Python Developer/AI Engineer

Job Title: Python Developer/AI Engineer
Duration: 18 Month W2 Contract 
Location:NYC/Jersey City 
Required Pay Scale: $60-$68/hour

Job Description: Senior Python Developer / AI Engineer – GenAI PlatformRole OverviewWe are seeking a highly skilled Senior Python Developer / AI Engineer to design, develop, and implement a GenAI platform and associated business use cases. This role is primarily focused on strong software engineering, hands-on Python development, and building production-ready applications that integrate AI-powered solutions.
The ideal candidate will have 7+ years of professional Python development experience, strong software engineering fundamentals, and the ability to independently write high-quality code without relying on AI assistance during technical assessments. A deep understanding of AI theory is not required; familiarity with Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and AI orchestration concepts is beneficial.
Candidates must demonstrate strong problem-solving, critical-thinking, and independent engineering skills. Production-grade software development expertise is the top priority, with AI-specific knowledge considered a secondary skill that can be developed on the job.
Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and oversee the end-to-end implementation of the GenAI platform and related business use cases.
• Build scalable, resilient, maintainable, and reusable application architectures.
• Develop production-ready Python applications and integrate AI-powered solutions into business workflows.
• Design and implement software integration solutions involving AI platforms, applications, and supporting infrastructure.
• Lead technical delivery and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions.
• Drive Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) automation and initiatives focused on platform performance, scalability, and resiliency.
• Research, prototype, and evaluate emerging AI technologies and potential solutions.
• Apply software engineering best practices for code quality, architecture, error handling, testing, and production support.
• Mentor team members on software design, coding standards, and development best practices.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional Python development experience. Internships do not count toward the required experience.
• Strong hands-on coding skills and the ability to develop solutions independently without AI assistance.
• Strong understanding of Python fundamentals, including data structures, error handling, and application architecture.
• Demonstrated experience developing, deploying, and maintaining production-grade applications.
• Experience building APIs and backend services using FastAPI.
• Experience with Unix/Linux environments and scripting.
• Experience working with relational and NoSQL databases.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Strong understanding of software development best practices, including writing clean, maintainable, scalable, and reliable code.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications – AI / GenAIThe following skills are beneficial but are not mandatory. Conceptual knowledge is acceptable where hands-on implementation experience is limited.

• Understanding of Large Language Model (LLM) concepts and AI-powered application development.
• Familiarity with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), including retrieval patterns and orchestration concepts.
• Knowledge of agentic AI and multi-agent systems.
• Familiarity with Google Agent Development Kit (ADK).
• Understanding of Model Context Protocol (MCP).
• Knowledge of event-driven agent workflows and orchestration patterns.
• Exposure to machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Experience prototyping or integrating AI technologies into production applications.
  
  

Ideal Candidate ProfileThe successful candidate will be a hands-on engineer who combines strong Python development expertise with sound software design principles and practical problem-solving ability.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• The ability to independently design, code, troubleshoot, and deliver production-ready applications.
• Strong software engineering fundamentals and sound architectural judgment.
• Critical thinking and the ability to solve complex technical problems.
• A builder mindset with a focus on implementation, integration, and delivery.
• Adaptability and the ability to learn emerging AI technologies as needed.
• Effective collaboration and communication skills when working across technical teams.
  
  

Important Hiring Considerations

• Python engineering fundamentals are the highest priority. Candidates must have strong hands-on development experience and proven coding ability.
• Independent coding is essential. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their technical skills without relying on AI tools during interviews or technical assessments.
• Production experience is required. Candidates should have experience building and maintaining real-world applications, not just prototypes or proof-of-concepts.
• Deep AI expertise is not required. Basic LLM knowledge and an understanding of RAG, retrieval, and orchestration concepts are sufficient.
• Advanced AI technologies are a plus. Agentic AI, multi-agent systems, Google ADK, MCP, and event-driven workflows are desirable but not required.
• Strong engineers take precedence over AI specialists. Candidates with extensive AI knowledge but weak Python fundamentals, software architecture, or production engineering experience are not a fit.
  
  

Experience RequirementMinimum: 7+ years of professional Python development experience, excluding internships.
Primary focus: Python engineering, production-grade application development, software architecture, and API development.
Secondary focus: GenAI platform integration, LLM concepts, RAG, and AI orchestration.