Software Developer - AI & Internal Platforms
Company DescriptionNext Travel is a family of travel companies based in Michigan. We provide full-service travel solutions across leisure, group, and corporate travel. As our industry continues to evolve, we remain grounded in the values that matter most: integrity, dependability, persistence, and honesty, for both our clients and our team. Our ideal candidate will be able to work both from their at-home office and in one of our existing offices in either Michigan or Indiana.OverviewWe are seeking a highly motivated developer who wants to play a key role in transforming how our business operates through technology. This is a rare opportunity to rebuild a core platform and help shape how AI and automation are used across a growing company.This role will begin with the rebuild of a core internal platform and expand into building automation and AI-driven systems that improve operations and customer experience across the company. Our internal system will serve as the foundation for ongoing automation, system integration, and operational efficiency. We are not looking for a long, multi-year rebuild—we are looking for someone who can ship quickly, iterate, and improve continuously.This is a hands-on builder role, with the expectation that this person will also help coordinate and scale development efforts, including working with offshore resources and talent on future projects.This role will work directly with the CEO and play a central role in shaping our long-term technology and innovation strategy. This role has the opportunity to grow into a broader technical leadership position as the platform and team scale. You will have a direct impact on how our business operates day to day, not just what we build. ResponsibilitiesRebuild Core PlatformUsing existing systems, code, and workflows as a reference, take an iterative approach to rebuilding our internal platformDesign and rebuild a system that manages traveler registration, payments, rooming, and reportingEvolve our internal platform into a central system of record for operations and dataDrive Automation & EfficiencyContinuously identify opportunities to improve efficiency and scale operations through better systemsLeverage AIUse tools like ChatGPT and Claude in development workflowsBuild AI powered tools such as copilots and automation systemsHelp define best practices for AI usageManage Development ResourcesWork with offshore and contract developers to build code and ensure qualityOnboard and manage additional developersQualificationsExperience in the travel industry is a plus, but not requiredCandidates must be able to walk through real examples of systems or tools they have built, including their role in development and key decisions made.Experience building applications and integrations using modern programming languages (e.g., JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, or similar), including working with APIs and databasesExperience using ChatGPT, Claude, or similar AI tools to improve efficiency of developmentStrong builder mindset with curiosity, initiative, and a desire to solve real business problems through technologyPositive people management experience preferred, including working with and/or managing offshore or remote developersYou should be comfortable taking a concept from idea to working product with minimal direction.What Success Looks Like (First 6 Months)Core components of new platform are live and in use2–3 key workflows have been automatedOffshore development support has been onboarded and is contributingClear roadmap established for continued platform and automation development