Overview Lead Software Engineer - AI (Materia AI). Are you excited about building AI-driven software that redefines how professionals work? Join Thomson Reuters, where we combine the agility and innovation of a startup with the stability and resources of a global leader. As a Lead Software Engineer, you will help develop AI-powered systems that enhance accounting workflows through automation, intelligence, and seamless orchestration. The focus is on engineers who can own end-to-end AI systems — from backend services and APIs to LLM-driven workflows in production. Must have strong hands-on Python backend experience (FastAPI/Flask, APIs, distributed systems). Exposure to TypeScript/modern frontend frameworks is helpful, but not required. Proven experience in system design and architecture, building scalable, production-grade systems. Strong emphasis on Python, backend engineering, and real-world AI applications. This is a hybrid role, and the interview process may include onsite interactions. About the Role In this role as a Lead Software Engineer, you will: Innovate in a Startup-Like Environment: Be part of a fast-moving, forward-thinking group that is creating AI-driven software for accounting professionals. You’ll work with top AI and software development experts, leveraging cutting-edge technology to build intelligent and scalable systems. This role is for the CoCounsel for Tax and Accounting team, formed from the recent acquisition of the startup Materia. Build AI-Driven Systems: Design and implement backend services that power generative AI agents and orchestration systems. This role requires both creativity and rigor to ensure our AI-driven solutions are performant, reliable, and adaptable to real-world use cases. Collaborate Across Functions: Work closely with AI/ML engineers, frontend developers, product managers, and designers to build robust services that support generative AI experiences. Help to build out our core AI interfaces such as Conversations, Workspaces, Grid, and Knowledge Base. Key Responsibilities Backend Development & AI Integration: Design and build the backend for AI-native products focused on accounting research and accounting workflows such as tax filing, tax advisory, and audit. Develop and maintain backend services using Python, FastAPI, and PostgreSQL. Implement AI orchestration systems integrating LLMs from OpenAI, Anthropic, and other providers. Design APIs and backend logic for real-time AI interactions. Performance & Scalability: Ensure backend systems are secure, scalable, and optimized for AI-driven applications. Monitor and enhance system performance across millions of documents and AI-driven interactions. Collaboration & Leadership: Lead teams of engineers, AI researchers, and product teams to translate AI capabilities into real-world applications, owning large projects or workstreams. Foster a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement, exploring new AI technologies and methodologies. Assist in hiring and mentorship across the org. About You You are a fit for the position of Lead Software Engineer if your background includes: Required Experience & Skills Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Related Field, or Equivalent Experience 6-8 years of experience in backend development, building scalable web services and APIs. Strong Python skills, with experience in FastAPI, PostgreSQL, and AWS. Experience in distributed systems, API and data model design. Strong debugging skills and a track record of building production-grade software. Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities. Passion for AI-driven software and new engineering paradigms. A creative problem solver who enjoys exploring new technologies. Dedicated to building high-quality, reliable AI-first systems. Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Preferred Skills & Experience Experience with AI-driven systems, agent-based architectures, or AI APIs from providers like OpenAI and Anthropic. Knowledge of vector databases, embeddings, or search-based AI. Strong opinions on backend testing strategies and automation. What’s in it For You? Hybrid Work Model: Flexible hybrid environment (2-3 days a week in the office) for office-based roles. Flexibility & Work-Life Balance: Policies to help manage responsibilities, including work from anywhere for up to 8 weeks per year. Career Development and Growth: Continuous learning and skill development through Grow My Way. Industry Competitive Benefits: Flexible vacation, mental health days, Headspace access, retirement savings, tuition reimbursement, and wellbeing resources. Culture: Inclusive and values-driven environment with emphasis on customers, performance, critical thinking, speed, and teamwork. Social Impact: Paid volunteer days and opportunities for pro-bono and ESG initiatives. Real-World Impact: Opportunity to help uphold truth and transparency in professional information. About Us Thomson Reuters informs the way forward by bringing together trusted content and technology for professionals across legal, tax, accounting, compliance, government, and media. Reuters, part of Thomson Reuters, is a leading provider of trusted journalism and news. We are a global company with 26,000 employees across 70+ countries, committed to equality, objectivity, and flexible work environments. Thomson Reuters is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer offering a drug-free workplace. 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