AI Engineer I

Design, build, and validate practical AI solutions that support business innovation and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop scalable solutions using AI tools and machine learning models
• Maintain scalability, reliability, and performance across varied AI use cases
• Develop and execute performance tests to assess efficiency with large datasets, complex algorithms, and processing speeds
• Conduct research and testing to build machine learning algorithms and predictive models
• Use big data computation and storage tools to create prototypes and datasets
• Perform model training, evaluation, and tuning to optimize performance
• Integrate, test, and monitor AI solutions in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Document technical workflows and contribute to team knowledge sharing
• Stay current with emerging AI tools and technologies to enable continuous improvement

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field
• Proficiency in programming languages such as .net, Python, or R
• Internship or project experience in AI/ML (hands-on exposure)
• Basic understanding of statistics and data analysis
• Experience with SQL or NoSQL databases
• Ability to write clean, maintainable code and follow coding standards
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication and collaboration abilities
• Typically reports to the AI Project Manager

Technology & Tools

• .net, Python, R
• SQL, NoSQL
• MLOps tools, RESTful APIs, microservices
• Docker, containerization
• Power-BI, Git
• Agile/Scrum

Preferred Skills

• Exposure to MLOps tools and practices
• Experience with RESTful APIs or microservices
• Familiarity with containerization (Docker)
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments
• Experience with data visualization and version control (for example, Power-BI, Git)

Compensation & Status

• Salary range: USD 66,000 - 88,300 per year
• Status: Full-Time, Salaried Exempt
• Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity aligned with the company’s compensation structure

Location, Department, and Work Arrangement

• Location: Richmond, VA (Hybrid)
• Department: Richmond Headquarters / Information Systems
• Hybrid schedule: 3 days in office, 2 days remote

Work Authorization

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Universal Corporation is unable to provide visa sponsorship or transfer sponsorship for this position now or in the future

Benefits

• 401(k) match
• Pension
• Merit increases
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, life, and vision insurance
• Short and long-term disability benefits
• Tuition assistance

EOE: M/F/Disabled/Vet employer. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Reports to: AI Project Manager