Lead AI Engineer with Java 17

We are searching for a Lead AI Engineer who is truly AI-native and prepared to deliver hands-on technical leadership of a delivery squad. This isn't a position for conventional engineers who have merely added AI tools on top of old routines — we require a leader who codes daily, owns architecture, upholds standards, and treats AI-assisted delivery as the core engineering model (targeting 60%+ AI-assisted code output). You will mentor engineers, shape specifications, and collaborate with client architects and leadership across both Agile and project delivery modes.

Responsibilities

• Deliver hands-on technical leadership of a delivery squad while actively writing code
• Own end-to-end architecture within the squad and lead architecture discussions with client architects
• Drive specification quality, enforce engineering standards, and stay accountable for delivery quality and governance
• Apply AI coding tools (such as Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, or Cursor) daily for generating, refactoring, testing, and reviewing code — reaching 60%+ AI-assisted code output
• Configure MCP servers, implement multi-agent patterns, and set up AI/LLM gateways to manage routing, cost, limits, and fallbacks
• Leverage AI to assess agent output quality and continuously refine delivery practices
• Coach engineers on prompts, context management, and skill files, and review and approve skill-file contributions
• Step into any full-stack or mobile role as needed to support squad delivery
• Present progress, architecture, and AI adoption outcomes to senior leadership
• Mentor teams on AI adoption and champion AI-native ways of working across the delivery organisation

Requirements

• 12-15 years of overall engineering experience, including 3+ years leading AI-assisted delivery teams
• Proven record of leading delivery in a regulated sector (financial services preferred), with references available
• Background in Java 17+ and Spring Boot 3.x (mandatory) with microservices architecture
• Expertise in frontend development with React (mandatory), TypeScript, and component design
• Proficiency in responsive UI development and Figma-to-code workflows
• Skills in REST and event-driven APIs, OAuth2 / OIDC, and PostgreSQL
• Competency in messaging platforms, including Kafka and IBM MQ
• Capability to own service pipelines using GitHub Actions, Docker, and Kubernetes / OpenShift
• Qualifications in GitOps practices and automated testing
• Showcase of leading at least one programme where AI-assisted delivery was the primary engineering model (not a pilot)
• Familiarity with MCP server configuration, multi-agent patterns, and AI/LLM gateway configuration
• Demonstrated ability to mentor teams on AI adoption and work comfortably across both Agile and project modes
• English proficiency at an Upper-Intermediate level (B2) or higher

Benefits

We connect like-minded people

• Delivering innovative solutions to industry leaders, making a global impact
• Enjoyable working environment, whether it is the vibrant office or the comfort of your own home
• Opportunity to work abroad for up to two months per year
• Relocation opportunities within our offices in 55+ countries
• Corporate and social events

We invest in your growth

• Leadership development, career advising, soft skills and well-being programs
• Certifications, including GCP, Azure and AWS
• Unlimited access to EPAM's internal learning database
• Free English classes with certified teachers

We cover it all

• Participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Monetary bonuses for engaging in the referral program
• Comprehensive medical & family care package
• Five trust days per year (sick leave without a medical certificate)
• Benefits package (sports activities, a variety of stores and services)

We connect like-minded people

• Delivering innovative solutions to industry leaders, making a global impact
• Enjoyable working environment, whether it is the vibrant office or the comfort of your home
• Opportunity to work abroad for up to two months per year
• Relocation opportunities within our offices in 55+ countries
• Corporate and social events

We invest in your growth

• Leadership development, career advising, soft skills and well-being programs
• Certifications, including GCP, Azure and AWS
• Unlimited access to EPAM's internal learning database
• Free English classes with certified teachers

We cover it all

• Participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Monetary bonuses for engaging in the referral program
• Comprehensive medical & family care package
• Four trust days per year for personal needs
• Discounts for fitness clubs
• Benefits package (hotels, restaurants, stores and services)

We connect like-minded people:

• Delivering innovative solutions to industry leaders, making a global impact
• Enjoyable working environment, whether it is the vibrant office or the comfort of your own home
• Opportunity to work abroad for up to two months per year
• Relocation opportunities within our offices in 55+ countries
• Corporate and social events

We invest in your growth:

• Leadership development, career advising, soft skills and well-being programs
• Certifications, including GCP, Azure and AWS
• Unlimited access to EPAM's internal learning database
• Free English classes with certified teachers
• Discounts in local language schools, including online courses for the Kazakh language

We cover it all:

• Participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Monetary bonuses for engaging in the referral program
• Medical & family care package
• Six trust days per year (sick leave without a medical certificate)
• Coverage of psychology sessions of your choice
• Benefits package (sports activities, a variety of stores and services)
• Housing support program: preferential mortgage access via Otbasy Bank partnership

We connect like-minded people:

• Delivering innovative solutions to industry leaders, making a global impact
• Enjoyable working environment, whether it is the vibrant office or the comfort of your own home
• Opportunity to work abroad for up to two months per year
• Relocation opportunities within our offices in 55+ countries
• Corporate and social events

We invest in your growth:

• Leadership development, career advising, soft skills and well-being programs
• Certifications, including GCP, Azure and AWS
• Unlimited access to EPAM's internal learning database
• Free English classes with certified teachers

We cover it all:

• Monetary bonuses for engaging in the referral program
• Medical & family care package
• Six trust days per year (sick leave without a medical certificate)
• Coverage of psychology sessions of your choice
• Discounts for fitness clubs and sports programs
• Benefits package (sports activities, a variety of stores and services)

We connect like-minded people:

• Delivering innovative solutions to industry leaders, making a global impact
• Enjoyable working environment, whether it is the vibrant office or the comfort of your own home
• Opportunity to work abroad for up to two months per year
• Relocation opportunities within our offices in 55+ countries
• Corporate and social events

We invest in your growth:

• Leadership development, career advising, soft skills and well-being programs
• Certifications, including GCP, Azure and AWS
• Unlimited access to EPAM's internal learning database
• Free English classes with certified teachers

• Discounts in local language schools, including offline courses for the Uzbek language

We cover it all:

• Monetary bonuses for engaging in the referral program
• Medical & family care package
• Four trust days per year (sick leave without a medical certificate)
• Discounts for fitness clubs, dance schools and sports programs
• Benefits package (sports activities, a variety of stores and services)