Lead Software Engineer - Data and AI (Information Technology)

Publix Super Markets, Inc. is the largest privately-owned food retailer in the nation with more than 1,200 stores and more than 200,000 associates throughout the Southeast. We are associate-owned, proud of our family atmosphere, and consistently named as one of the best companies to work for in America. We are largely debt-free and renowned for our financial performance as well as our premier customer service. Publix's Information Services (I/S) department is located in Lakeland, Florida and Alpharetta, Georgia and employs over 1000 associates. I/S provides the information technology required for all Publix business units including retail stores and all office and warehouse environments. The Publix I/S mission is to maximize the value of information technology to Publix associates and customers.

Please note, this is a hybrid position requiring 8 days per month on-site in Lakeland, FL.

Welcome to Publix Technology, the award-winning technical group for Publix Super Markets, Inc., the largest employee-owned company in the nation. Our technology teams of 2100+ associates provide cutting-edge, modern solutions to nearly 1400 retail stores and 200,000+ internal team members across 8 states. We offer positions at all levels – summer internships, individual contributor roles, to technical leadership across a broad range of technical disciplines. So, whether you're interested in IT security, platform engineering, architecture, software development, or infrastructure – we have a career path for you! Come see for yourself why Publix Super Markets, Inc. is a constant on Fortune Magazine's Best Companies to Work list.

Join our Data and AI team as a Lead Software Engineer! In this role, you'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, build, and maintain scalable AI solutions and frameworks. Your expertise will drive innovative solutions for complex challenges, leveraging cutting-edge generative AI technologies to create transformative business impacts. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Own the development and enhancement of AI platforms by integrating knowledge bases, tools, and innovative features to address evolving business needs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, align on priorities, and deliver impactful and user-friendly AI solutions.
• Research and implement advancements in AI technologies to drive innovation, enhance functionality, and maintain a competitive edge.
• Prototype and test advanced AI solutions, including multi-agent systems, to solve complex business challenges effectively.
• Be responsible for defining and tracking KPIs and creating reports to demonstrate the value and impact of AI initiatives.
• Lead efforts to integrate external systems and tools into AI platforms while ensuring seamless compatibility and optimal user experience.
• Establish processes to gather user feedback and continuously improve AI tools and solutions based on input.
• Ensure all AI solutions adhere to data privacy, security, and ethical standards while maintaining high performance and reliability.
• Drive innovation by exploring emerging technologies and identifying opportunities to future-proof AI systems and processes.

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or other analytical discipline or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of software engineering experience.
• 5+ years of experience with designing, developing, and supporting enterprise-level applications.
• 5+ years of experience with .NET and C# development.
• 3+ years of experience with Front End Development using frameworks like React.js or Angular.js.
• 3+ years of experience with Azure services like Azure Function Apps, Azure App Services, or Azure Static Web Apps.
• 3+ years of experience with TFS/Git code management, DevOps Integration, DevOps Pipelines, or other CI/CD tools.

• 10+ years of experience with .NET and C# development
• 7+ years of experience with Front End Development using frameworks like React.js or Angular.js.
• Experience using Azure AI Services such as Azure AI Foundry, Azure Open AI, Azure Document Intelligence.
• Experience implementing Gen AI applications using RAG or Function Calling to connect LLMs to custom data sources.
• Experience using AI Orchestration frameworks such as Semantic Kernel or LangChain or Autogen.
• Experience working in an Agile environment.
• Experience building highly scalable systems and performance tuning them.

• Employee stock ownership plan that contributes Publix stock to associates each year at no cost


• An opportunity to purchase additional shares of our privately-held stock


• 401(k) retirement savings plan


• Group health, dental and vision plans


• Paid Time Off


• Paid Parental Leave


• Short- and long-term disability insurance


• Tuition reimbursement


• Free hot lunches (buffet-style) at facilities with a cafeteria


• Visit our website to see all of our benefits: Benefits - Jobs (publix.com)