Principal Software Engineer - AI Integration & Deployment (Remote with travel - 1099 - Independent Contractor)

CompassX Group is a boutique business and technology consulting firm recognized for its strategic initiatives across various industries. They are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the integration of AI-generated applications and ensure successful deployment in enterprise environments, focusing on modern release strategies and system reliability.

Responsibilities:

• Orchestrate the Final Mile: Lead the integration of modern, AI-generated applications (built in Python/FastAPI and React) with backend enterprise layers, specifically interacting with Databricks and legacy data environments
• Architect & Prove the Release: Design, document, and execute a robust CI/CD and release strategy. You will be the one 'making it live,' setting up Docker containers and Kubernetes clusters that comply with rigid enterprise security standards
• Navigate Technical Friction: Act as a high-EQ consultant to bridge the gap between our high-velocity delivery model and the client’s internal teams. You will negotiate infrastructure access and 'sell' modern engineering practices to traditional stakeholders
• Player-Coach Leadership: Work directly with a small CompassX team to refine code output and mentor client-side engineering teams on maintaining the new, automated deployment pipelines
• System Reliability: Ensure that integrated solutions are not just functional but production-ready, focusing on scalability, security, and the seamless flow of data between the app layer and the data lake

Requirements:

• 10+ years of experience in software engineering with a 'builder first' mindset
• Highly proficient in Python (FastAPI) and React
• Deep, hands-on expertise in Containerization (Docker) and Orchestration (Kubernetes)
• Proven track record of taking a codebase from a local environment to a live, secured enterprise production state
• Experience working with modern data platforms; familiarity with Databricks or similar large-scale data lake architectures
• Experience in a boutique or consulting environment
• Ability to navigate a fast-paced, challenging environment and build consensus among stakeholders
• A passion for AI-driven development
• Candidates who are based in Georgia
• East Coast candidates who can work on a 1099 or C2C basis and are able to travel to client sites up to 50%