> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4540041-lead-software-engineer-ai-systems-architecture-developer-experience-439-in-chicago](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4540041-lead-software-engineer-ai-systems-architecture-developer-experience-439-in-chicago). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Software Engineer (AI Systems, Architecture & Developer Experience) - 439 in Chicago - **Company:** Energy Jobline - **Location:** Chicago, IL, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Cloud Computing, Cloud Computing Security, Cyber Security, DevOps, Distributed Systems, Online Databases, Software Architecture, Software Engineering, Pinecone, Large Language Models, Prompt Engineering, Software Security, Generative AI, AI Coding Agents, Backend, Agentic-AI, Pgvector, Containerization, Kubernetes, Information Technology, Milvus, Api Design, Model Context Protocol, Docker, ChromaDB, Microservices - **Published:** November 3, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.energyjobline.com/job/lead-software-engineer-ai-systems-architecture-developer-experience-439-chicago-32141290 ## About the Role Bachelor's degree in Computer science or Electrical engineering or related field, Plus 10+ years exp \n - Master Degree plus 8+ years exp, * Backend Systems: Deep proficiency in backend environments, microservices architectures, and API design using Java. \n * Cloud & DevOps: Extensive experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and public cloud infrastructure like AWS, * Orchestration & Tooling: Hands-on experience with production-level AI agents, prompt engineering, and advanced Agentic PDLC patterns. \n * Vector Databases: Practical knowledge of vector technologies such as Pinecone, Milvus, Chroma, or pgvector. \n * AI Tool Fluency: Demonstrated mastery of AI coding assistants and a firm understanding of Model Context Protocol (MCP) to mediate agent connections with external databases., * 8+ years of professional software engineering experience and 2+ years in a technical leadership role. \n * Proven experience designing and delivering large-scale distributed systems. \n * Strong expertise in software architecture, APIs, microservices, cloud- applications, and modern engineering practices. \n * Experience influencing multiple engineering teams and leading organization-wide technical initiatives. \n * Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills. \n * Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and drive technical excellence. \n * Experience with Generative AI, AI agents, LLM-powered applications, or intelligent automation platforms. \n * Experience with AI development tools, coding assistants, and modern developer productivity platforms. \n Knowledge of security architecture, application security, and cloud security best practices. \n * Experience establishing technical governance and engineering standards across multiple teams., Ability to work under pressure and within time constraints \n - Passion for technology and an eagerness to contribute to a team-oriented environment \n - Lead architectural designs and able to work across teams to come up with solutions.