Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Lead AI Software Developer to support the modernization of mission-critical air traffic systems. This is a hybrid position in Gaithersburg, MD, requiring three days on-site and two days remote each week. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Public Trust. The Lead AI Software Developer will develop and modernize real-time software used in safety-critical environments. This role combines microservices development, systems engineering, and AI-assisted software development to improve the quality and reliability of complex applications. Responsibilities for the Lead AI Software Developer include: • Design, develop, and maintain microservices that support real-time, mission-critical applications • Translate system requirements into software solutions in collaboration with systems engineers, architects, and product teams • Analyze existing interfaces, data flows, and codebases to introduce new capabilities while maintaining operational stability • Integrate services with databases, messaging platforms, and external APIs • Use AI-assisted tools to support coding, debugging, refactoring, and test development • Develop automated unit, integration, contract, and end-to-end tests to support reliable software releases • Participate in Agile ceremonies and technical design discussions alongside QA, DevSecOps, and platform teams • Troubleshoot software issues, improve application performance, and contribute to continuous delivery practices Required Qualifications for the Lead AI Software Developer include: • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field and 4+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree and 2+ years; equivalent experience may be considered • Hands-on experience developing and supporting microservices-based applications • Proficiency in Java, Python, C++, or a comparable programming language in a Linux environment • Experience using AI-assisted engineering tools to analyze code, develop solutions, and improve software quality • Experience or exposure to AI/ML-enabled systems, automation, or intelligent platforms • Ability to understand complex software systems, interfaces, and data flows and communicate architectural concepts • Experience enhancing existing software while maintaining system stability • Experience working in Agile environments and knowledge of APIs and distributed systems • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Public Trust and successfully complete required background investigations Preferred Qualifications for the Lead AI Software Developer include: • Experience with large-scale distributed, high-availability, or safety-critical systems • Experience analyzing existing codebases, reverse-engineering designs, or integrating legacy systems • Familiarity with SAFe, Git, CI/CD pipelines, and DevSecOps practices • Experience with relational or NoSQL databases and Kafka or other event-streaming technologies • Familiarity with AWS, Azure, or GCP and container technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes • Experience integrating automated testing frameworks into CI/CD pipelines Compensation for the Lead AI Software Developer includes: Salary Range: $138,000–$147,000 annually, depending on experience Full Benefits Package: PTO, Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Tuition Reimbursement, Sick Leave as Required by Law This job opens for applications on 10/26/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date. #LI-MR1 #LI-HYBRID Keywords: Lead AI Software Developer, AI Software Developer, Lead Software Developer, AI Software Engineer, Software Developer, Microservices Developer, AI-Assisted Development, AI Coding Tools, Claude Code, AI/ML, Artificial Intelligence, Java, Python, C++, Linux, Microservices, Distributed Systems, APIs, Real-Time Systems, Safety-Critical Systems, Agile, SAFe, DevSecOps, CI/CD, Automated Testing, Kafka, Event Streaming, SQL, NoSQL, AWS, Azure, GCP, Docker, Kubernetes, Legacy Modernization, Public Trust, Gaithersburg MD Jobs, Maryland Software Developer, Gaithersburg AI Developer