AI Applications Developer

Position Type: Contract-to-Hire

Important: All candidates must be eligible and willing to convert to a full-time employee (FTE).

Position Overview: The Applications Developer Senior/Lead is responsible for identifying and implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to reduce administrative workload and improve operational quality. Acting as a bridge between operational units and technology, this role collaborates with diverse teams to integrate approved AI tools and develop secure, custom solutions within the Division of Technology Services (DTS) closed environment. The ideal candidate will translate operational processes into detailed technical specifications and determine whether to leverage existing enterprise software (e.g., Gemini, NotebookLM) or develop bespoke local solutions. This position focuses heavily on technical architecture and hands-on AI development, including designing, prototyping, and deploying custom AI tools from scratch within the DTS environment. The role also requires comprehensive technical documentation of code, architecture, system prompts, and workflows.

Key Responsibilities: Translate complex operational processes and business needs into detailed technical specifications and actionable requirements for AI implementation. Evaluate business requirements and determine whether to leverage existing enterprise software or develop custom AI solutions. Architect, prototype, and deploy custom AI tools from scratch within the DTS closed environment using programming languages commonly applied in AI development, particularly Python, and approved enterprise AI platforms such as Google Cloud, Vertex AI, and Gemini. Serve as a bridge between operational units and technology teams, recommending and guiding the adoption of approved agency AI tools, including Gemini and NotebookLM, to address operational challenges and reduce administrative workload. Apply hands-on experience with AI/LLMs, advanced prompt engineering, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures to develop and refine secure, high-quality custom solutions. Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date technical documentation covering source code, system architecture, system prompts, and workflows to ensure security and compliance within the DTS closed environment. Evaluate AI outputs for bias, hallucinations, and security vulnerabilities while ensuring alignment with Responsible AI standards. Collaborate with business stakeholders and technical teams to communicate AI capabilities, limitations, and implementation strategies. Technical Knowledge and Expertise Experience with multiple programming languages, database management systems, development platforms, and systems integration. Knowledge of software development processes, including analysis, design, coding, system and user testing, troubleshooting, problem resolution, and project planning. Understanding of Agile development methodologies. Microsoft Responsible AI Standard: Understanding of the six core AI principles: Fairness Reliability and Safety Privacy and Security InclusivenessTransparencyAccountabilityAzure Cloud Architecture: Understanding how compute, storage, and networking decisions influence AI solution design within Azure, including familiarity with Azure AI Foundry. Generative AI Mechanics: Understanding of Large Language Models (LLMs), embeddings, vector databases, and how foundation models such as GPT-4o process and generate information. MLOps and AI Governance: Knowledge of the end-to-end machine learning lifecycle, CI/CD for AI solutions, and compliance frameworks for data privacy. Required Technical SkillsHands-on experience with AI/LLMs, prompt engineering, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). Experience utilizing approved enterprise AI platforms, including Google Cloud, Vertex AI, and Gemini ecosystems. Proficiency in Python, SQL, and C# (.NET Framework). Experience implementing Azure OpenAI solutions. Experience building RAG pipelines, advanced prompt engineering, fine-tuning foundation models, and integrating AI agents. Knowledge of configuring Azure AI Content Safety, implementing guardrails, and using the Azure Machine Learning Responsible AI Dashboard to assess model fairness and error distributions. Experience using tools such as Microsoft GitHub Copilot to accelerate coding, generate documentation, and write unit tests while adhering to enterprise standards. Professional and Analytical SkillsStrong written and verbal communication skills. Excellent problem-solving, analytical, prioritization, and multitasking abilities. Ability to work independently and organize multiple tasks effectively. Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with business stakeholders and technical teams. Ability to synthesize feedback and adjust plans accordingly. Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation. Experience executing prescribed testing procedures using established tools and interpreting test results. Ability to use and maintain testing frameworks, test libraries, databases, and test environments. Ability to evaluate AI outputs for bias, hallucinations, and security vulnerabilities while ensuring compliance with Responsible AI standards. Ability to explain complex AI behaviors, limitations, and performance trade-offs to non-technical stakeholders. Willingness to continuously learn and keep pace with evolving Microsoft technologies and emerging industry practices.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree plus 10 or more years of programming and analysis experience, or equivalent experience. Master's degree preferred. Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or at least 2 years of professional AI experience. Experience in requirements gathering. Must secure and maintain a valid Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card meeting DES requirements pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1969.

Required Skills: Master's degree in AI or at least 2 years of AI experience.

Requirements: Gathering.

Preferred Skills: Azure OpenAISQLC#Python

Additional Requirements: Local candidates only. Contract-to-hire position. All candidates must be eligible for full-time employment conversion. Must obtain and maintain a valid Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.