Team Lead - Software / Automation / AI

Job#: 3029214

Job Description:

Lead Software Engineer - Software / Automation / AI

Location: Jersey City, New Jersey (Hybrid - 3 days a week)

Employment Type: Contract to Perm

Role Overview

We are seeking a Lead Software Engineer to guide a team of engineers and specialists. This role involves building enterprise-grade infrastructure platforms through hands-on technical leadership. The position will drive the adoption of modern engineering practices, focusing on automation and cloud-native architectures to enhance system reliability and operational efficiency. The role requires a blend of software development and DevOps implementation skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of software engineers and automation specialists, providing hands-on technical leadership across the full software development lifecycle.
• Drive the adoption of automation, AI, cloud-native architectures, Infrastructure-as-Code, and DevOps/SRE practices.
• Develop frameworks and establish engineering best practices for CI/CD, automated testing, observability, and code quality.
• Mentor and develop team members through coaching, performance management, and technical guidance.
• Own delivery outcomes, including sprint execution, milestone tracking, and risk management.
• Evaluate and introduce new technologies and tools to support automation and AI initiatives.
• Contribute to strategic planning and roadmap development for the technology organization.
• Act as an escalation point for complex technical and delivery issues.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.

Experience: 8+ years of experience in software engineering, with demonstrated experience leading teams or technical initiatives. Must have a strong software development and architecture background, including microservice architecture and unit testing. Experience should demonstrate the ability to build infrastructure with code.

Technical Skills: Strong background in modern software development with Python, Terraform, and ideally Ansible. Experience designing and delivering automation solutions and a working knowledge of AI/ML concepts are required. Familiarity with cloud or hybrid environments, containerization, and distributed systems is also necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting financial services or other highly regulated industries.
• Familiarity with AI governance, model risk management, or responsible AI practices.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure as Code, and observability platforms.
• Exposure to low-code/no-code automation platforms or intelligent automation tools.
• Prior experience as a people manager with accountability for performance reviews and talent development.

Leadership & Behavioral Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong execution discipline.
• Ability to balance hands-on technical involvement with people and delivery leadership.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence across organizational boundaries.
• Strong problem-solving skills and comfort operating in ambiguity.
• Commitment to continuous learning and innovation.

This employer is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details.

If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at [email protected] or 804-523-8228.

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.

Employee Type:

Contract

Location:

Tampa, FL, US

Job Type:

Date Posted:

April 7, 2026

Pay Range:

$80 - $95 per hour

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