Lead Engineer - Modernization Team

Target•Brooklyn Park, MN

3d•$132,000 - $238,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Target Technology Modernization team is focused on transforming and replacing legacy systems by building next-generation applications and products. We leverage cutting-edge Generative AI platforms, large language model (LLM) techniques, and advanced prompt engineering to accelerate code generation, model adaptation, inference optimization and modernize software development. Our engineering team is responsible for end-to-end delivery including design, architecture, and implementation of scalable, high-quality software solutions aligned with modern technology standards. This work often involves research, experimentation, and iterative development as we continuously learn, evolve, and scale our solutions to meet enterprise needs. As a Lead Engineer, you serve as the technical anchor for the engineering team that supports a product. You create, own and are responsible for the application architecture that best serves the product in its functional and non-functional needs. You identify and drive architectural changes to accelerate feature development or improve the quality of service (or both). You have deep and broad engineering skills and are capable of standing up an architecture in its whole on your own, but you choose to influence a wider team by acting as a “force multiplier”.

Requirements

4 year degree or equivalent experience
7+ years of software development experience with at least one full cycle implementation
Demonstrates strong domain-specific knowledge regarding Target’s technology capabilities, and key competitors’ products and differentiating features
Proficiency in Java and Python
Hands-on experience with modern LLM ecosystems (OpenAI, Anthropic, Llama, Gemini, etc.) and productionizing GenAI capabilities
Experience with PostgreSQL, Open/Elasticsearch, Object Storage (S3/etc.)
Strong knowledge of emerging GenAI patterns, frameworks and use-cases, including: - LangGraph / LangChain / Google GenAI, etc - Context Engineering / RAG / Agentic AI
Demonstrates broad and deep expertise in multiple computer languages and frameworks (e.g., open source).
Designs, develops, and approves end-to-end functionality of a product line, platform, or infrastructure
Strong stakeholder communication and ability to lead through influence across teams and partners
Experience designing scalable, reliable systems with strong performance, cost, and operational health awareness.
Stays current with new and evolving technologies via formal training and self-directed education
Experience in building highly scalable distributed systems

Responsibilities

Use your technology acumen to apply and maintain knowledge of current and emerging technologies within specialized area(s) of the technology domain.
Evaluate new technologies and participates in decision-making, accounting for several factors such as viability within Target’s technical environment, maintainability, and cost of ownership.
Initiate and execute research and proof-of-concept activities for new technologies.
Lead or set strategy for testing and debugging at the platform or enterprise level.
In complex and unstructured situations, serve as an expert resource to create and improve standards and best practices to ensure high-performance, scalable, repeatable, and secure deliverables.
Lead the design, lifecycle management, and total cost of ownership of services.
Provide the team with thought leadership to promote re-use and develop consistent, scalable patterns.
Participate in planning services that have enterprise impact.
Provide suggestions for handling routine and moderately complex technical problems, escalating issues when appropriate.
Gather information, data, and input from a wide variety of sources; identify additional resources when appropriate, engage with appropriate stakeholders, and conduct in-depth analysis of information.
Provide suggestions for handling routine and moderately complex technical problems, escalating issues when appropriate.
Develop plans and schedules, estimate resource requirements, and define milestones and deliverables.
Monitor workflow and risks; play a leadership role in mitigating risks and removing obstacles.
Lead and participate in complex construction, automation, and implementation activities, ensuring successful implementation with architectural and operational requirements met.
Establish new standards and best practices to monitor, test, automate, and maintain IT components or systems.
Serve as an expert resource in disaster recovery and disaster recovery planning.
Stay current with Target’s technical capabilities, infrastructure, and technical environment.
Develop fully attributed data models, including logical, physical, and canonical.
Influence data standards, policies, and procedures.
Install, configure, and/or tune data management solutions with minimal guidance.
Monitor data management solution(s) and identify optimization opportunities.