Staff Software Engineer - Applied AI & Modern SDLC
Cycle Labs
Software Engineering, Data Science
Remote
Posted on Oct 29, 2025
Job Description
This is a remote position.
At Cycle Labs, we’re on a mission to make complex enterprise testing simple, reliable, and intelligent. Our platform helps global organizations automate and validate mission-critical systems across the supply chain. Now, we’re taking that mission to the next level — by building an AI-first product that redefines how testing and automation are done.
As a Staff Software Engineer, you’ll play a pivotal role in that journey. Reporting to the Director of Engineering, you’ll serve as both a player and coach: building core product capabilities while mentoring others in modern software practices and the practical use of AI tools.
You’ll bring deep engineering experience, curiosity, and a love of craftsmanship — combined with the adaptability and experimentation mindset needed to navigate the fast-evolving AI landscape.
If your bookshelf has well-worn copies of The Pragmatic Programmer, Extreme Programming Explained, Domain-Driven Design, or anything by Martin Fowler — this might be your kind of place.
What You’ll Do.
- Design, build, and deploy production-grade features for an AI-first product using modern frameworks and cloud-native architectures
- Integrate and evaluate large language model APIs (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic, Azure OpenAI, Ollama) and vector databases (e.g., Pinecone, Weaviate, pgvector), and explore emerging standards like the Model Context Protocol (MCP) for multi-provider interoperability.
- Champion the use of AI developer tools — GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude Code, ChatGPT, and others — across the engineering team to improve productivity and creativity.
- Apply modern SDLC practices: test automation, CI/CD, version control, clean architecture, and iterative delivery.
- Partner with Product and Design to prototype and validate new AI-driven features.
- Lead by example through thoughtful code reviews, technical design sessions, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Contribute to technical strategy and help grow the engineering team over time.
Requirements
What You’ll Bring
- 6+ years of professional software development experience with a strong foundation in software design principles.
- Proven ability to ship maintainable, well-tested software in an agile environment.
- Expertise in at least one modern backend stack (Node.js, TypeScript, Python, or Go preferred).
- Hands-on experience integrating AI or ML capabilities into applications — LLMs, embeddings, vector search, or agent frameworks.
- Active, habitual use of AI-assisted developer tools in your daily workflow.
- Curiosity and the ability to learn, experiment, and adapt quickly in emerging technology areas.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative, mentoring mindset.
Nice to Haves
- Experience with LangChain, LlamaIndex, or similar AI orchestration frameworks.
- Background in test automation, QA platforms, or developer tooling.
- Familiarity with Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, or similar CI/CD systems.
- Experience mentoring or leading a small engineering team.
Benefits
Why Join Us
At Cycle Labs, we foster an environment of innovation, open communication, empowerment, and teamwork striving toward a shared mission. We like to have fun, empower our team members to achieve a healthy work/life balance, and foster an environment of curiosity and trust.
The core values we look for in our team members are Relentless, Authentic, Selfless, Transparent, Empathetic, Balanced, and Curious.
We offer competitive benefits including unlimited PTO, hybrid/remote flexibility, employer-paid health/dental/vision insurance, retirement matching, HSA matching, stock options, 12 company holidays, and more.
Work Environment
Reasonable accommodation(s) can be made; if there is a need, please let your direct supervisor know.
- Remote home office environment: dedicated private space with sitting/standing for 6+ hours a day while working on a laptop
- Use of monitors, keyboard, mouse
- Utilize different software and communication methods such as Zoom, Slack, Cycle equipment and software
- Company and team meetings regularly, including occasional travel to meet in-personDisclaimer
Disclaimer
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice as business needs evolve. Cycle Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.
