WHO WE ARE:

ZBeta is a world-class physical security design, consulting, and managed services firm that partners with some of the most dynamic, high-profile organizations and individuals in the world. We leverage a Data Driven, Technology Led, Human Centered approach in order to help our clients architect and engineer superior physical security solutions, implement them seamlessly, and operate them at peak efficiency. ZBeta prides itself on its level of technical expertise but remains independent and product-agnostic. Our highly experienced team brings decades of security expertise, diverse organizational perspectives, and proven best practices to every project and customer. It is our meticulous attention to detail, and our ability to deliver at scale that positions us to deliver an exceptional customer experience.

Our primary goal is to redefine the standards of professional security, equipping our clients with innovative tools to master today’s challenges and fortify against tomorrow's risks. By consistently delivering exceptional solutions and pioneering advancements in the security field, we can exceed expectations and set new standards of excellence in pursuing our vision.

Find out more about us here.

WHO YOU ARE:

You're an experienced software engineer who loves building things and is excited by the opportunity to create something from the ground up. You're equally comfortable writing production code, making architectural decisions, and leading other engineers to deliver exceptional work. You think strategically, solve problems pragmatically, and know when to build a custom solution versus leveraging existing technology. You're proficient and enthusiastic about AI, both in using it to implement, test, and deploy deterministic code as well as applying it directly to business challenges.

You thrive in a workplace culture that is:

• Innovative
• Strives for Excellence
• Reliable
• Detail Oriented
• Adaptable
• Highly Organized
• Client Obsessed
• Curious
• Resilient

Does this sound like you? If so, join us in our mission to redefine security standards and make a lasting difference in our community.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

As the Lead Software Engineer, you'll play a foundational role in building ZBeta's Software & AI function from the ground up. Reporting to the SVP of Software & AI Solutions, you'll lead the technical architecture, development, and delivery of internal software platforms, AI integrations, and automation solutions that transform how ZBeta operates and serves our clients.

This is a hands-on role where you'll spend much of your time designing and building solutions while also leading external engineering partners, establishing development standards, and helping shape the future of our software engineering team. You'll work closely with leaders across ZBeta to turn business priorities into practical, secure, and scalable technology solutions.

Core Competencies

• AI Native: Demonstrates hands-on expertise in building AI-powered solutions, effectively leveraging LLMs and agentic tools while applying sound technical judgment to validate outputs and determine when traditional development approaches are more appropriate. 
• Technical Leadership: Ability to lead multiple contract development teams, establish clear expectations and quality standards, and hold external partners accountable for delivering high-quality solutions on time and within scope.
• Growth Minded: Strong self-awareness of strengths and development areas with a curiosity and appetite for change and innovation
• Evaluative: Ability to evaluate outputs rigorously to ensure consistent excellence in delivery
• Strategic Thinker: Ability to think proactively about the future of the business and relate current business activities to desired outcomes

Position Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Software Engineering & Technical Architecture

• Design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain production-quality software applications, integrations, and automation solutions that support ZBeta's business operations and service delivery.
• Serve as the principal technical architect, establishing scalable, secure, and maintainable solutions across internal platforms and applications.
• Take a hands-on role in software development, dedicating approximately 60% of your time to building, coding, and delivering solutions and 40% of your time to leading contract engineering teams.
• Design and implement APIs, data pipelines, and integrations connecting business systems, including Deltek Vantagepoint, Quickbase, SharePoint, and other enterprise applications.
• Evaluate technical approaches and recommend solutions that balance performance, security, scalability, maintainability, cost, and business value.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues, identify root causes, and implement sustainable solutions.
• Take ownership of the full software development lifecycle, from requirements and architecture through deployment, support, and ongoing improvement.

AI Integration & Automation

• Design, build, and deploy AI-powered applications, integrations, and automation solutions that improve business processes and operational efficiency.
• Develop solutions leveraging large language models (LLMs), APIs, AI agents, retrieval-based architectures, and tool integrations.
• Explore and implement Model Context Protocol (MCP) integrations and other emerging AI technologies where they provide meaningful business value.
• Partner with business and technical teams to identify opportunities to automate repetitive processes, improve access to information, and enhance decision-making.
• Develop and support automation solutions for ZBeta's Revit-based engineering and design workflows.
• Evaluate emerging AI capabilities and determine where they can be responsibly and effectively incorporated into ZBeta's technology environment.
• Ensure AI solutions are designed with appropriate consideration for data privacy, security, reliability, and operational risk.

