Project Lead Developer

Project Lead Developer, AI Operations (Remote)

Thrively is partnering with a high-growth, Series B company that is transforming how enterprise organizations build and scale data pipelines for LLM, GenAI, and machine learning initiatives. Their customizable AI infrastructure platform enables end-to-end execution of complex annotation, evaluation, and data engineering workflows while orchestrating global distributed teams and delivery at scale.

As a Lead Coder AI Operations, you’ll play a pivotal role in architecting and delivering high-impact coding projects for large enterprise AI teams. This is not a traditional software engineering role: you’ll operate as a technical owner, project architect, and operational leader, guiding large pods (100+ contractors globally) to bring complex AI-driven initiatives to life with speed, precision, and quality.

While this is a global remote role, you must be available to collaborate during Eastern Time (ET) hours.

What You’ll Do

• Lead execution of complex coding projects focused on powering enterprise AI/LLM products and data workflows.
• Translate ambiguous client requirements into structured plans, coding roadmaps, and delivery milestones.
• Own operational KPIs related to code quality, throughput, timeliness, and delivery excellence.
• Guide, mentor, and align distributed teams of contract coders (10–100+), fostering accountability and consistent execution.
• Review, debug, and optimize unfamiliar codebases across multiple languages and frameworks.
• Define and enforce testing and QA processes to ensure reliable outcomes at scale.
• Make real-time decisions during standups, adjusting scope, resources, and technical direction as needed.
• Work cross-functionally across product, engineering, and client-facing teams to ensure alignment and project success.
• Continuously improve delivery methodologies, tooling, and contractor management frameworks.

What You’ll Bring

• Deep coding proficiency in one or more of: Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, with the ability to debug code logically without execution.
• Proven experience leading complex technical projects end-to-end, including scoping, resourcing, and delivery execution.
• Ability to translate unclear requirements into clear test plans, examples, and reproducible scenarios.
• Solid foundation in software engineering best practices (Git, code review, debugging, testing, QA loops).
• Familiarity with LLMs, AI/ML pipelines, or the GenAI ecosystem and how they are built and deployed.
• Fluent English communication skills and ability to lead discussions with technical stakeholders across time zones.
• Demonstrated ability to manage distributed contributors and uphold delivery standards under tight timelines.
• Calm, strategic problem-solver who thrives in dynamic, high-growth, outcomes-driven environments.

Nice to Have

• Experience leading or coordinating globally distributed or contractor-based technical teams
• Background in AI data labeling, evaluation, ML/LLM delivery workflows, or ML ops-type environments
• Experience working in a client-facing technical delivery, AI project management, or Technical Solutions role

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary: up to $230,000 annually (commensurate with experience and dependent on location).
• Equity opportunity in a rapidly scaling company.
• Comprehensive benefits, including quarterly bonuses, and a culture of innovation.

Why This Role is Exciting

• Operate at the intersection of engineering + delivery + AI innovation
• Build complex GenAI solutions with enterprise clients globally
• Lead large-scale, fast-paced coding initiatives (think CTO of each project sprint)
• 100% remote, global team, but highly collaborative and fast-moving