AI Engineer

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client in Houston, TX in need of an AI Engineer to play a critical role in designing, training, and deploying advanced machine learning and generative AI solutions that address complex, real-world challenges. You will be working on cutting-edge AI initiatives, large language models (LLMs), agentic workflows, and multimodal systems, delivering impactful and responsible AI applications at enterprise scale. This is a hybrid role which requires 3 days onsite, 2 days remote in Houston, TX.

Responsibilities:
* Design, develop, and train machine learning and deep learning models for production use
* Build agentic AI systems, including multi-step reasoning workflows, tool using agents, and autonomous or semi-autonomous processes
* Evaluate, customize, and fine-tune open-source and commercial large language models (LLMs) for domain-specific use cases
* Develop impactful AI applications that deliver measurable business and operational value
* Design robust ML systems capable of handling multimodal data (text, tabular data, images, documents, etc.)
* Apply advanced statistical analysis and machine learning techniques to large, complex datasets
* Leverage state-of-the-art Generative AI techniques such as Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), prompt engineering, embeddings, and model orchestration
* Lead the design and implementation of AI solutions leveraging Microsoft AI and Azure services, and open-source LLM models (e.g. HuggingFace, etc.)
* Collaborate closely with product managers, domain experts, data engineers, and software engineers to define and deliver AI-driven solutions
* Participate in fast-paced proof-of-concepts (POCs) and pilots to validate solution designs
* Ensure best practices for MLOps, including CI/CD, monitoring, versioning, and lifecycle management

REQUIREMENTS:
* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field (Master's or PhD preferred)
* Proven experience as a Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, or similar senior-level role
* Strong foundation in mathematics, probability, statistics, and algorithms
* Demonstrated experience training and deploying machine learning and deep learning models
* Expertise in Python and experience with production-quality codebases (experience with C#, Java, or similar languages is a plus)
* Hands-on experience with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or Keras
* Strong experience working with language foundation models and techniques for adapting them to specific use cases (fine-tuning, prompt engineering, RAG, evaluation)
* Experience working with both open-source LLMs (e.g., LLaMA, Mistral, Falcon) and commercial LLM platforms
* Familiarity with CI/CD practices across the model lifecycle
* Solid understanding of software architecture, data structures, and data modeling
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
* Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
* Ability to work effectively in cross-functional, collaborative teams

Nice to have:
* Experience designing, building, and maintaining AI solutions on commercial cloud platforms, especially Microsoft Azure
* Hands-on experience with Azure AI services, Azure Machine Learning, or similar platforms
* Strong knowledge of MLOps and DevOps tools such as Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, or GitLab
* Experience with data engineering and end-to-end data science workflows
* Familiarity with responsible AI practices, model governance, and risk management
* Experience delivering AI solutions in regulated or mission-critical environments
* Passion for continuous learning and staying at the forefront of AI and machine learning advancements

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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