SDLC Lead / Architect /Principal AI

Role: SDLC Lead / Architect

Chicago, IL -Local

12 months

Experience: 15+ Years SDLC / Architecture + 2+ Years AI-Native Development

Required Skills

• Principal-Level Technical Leadership: 15+ years of hands-on experience in the SDLC, with the ability to lead by expertise, guidance, and oversight for senior engineering teams.
• AI-Native Tooling Mastery: Deep, demonstrable proficiency in Claude Code (Required), Cursor, or GitHub Copilot.
• Modern Tech Stack Expertise: Extensive and architect level experience with modern tech stacks (ie Java Spring Boot, Microservices), modern databases (ie relational, NoSQL) and a modern SPA framework/architecture (ie React).
• Architectural Orchestration: Proven ability to move beyond "syntax production" to "architectural oversight," framing problems for AI with precision and constraints.
• Cloud & DevOps Integration: Practical experience with GitHub, GitHub Actions, code quality tools and Cloud environments (AWS/Azure/Google Cloud Platform) to align AI workflows with CI/CD pipelines.
• Critical Review Mastery: Expert-level capability in modern coding patterns such as TDD (Test Driven Development), Microservice architecture and the ability to audit AI-generated code for "vibe coding" vs. robust, idiomatic engineering.
• OCM Strategy & Implementation: Practical experience with Organizational Change Management concepts; training user communities, building a "Community of Practice" that fosters peer-to-peer learning and cultural buy-in.

Job Requirements -

• 15+ Years SDLC Experience: Comprehensive background in Agile methodologies, Design Patterns, and Microservices Architecture.
• 2+ Years AI-Assisted Development: Proven track record using agentic AI tools and code assist tools in real-world, enterprise-level production environments.
• Full Stack Proficiency: Extensive experience with modern tech stacks. Java, Spring Boot, Web APIs, microservices, React a plus.
• Exceptional Communication & "Teacher s Mindset": Must be a polished presenter capable of speaking to executive, technical and non-technical audiences. Establish credibility with Senior level developers through demonstrable real world knowledge.
• Polished Change Agent: Must have the emotional intelligence to manage the psychological transition of a large