> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4646721-lead-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4646721-lead-software-engineer). 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 - **Company:** Spark Tek Inc - **Location:** Owings Mills, MD, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Nvidia CUDA, Linux, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Open Source Technology, OpenShift, Tensorflow, Software Engineering, Pytorch, Large Language Models, Qwen, Deep Learning, Generative AI, Scikit Learn, Kubernetes, Information Technology, HuggingFace, Rancher, Ollama, TensorRT, VLLM, Spacy, Deepseek (AI Talent Sourcing Platform), Docker - **Published:** November 9, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.thejobnetwork.com/job/f4d4f151-bac3-40be-b382-ca30416e3c7f/lead-software-engineer ## About the Role Job Requirements Role OverviewWe are seeking an experienced LLM Engineer with 7 years of software engineering experience, including 4 years dedicated to AI/ML. You will design, develop, fine-tune, and deploy state-of-the-art Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI applications directly within our on-premises, air-gapped enterprise infrastructure.In this role, you will lead the end-to-end lifecycle of local GenAI solutions-from self-hosted model serving and custom prompt engineering to fine-tuning open-weight models (e.g., Llama 3, Mistral, Qwen) while ensuring strict enterprise data privacy, security, and low latency.Required Qualifications & Technical SkillsExperience: 7 years of overall software development experience, with 4 years of hands-on experience in Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and AI.Python Mastery: Expert-level Python skills and deep familiarity with core AI ecosystems: PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face (transformers, peft, datasets, accelerate), spaCy, and Scikit-Learn.Self-Hosted / Open-Source LLMs: Hands-on experience working with open-weight foundation models (Llama, Mistral, Gemma, DeepSeek, Qwen) and local serving engines (vLLM, Ollama, TensorRT-LLM, Triton).On-Prem Infrastructure & Orchestration: Solid understanding of Linux, Docker/Kubernetes (OpenShift, Rancher, microK8s), local GPU orchestration, and CUDA driver configurations.Deployments: Proven track record of deploying at least one end-to-end GenAI application in a production environment.Education & Core Competencies: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, AI, or a related quantitative field. Strong problem-solving, analytical, and cross-functional communication skills.Work Experience 7-10Years