AI Engineer Associate Consultant

ZS is seeking an AI Engineer Associate Consultant to help design and deliver scalable, distributed software systems and LLM-based pipelines. This hybrid role in Princeton, NJ focuses on end-to-end execution, from architecture and deployment to governance, responsible AI guardrails, and DevOps practices across cloud environments.

What You’ll Do

• Own the architecture design and development of scalable and distributed software systems.
• Translate business needs into technical requirements.
• Drive technical execution with a focus on code quality, meeting deadlines, and efficient resource allocation.
• Use data-driven decision making to support product goals.
• Design, develop, and deploy LLM pipelines using approaches such as RAG and agentic workflows, including PEFT methods (for example, LoRA, QLoRA).
• Lead the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, and deployment.
• Leverage AWS and Azure services including IAM, Monitoring, Load Balancing, Autoscaling, Database, Networking, storage, ECR, AKS, and ACR.
• Apply Databricks capabilities, especially Unity Catalog, and architect the governance layer from data through AI model output.
• Design, develop, and deploy prompt and response guardrails aligned to responsible AI requirements.
• Implement DevOps practices using Docker and Kubernetes to support continuous integration and delivery, including automation and monitoring scripts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, perform code reviews, and provide guidance on software design and best practices.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Strong coding skills in Python and Javascript.
• Experience with API frameworks for both stateless and stateful applications, such as FastAPI and Django.
• Proficiency in cloud platforms, specifically AWS, Databricks, and Azure.
• Hands-on experience with Infrastructure-as-Code, especially Terraform and CloudFormation.
• Knowledge of front-end development (preferred): React JS, Next JS, Tailwind CSS.
• Strong experience with LLM patterns including RAG, Vector DB, Hybrid Search, agent development, agentic workflows, and prompt engineering.
• Experience with LLM APIs and ecosystems such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and AWS Bedrock, plus SDKs like LangChain and DSPy.
• Hands-on DevOps experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and AWS services including Redshift, RDS, and S3.
• Hands-on experience with Databricks solutions, including Unity Catalog.
• Experience in production deployments supporting thousands of users, including capabilities such as Redis and Vector Search.
• Strong understanding of scalable application design, plus security best practices and compliance with privacy regulations.
• Knowledge of software engineering practices including GIT, DevOps (Azure DevOps preferred), and Agile or Scrum.
• Strong communication skills to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience with SDLC and best practices while developing.
• Experience with Agile methodology for continuous product development and delivery.

Technologies

• Python, Javascript, Fast API, Django
• AWS, Azure, Databricks
• Terraform, Cloudformation
• React JS, Next JS, Tailwind CSS
• RAG, Vector DB, Hybrid Search, Agent development, Agentic workflows, prompt engineering
• Open AI, Anthropic, AWS Bedrock, Langchain, DSPy
• Docker, Kubernetes, Redshift, RDS, S3
• Unity Catalog, Redis, Vector Search
• GIT, Azure DevOps, Agile, Scrum
• IAM, Monitoring, Load Balancing, Autoscaling, ECR, AKS, ACR
• PEFT, LORA, QLORA, Databricks Unity Catalog, ECS

Benefits

• Comprehensive total rewards package supporting health and well-being, financial future, time away, and professional development.
• Robust skills-building programs.
• Multiple career progression paths.
• Internal mobility.
• Deeply collaborative culture.

How You’ll Grow

• Cross-functional skills development and custom learning pathways.
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities.
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s-curves, individual contribution, and role expansions.

Working Model

• Hybrid: ZSers are onsite at clients or ZS offices three days a week.
• Remote flexibility: work remotely two days a week is available.
• ZS is committed to a Flexible and Connected way of working.

Travel

• Travel is required for client-facing ZSers.
• While some projects may be local, client-facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed.

Work Authorization

• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
• Candidates must have authorization to work in the United States that does not now or in the future require employer sponsorship.

How to Apply

• Submit an online application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial).