Senior AI/ML Data Engineer

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client that is seeking a Senior AI/ML Data Engineer in Plano, TX.

Summary:
We are seeking a Senior Data & Real-Time Architecture Engineer to help design, build, and scale real-time data and AI systems that power customer-facing decisions at national scale. This role is hands-on and impact-driven, focused on building production-grade systems from the ground up rather than maintaining legacy platforms.

You will work across real-time data pipelines, APIs, and machine learning platforms to support initiatives such as live customer recommendations, dynamic experimentation, forecasting, and AI-driven decisioning. The environment moves quickly from concept to production, and engineers are expected to own architecture decisions, performance outcomes, and reliability.

This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to explain technical trade-offs to cross-functional partners, including data scientists, product leaders, and business stakeholders. You will collaborate closely with data science teams to operationalize models and enable real-time inference with strict latency and reliability requirements.

Candidates should have experience building scalable systems in cloud environments (preferably Google Cloud Platform, though AWS experience is acceptable) and be comfortable working in a setting where requirements evolve and results are visible. There is strong potential for growth into technical leadership for engineers who demonstrate ownership, clarity, and execution. Compensation includes a competitive base salary and annual bonus.

REQUIREMENTS:
* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science (or related field) with 3-5+ years of experience, or Master's degree with 1-3+ years of experience
* Senior-level, hands-on engineering experience (not suitable for early-career candidates)
* Proven experience designing and building real-time or event-driven systems
* Cloud experience with Google Cloud Platform or AWS, including production deployments

Experience building systems from scratch, including:
* API design and performance optimization
* Traffic management and load balancing
* Real-time data ingestion and processing

* Strong programming skills (Python and SQL preferred)
* Experience working closely with data scientists or data-focused engineering teams
* Ability to clearly communicate architecture decisions and technical concepts to non-engineers
* Demonstrated ownership of technical decisions and system outcomes

Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience with real-time recommendation systems, forecasting, or customer analytics
* Exposure to machine learning platforms, model deployment, or inference pipelines
* Familiarity with LLMs, embeddings, or retrieval-augmented (RAG) workflows
* Experience applying AI or analytics to geospatial or location-based data
* Public GitHub repositories, open-source contributions, or project portfolios demonstrating initiative beyond day-to-day work
* Leadership potential or experience mentoring other engineers

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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