Team Lead, Software Development (Java OR Python), AI

Summary

Join Lightspeed as a Software Development Team Lead for the Agent OC Squad, a new team focused on building and scaling AI-powered systems using LLMs and agent frameworks. You will guide a team of backend engineers, work directly on backend systems (Java or Python), and help define and deliver practical AI solutions. This role requires strong engineering leadership, a curiosity about AI, and the drive to explore its real-world applications. You will be responsible for leading the design and delivery of AI-powered tools, APIs, and services, fostering a collaborative team culture, and ensuring high-quality backend systems. The ideal candidate will have proven experience leading software engineers, strong backend development skills in Java or Python, and a solid understanding of system design and scalable services.

Requirements

• Proven experience leading software engineers in a team setting
• Strong backend development skills in either Java (Spring Boot) or Python (FastAPI, Flask)
• Solid understanding of system design, scalable services, and API development
• Experience working with CI/CD, Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud platforms (AWS preferred)
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across roles and regions
• Ability to manage complexity, make trade-offs, and keep teams focused
• Curiosity about AI/LLMs and a willingness to explore their practical use on the job

Responsibilities

• Be the trusted lead and partner of a development team of 5–6 engineers, supporting their growth and day-to-day work
• Guide the design and delivery of AI-powered tools, APIs, and services that use LLMs and agent frameworks
• Stay hands-on: review code, contribute to system design, and lead by example
• Foster a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive team culture
• Ensure high-quality, maintainable backend systems—primarily in Java (Spring Boot) or Python
• Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, and other engineering leaders to align strategy and execution
• Drive technical decision-making and help define the squad’s roadmap in an emerging domain
• Continuously improve delivery processes, development practices, and team health
• Contribute to hiring by identifying and attracting strong engineering talent

Preferred Qualifications

• LLMs (e.g. OpenAI, Claude, open source) or agent frameworks
• Vector databases, embeddings, or retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)
• Developer productivity or internal enablement tooling
• Observability, performance monitoring, and security best practices
• Building SaaS products at scale or in a multi-tenant architecture

Benefits

• Lots of autonomy, flexible work culture with the option of working remotely or from one of our beautiful offices
• Genuine career growth opportunities within a company that's continuously expanding
• Make a meaningful impact by shaping how Lightspeed adopts and scales AI
• Be part of a team large enough for growth yet agile enough for real impact
• Work on high-traffic products with a global user base
• Opportunities to learn, develop new skills, and expand your expertise
• Lightspeed share scheme (we are all owners)
• Flexible working policy
• Mental health online platform and counseling & coaching services
• Health and wellness benefits
• LinkedIn Learning license (learning is always ongoing)
• Volunteer day to be able to give back to society!