can lead to permanent employment with our client. Compensation is up to $104/hr + full benefits (vision, dental, health insurance, 401k, and holiday pay).

Cullerton Group provides a professional environment with growth potential and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful technology initiatives with a global leader in manufacturing.