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

Job Description

Lightspeed is seeking a talented and experienced Software Development Team Lead to guide and grow their Agent OC Squad, a new team focused on building and scaling AI-powered systems using LLMs, agent frameworks, and related technologies. This role involves a mix of internal tools, product-facing AI features, and enablement efforts that help other teams adopt AI across Lightspeed. The Team Lead will play a key leadership role while remaining hands-on, guiding a team of backend engineers, working directly on backend systems (Java or Python), and helping define and deliver practical AI solutions.Responsibilities include:

• Leading and mentoring a team of 5-6 engineers.
• Guiding the design and delivery of AI-powered tools, APIs, and services.
• Reviewing code and contributing to system design.
• Fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
• Ensuring high-quality, maintainable backend systems.
• Collaborating with product managers, designers, and other engineering leaders.
• Driving technical decision-making and helping define the squad’s roadmap.
• Continuously improving delivery processes and development practices.
• Contributing to hiring efforts.

Requirements include:

• Proven experience leading software engineers.
• Strong backend development skills in Java (Spring Boot) or Python (FastAPI, Flask).
• Solid understanding of system design and API development.
• Experience with CI/CD, Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud platforms (AWS preferred).
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage complexity and make trade-offs.
• Professional experience building or integrating AI-powered features using LLMs.
• Practical understanding of deploying, evaluating, and improving LLM-based systems.

Lightspeed offers:

• Autonomy and a flexible work culture.
• Genuine career growth opportunities.
• Meaningful impact on Lightspeed's AI adoption.
• Opportunities to learn and develop new skills.