Lead frontend architecture and build scalable TypeScript/React/Next.js applications that integrate with AI/LLMs and composable CMS/search platforms. Translate product and design specs into agent-driven implementations, mentor engineers, ensure performance, accessibility, SEO, and GCP-based deployments, and communicate technical decisions to clients and stakeholders.
ABOUT APPLY
APPLY is the Agentic Customer Experience (ACx) partner for the world's most ambitious consumer and entertainment brands. We bring together deep domain expertise across Retail, CPG, Sports, and Media with AI-native delivery capability, designing and delivering agentic solutions that turn CX vision into commercial reality. We are the partner of choice for brands like Arc'teryx, NFL, Lululemon, and Kraft Heinz. For more information, visit applydigital.com.
LOCATION: APPLY is hybrid/remote friendly. The preferred candidate should be based in Canada, working in hours that align to ET (Eastern Timezone) or PT (Pacific Timezone).
THE ROLE:
The Principal Agentic Engineer (Front-end) is a senior technical leader responsible for building scalable, high-quality frontend applications that power AI-driven digital experiences. This role blends frontend engineering excellence with architectural leadership, AI integration, and strong client-facing communication.
You will lead frontend technical direction, mentor engineers, and collaborate closely with backend, product, and design teams to deliver production-ready solutions. The role requires deep expertise in modern frontend frameworks, AI-assisted development workflows, and cloud-connected architectures. You will engineer teams of coding agents to accomplish implementation requirements for the systems you will be building.
You bring a strong leadership track record at the Staff or Lead level, operating with high autonomy and turning ambiguous product or business goals into shipped, production-ready software.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the design and development of high-performance frontend applications using TypeScript, React, and Next.js.
- Organizing, distributing and translating backlog requirements from Product, UX and other disciplines, into detailed spec driven requirements for Agents to implement.
- Synthesise user stories, site maps, content strategy, components and design systems, brand strategy, etc, into specifications that coding Agents will implement.
- Designing and implementing digital solutions that have proper SEO/GEO, accessibility, performance and content management integrations.
- Integrations with key Composable platforms such as Contentful, Contentstack, Algolia, Cloudinary, etc.
- Experience implementing enterprise grade design systems, content models and component libraries.
- Apply spec-driven development to ensure clarity, consistency, and high-quality delivery.
- Architect frontend solutions that integrate seamlessly with backend services and AI-powered systems.
- Design user experiences that help users express goals, constraints, and context clearly to AI agents.
- Design and implement frontend experiences that leverage: AI-powered APIs and LLM-driven features and RAG-based experiences and AI-assisted workflows
- Collaborate with backend teams to consume RESTful APIs effectively.
- Ensure frontend systems are scalable, maintainable, accessible, and well-documented.
- Provide mentorship and technical leadership to frontend engineers.
- Partner with Project Managers and stakeholders to manage delivery risks and timelines.
- Communicate complex frontend and AI concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, including clients.
REQUIREMENTS
- Strong experience with TypeScript and modern JavaScript.
- Extensive experience with React and Next.js.
- Proven experience with spec-driven development.
- Experience creating and consuming RESTful APIs.
- Hands-on experience with AI coding agents (e.g., Copilot, Claude Code).
- Strong prompt engineering skills.
- Experience working with LLMs (e.g., Gemini 3, Claude Opus, GPT-4.x/5.x).
- Experience with vector stores and RAG-powered applications.
- Experience using Agent Development Kits (e.g., Google ADK).
- Experience building applications deployed on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
- Familiarity with Vertex AI and Google Gen AI APIs.
- Experience with Git and CI/CD workflows.
- Strong system design fundamentals, including API design, data flow, caching strategies, and performance considerations for production-scale applications.
- Proven leadership experience at a Staff or Lead level, including mentoring engineers and leading delivery of complex frontend systems.
- Generalist engineering strength, with comfort understanding backend systems and how frontend architecture integrates into distributed systems.
- Demonstrated curiosity and passion for Generative AI, with a desire to make it a core career focus. And
- Excellent English communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Experience collaborating effectively with fully remote, distributed teams.
- Experience in a consultancy or professional services firm.
- Ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-moving, agency-style environment.
NICE TO HAVES
- Experience with BMAD Method or similar spec driven development frameworks.
- Experience with AI agent design patterns, task planning, and reasoning.
- Experience with agent observability and debugging.
- Familiarity with layered and distributed architectures.
- Experience with Terraform.
- Experience with backend technologies to support full-stack collaboration.
- Experience with eCommerce platforms or complex frontend ecosystems.
#LI-Remote
LIFE AT APPLY
People are at the core of everything we do at APPLY. We provide you with modern tools, systems and approaches, value your time, safety, and health, and strive to build a work community where you can thrive and grow. Here are a few benefits we offer to support you:
Agentic Delivery: Our people work in a modern way to deliver client outcomes. Broaden your skills on a range of engagements with international brands that have a global impact.
An inclusive and safe environment: We’re truly committed to building a culture where you are celebrated and everyone feels welcome and safe.
AI & Strategic Upskilling: Accelerate your professional growth with generous training budgets and mentorship, with a specific focus on Agentic AI expertise and the critical human skills required for the future of work.
Generous vacation policy: Work-life balance is key to our team’s success, so we offer flexible personal time off (PTO); allowing ample time away from work to promote overall well-being.
Customizable benefits: Tailor your extended health and dental plan to your needs, priorities, and preferences.
Flexible work arrangements: We work in a variety of ways, from remote, to in-office, to a blend of both.
APPLY is a safe, respectful, and inclusive community where differences are celebrated. We are committed to equal opportunity and fostering a workplace where everyone belongs. Learn more in our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) section. For recruitment accommodations, please email [email protected].
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