Lead AI Engineer with Java 17

About the role

We are looking for a truly AI‑native Lead AI Engineer to provide hands‑on technical leadership of a delivery squad. The role combines daily coding, architecture ownership, and AI‑assisted development as the core engineering model.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver hands‑on technical leadership while actively writing code.
• Own end‑to‑end architecture and lead discussions with client architects.
• Drive specification quality, enforce engineering standards, and ensure delivery governance.
• Apply AI coding tools (Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, Cursor) to achieve 60%+ AI‑assisted code output.
• Configure MCP servers, implement multi‑agent patterns, and set up AI/LLM gateways for routing, cost control, and fallbacks.
• Coach engineers on prompt engineering, context management, and skill‑file contributions.
• Step into full‑stack or mobile tasks as needed to support squad delivery.
• Present progress, architecture, and AI adoption outcomes to senior leadership.

Required profile

• 12‑15 years of engineering experience, including 3+ years leading AI‑assisted delivery teams.
• Proven delivery leadership in a regulated sector (financial services preferred).
• Upper‑Intermediate English proficiency (B2) or higher.
• Experience mentoring teams on AI adoption and working in both Agile and project modes.

Required skills

• Java 17+ and Spring Boot 3.x (mandatory) with microservices architecture.
• Frontend development with React, TypeScript, and component design.
• Responsive UI development and Figma‑to‑code workflows.
• REST and event‑driven APIs, OAuth2 / OIDC, PostgreSQL.
• Messaging platforms such as Kafka and IBM MQ.
• Service pipelines using GitHub Actions, Docker, Kubernetes / OpenShift.
• GitOps practices and automated testing.
• AI coding tools (Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, Cursor) and AI/LLM gateway configuration.

What we offer

• Fully remote work from any location in Armenia.
• Opportunities to work abroad up to two months per year.
• Leadership development, career advising, soft‑skill and well‑being programs.
• Certifications (GCP, Azure, AWS) and unlimited access to EPAM’s internal learning database.
• Free English classes with certified teachers.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan, referral bonuses, and comprehensive medical & family care.
• Four trust days per year, fitness club discounts, and various benefits for hotels, restaurants, stores, and services.