Java Tech Lead (AI Focus) - Hybrid

Our direct client, based in White Plains, NY, is seeking an AI-forward Technical Lead who leverages cutting-edge AI tools to transform software development processes. This is a long-term contract position (12-36+ months) with likely extension beyond. This role is a hybrid on-site position and you will be required to work on-site 3 days per week in White Plains, NY.

In this role, the Java Tech Lead will champion the integration of AI into every aspect of the development lifecycle while maintaining responsibility for the overall design, implementation and quality of the code the team produces across one or more projects. You will be expected to proactively identify opportunities to enhance development efficiency, code quality, and team productivity through AI tools and processes. You will partner with IT leadership, architecture, and development staff to establish AI-enhanced vision, strategy and road maps that align with business strategies and organizational priorities. You must collaborate with peers and leadership to leverage AI-driven knowledge and solutions across the organization.

This position is within a development group focused on leading the delivery of best-in-class systems to support client's business lines, across all channels. These include customer and internal applications built on AWS using Microservices Architecture and other AWS components that integrate with existing on-prem systems and databases.

Organizational Relationships:

The Technical Lead reports to the Director of Development and is accountable for daily status on tech design, development, and resource management. The Lead will collaborate with team members to define requirements, design, and develop mission critical applications while continuously exploring and implementing AI-enhanced workflows.

The Technical Lead works with:

• Delivery leads to staff projects with associates, contractors, and/or third party teams
• Project managers on a plan and estimates
• Architecture and delivery leads on solution blueprints
• QA and delivery leads on functional testing, integration testing, performance testing and to triage defects
• Service introduction on hand-off to application operations team

Qualifications:

• Proven experience utilizing AI tools for Java software development including code generation, review, documentation, testing, and debugging (e.g., Amazon Q, GitHub Copilot, or similar platforms)
• Proactive, self-directed mindset for identifying and implementing AI-driven process improvements without waiting for top-down directives
• Strong prompt engineering skills and commitment to continuous exploration of emerging AI tools to enhance development workflows
• 8+ years experience in Java backend development demonstrating increasing levels of responsibility
• Experience leading a team of 3 or more software developers and mentoring them in AI-enhanced development practices
• Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent experience
• Experience producing solution designs for large-scale, highly available, mission-critical systems
• Proficient in designing, creating and consuming Web Services (REST, JSON, OAuth), multi-tier or microservice applications in Java and large scale database applications
• Strong experience in SQL and data modeling
• Demonstrate sound architecture skills and broad experience designing applications
• Ability to communicate complex technical design concepts and translate into non-technical business solutions
• Able to communicate well with all levels in the organization, and must be comfortable as a primary contact to internal and external customers
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience in Agile, Waterfall and other software development methodologies

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with developing within a Cloud environment with good knowledge of cloud infrastructure like AWS is a plus
• Hands-on experience with Amazon Q and Hero (current company AI tools)
• Python scripting experience
• Angular experience strongly preferred for any frontend development needs
• Experience with ecommerce, retail, and financing is a plus

To ensure a fair and secure hiring process, candidates must complete live video interviews with cameras on and present valid government-issued identification during the process. All interviews are conducted directly with our internal team proxy interviewing is not permitted.