Applied AI Engineer

Applied AI Engineer Compensation:Up to $150,000 base salary (direct hire w2 only, no c2c, no 1099), (flexibility on base salary for exceptional experience)Location:Hybrid / Onsite - Greater Kansas City Metro Area3 days per week onsite, 2 days remoteCandidates must currently reside in the KC metro area or be willing to relocate within a reasonable timeframeFully remote candidates cannot be consideredWork Authorization:Must be authorized to work in the U.S.No current or future visa sponsorship availableEngagement Type:Full time, direct hire onlyNo third-party agencies, consulting firms, C2C, or 1099 arrangementsAbout the OpportunityVaco Highspring is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a global enterprise organization with a strong technology footprint, including a proprietary SaaS platform and a technology?enabled services business.The organization is making a focused investment in artificial intelligence to improve internal efficiency, modernize workflows, and embed intelligent capabilities into its software platform. This role offers meaningful ownership and visibility, with a mandate to build and deploy AI systems that have real, production level impact.The RoleAs an Applied AI Engineer, you will play a key role in integrating AI across internal systems and a customer facing SaaS platform. You will work hands on with large language models (LLMs) and modern AI tooling to automate processes, build internal tools, and deliver intelligent product features.This is a production focused role operating at the intersection of engineering, product, and business operations, with close collaboration across teams in a hybrid/onsite environment. (3-days per week onsite in Greater Kansas City Metro Area, 2-days remote work.) Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and build scalable AI powered services and tools to streamline internal workflows across multiple teams (e.g., operations, content, sales, support).Develop and deliver intelligent features within a proprietary SaaS platform.Integrate, manage, and optimize multiple LLMs and AI APIs (e.g., OpenAI style, Anthropic style, or comparable providers).Provide technical leadership and mentorship to other engineers, including guidance on architecture, best practices, and performance.Build and maintain backend systems and APIs that support AI functionality across products and services.Design infrastructure for model serving, orchestration, monitoring, and lifecycle management.Implement fallback strategies, model routing, and cost performance optimization.Partner cross functionally with engineering, product, and business stakeholders to identify high impact AI opportunities.Apply best practices related to data privacy, security, compliance, and responsible AI use.Stay current with advancements in AI, LLMs, and MLOps, introducing new approaches where appropriate.Qualifications6+ years of engineering experience with multiple years of experience in a production environment deploying AI/ML applications or infrastructure.Proven experience applying LLMs or similar AI models to real business or product challenges.Strong backend engineering skills (Python and/or TypeScript preferred).Experience with AI/ML orchestration and deployment tools (e.g., LangGraph style frameworks, Airflow like systems, Kubeflow, Ray, or workflow automation tools).Hands on experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).Front end development experience in areas like React, Node.js, Web Development, front end web product designSolid understanding of MLOps practices, including deployment, monitoring, logging, and evaluation.Knowledge of data privacy, security, and ethical AI considerations.Experience supporting SaaS platforms or technology driven products is a plus.Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams.Passion for applying AI in practical, high impact ways.Why This RoleHigh visibility and ownership of AI initiativesOpportunity to build AI systems that directly impact business outcomesEmphasis on production grade systems, not experimentation aloneCollaborative, hybrid environment with close access to stakeholdersDetermining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.