Lead Software Engineer

We are Skyward.
That is, a love for people, for improvement, for human advancement through information technology. We are a people-centered business with a desire to serve others. We are diverse and unified; creative and collaborative; a collection of complementary, not competing talents. And though on the surface we remain relaxed, beneath, a torrent of energy links us to our civic tech mission.
We stand by our values, and we won't compromise on any of them.
Integrity: We're conscientious, intentional, and empathetic. Our words and actions align. That's our character. Please don't ask us to play another part, we're poor actors.
Compassionate: If we may borrow a quote from Theodore Roosevelt: "No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care." Because our team is thoughtful and supportive, caring deeply for each other, our clients, and our work, this comes naturally.
Inquisitive: We remain students by failing openly and turning lessons into solutions.
Unconventional: For us, life isn't what happens outside of work. Work happens inside of life and our culture erases the line often dividing the two.
Authentic: Made possible only because we embody the values listed above. We're relaxed and fun yet intensely curious and driven. Team members are placed with thought, care, and precision to ensure that Trust, Truth, and Transparency continue to represent our brand.
Because of that, we continue Onward, Upward, and Skyward.
We need a Lead Software Engineer.
Do you like pushing the boundaries of technology? Do you love staying on top of the world of artificial intelligence because of how it can make our lives easier? Or maybe people are envious of your unwavering commitment to self-improvement and self-awareness, and your ability to influence others. If you're someone who's driven by innovation and who loves experimenting with emerging technologies, then please apply!
Come join us if you're motivated to learn from others, to learn from mistakes, to be part of a future-looking and growth-oriented team.
Let's go Skyward together.
What you'll do:

• Be on a team supporting the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) endeavor to modernize enterprise systems' access, reducing manual effort, improving data accuracy, and enhancing transparency for stakeholders. Oh, and utilizing cutting-edge NLP and LLM techniques.
• Identify immediate automation opportunities that will bring a meaningful and noticeable impact to end users and stakeholders.
• Monitor the health of the operations and backend integrations. Monitor scheduled jobs and the health of enduring capabilities of the system to make sure it can operate.
• Offer strategic direction, best practices, and innovative solutions in the realm of enterprise software architecture.
• Develop and implement AI strategies aligned with business goals and objectives. Identify opportunities for applying AI to solve complex problems and drive innovation.
• Lead and mentor a team of engineers. Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Assess the current landscape, identifying gaps, opportunities, and areas for improvement in digital strategy and management.
• Design, recommend, and implement enterprise governance frameworks, ensuring quality and compliance.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI technologies and methodologies. Provide technical expertise and guidance to the team on AI algorithms, frameworks and tools.
• Collaborate with product managers, software engineers, and other stakeholders to integrate AI capabilities into products and services. Partner with stakeholders to identify AI opportunities that drive business value.

What we'd like you to have:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years' experience in data strategy and data management, preferably within large-scale programs or enterprises.
• Hands-on experience with AWS cloud services, CI/CD pipelines and open-source programming languages.
• Solid programming skills in languages such as Python, R, or Java. Experience with AI frameworks (e.g. TensorFlow, PyTorch) and tools.
• Understanding of machine learning algorithms, neural networks, natural language processing, and other AI techniques.
• Exceptional analytical skills paired with the ability to translate data insights into actionable strategic recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills, with a knack for presenting complex data concepts in an understandable manner.
• A keen understanding of industry trends, challenges, and the evolving data landscape.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

What would blow us away:

• You have knowledge of ethical considerations and regulatory requirements related to AI.
• You've previously worked with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Even if you don't meet 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply. At Skyward, we're focused on hiring individuals with the right skills and passion to grow, not just checking off every box.
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And now the important part. What we offer you:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance (fully paid for employees)
• 15 days of paid leave
• 7 days of sick leave
• 2 days bereavement leave
• 11 paid Federal holidays
• Up to 40 hours for jury duty
• 401K with 4% employer contribution (and no vesting period)
• Up to 4 weeks of paid paternity and maternity leave
• Company provided laptop
• $5,000 per year for professional development
• $600 per year for technical supplies and equipment
• $2,000 referral bonus
• Life and disability insurance
• HSA and FSA
• Legal Shield and ID Shield Voluntary Benefits
• Opportunity to work in a collaborative, motivated team focused on modernizing government services with cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions. Who says government work can't be exciting!

$140,000 - $190,000 a year
We know great work deserves great pay. That's why we ensure our compensation is not only competitive but also fair and transparent, as required by Maryland law. Expect a salary that matches your skills, experience, and the value you bring to the table -because you're worth it!
At Skyward, we believe diverse teams are the key to innovation and success. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment where everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or background, can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
We support flexible working hours and remote opportunities to help maintain a healthy work-life balance for all employees, including caregivers and those with unique needs.
Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance due to the nature of our work as a government contractor.
Offers of employment with Skyward are contingent upon acceptable results of a background investigation.