Engineering Partner & Vendor Management

• Lead and manage external engineering partners, contractors, and offshore development resources to extend ZBeta's internal development capabilities.
• Define technical requirements, project scopes, specifications, statements of work (SOWs), deliverables, and acceptance criteria.
• Provide technical direction and oversight to ensure external engineering resources deliver solutions that meet ZBeta's quality, security, and architectural standards.
• Conduct code reviews, evaluate technical deliverables, and ensure work is thoroughly tested, documented, and maintainable.
• Monitor project progress, budgets, timelines, and deliverable quality, holding external partners accountable for commitments and outcomes.
• Determine when work is best performed internally versus through external engineering resources.
• Ensure ZBeta maintains appropriate ownership, documentation, and knowledge of solutions developed by external partners.

Engineering Standards, Security & Quality

• Establish and maintain engineering standards, development practices, and technical governance as ZBeta builds its internal software engineering capabilities.
• Implement best practices for source control, code reviews, testing, deployment, documentation, and ongoing application maintenance.
• Establish practical development workflows and processes that support consistent quality without creating unnecessary complexity.
• Incorporate security throughout the software development lifecycle, including access controls, authentication, data protection, and secure coding practices.
• Design systems with particular consideration for the sensitive client, facility, and physical security information entrusted to ZBeta.
• Establish technical documentation and knowledge-sharing practices that support continuity, maintainability, and future team growth.
• Identify and proactively address technical debt, reliability concerns, and architectural risks.

Technical Leadership & Business Partnership

• Partner with the SVP of Software & AI Solutions to translate strategic priorities into actionable technical roadmaps, project plans, and deliverables.
• Collaborate with leaders and stakeholders across ZBeta to understand business challenges, define requirements, and identify opportunities for technology-enabled improvements.
• Provide thoughtful technical guidance, challenge assumptions, and recommend alternative approaches when proposed solutions are not technically sound or commercially practical.
• Evaluate build-versus-buy decisions, including when to leverage existing platforms, low-code solutions,      third-party tools, or custom software development.
• Communicate technical concepts, trade-offs, project status, and risks clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Balance immediate business needs with long-term architecture, scalability, and maintainability.
• Help define future engineering roles, participate in hiring, and mentor engineers as ZBeta's Software & AI function grows.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, continuous improvement, and practical innovation.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Experience:

• 10+ years of professional software engineering experience, including designing, building, and delivering production software systems.
• 3+ years of experience in a technical lead, principal engineer, or player-coach capacity with responsibility for technical direction and delivery.
• Demonstrated experience leading external engineering contractors, offshore development teams, or technical vendors, with direct accountability for deliverable quality and outcomes.
• Has shipped and supported production LLM-based systems (agents, tool integrations/MCP, retrieval) and uses agentic coding tools as a core part of daily development.
• Experience designing APIs, integrating enterprise applications, and developing data pipelines.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. 

Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of software architecture, application development, system integration, and distributed systems.
• Knowledge of software development lifecycle practices, including source control, testing, code review, deployment, and documentation.
• Understanding of secure software development, data protection, access management, and application security principles.

Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Python and strong development skills in at least one additional language: C# or TypeScript.
• Strong skills in API development and integration, data processing, and automation.
• Ability to design, develop, and maintain reliable, scalable, production-quality software.
• Strong technical documentation, code review, and solution evaluation skills.
• Proficiency in at least one major cloud platform (e.g. AWS, Azure).

Abilities:

• Ability to operate independently, take ownership of complex technical challenges, and deliver solutions with limited oversight.
• Ability to balance hands-on engineering responsibilities with technical leadership, vendor management, and strategic planning.
• Ability to translate business needs into practical technical solutions, balancing cost, security, scalability, and long-term maintainability.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to influence decisions, challenge assumptions, and explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to establish engineering standards and processes in a growing organization without creating unnecessary complexity.
• Curiosity about emerging technologies and a continuous-improvement mindset.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Competitive salary based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications
• ZBeta is a remote-first company with a distributed team. This role is open to individuals based in the United States.
• Our excellent benefits package includes 100% paid premiums on health, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 401k retirement plan, and significant work schedule and workplace flexibility.
• Diverse and supportive culture

WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

• This position is a remote role. You must have a quiet, designated workspace free from distractions and access to high-speed internet (minimum 200Mbps d/l, 10 Mbps u/l)
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship
• The successful completion of a background check is required upon hire and every two years thereafter

We look forward to connecting with individuals who are passionate about our mission and can bring diverse contributions to our team — not just those who check all the boxes.

We are committed to creating a supportive, encouraging environment where everyone can fully express their diverse perspectives, showcase their talents, and grow their knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The base pay offered will depend on factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity. At ZBeta, new hires are rarely placed at the top of the pay range; compensation is determined by the specific circumstances of each position and candidate.

A note to third-party recruiters - we do not accept unsolicited agency resumes, and we are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.