Data, AI & Network Integration Engineer

FoxFarm Soil & Fertilizer Company is are seeking an exceptionally skilled *Data, AI & Network Integration Engineer* for a critical hybrid role at our Samoa, CA location. This non-exempt (hourly) position is responsible for the full lifecycle of our data—from ensuring the performance and security of on-premise SQL Server environments to engineering high-speed data pipelines into Azure and integrating that data with Azure AI and Machine Learning services. A key component of this role is managing the Cisco-based network infrastructure that ensures reliable, low-latency connectivity between our on-premise data centers and the Azure cloud. The ideal candidate has a background in database management or full-stack development with broad skills in cloud integration, network automation, and applied AI. *Key Responsibilities:* * _Network & Connectivity:_ Configure and maintain network connectivity (e.g., Azure ExpressRoute, VPNs, Cisco routers/switches) to ensure seamless data flow between on-premise systems and cloud services. * _AI Integration:_ Design, build, and maintain integrations with Azure AI Services (e.g., Azure OpenAI, Cognitive Search) and manage the underlying network security protocols. * _Management & Performance:_ Install, configure, maintain, and tune MS SQL Server databases; monitor network bandwidth and latency to optimize database synchronization and AI inference speeds. * _Infrastructure Automation:_ Utilize Cisco DevNet principles, PowerShell, and Python to automate network provisioning, data preparation, and AI service monitoring. * _Security & Compliance:_ Manage database security, network Access Control Lists (ACLs), and data masking; implement AI-driven threat detection to monitor for anomalies across both data and network layers. * _Prompt Engineering:_ Develop, test, and refine prompts for generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) to ensure accurate and consistent outputs for business applications. * _ML Data Preparation:_ Collaborate with data scientists to cleanse and structure datasets for ML model training, optimizing data placement across the network to minimize latency. * _Testing & Quality: _Write unit/integration tests and perform network failover testing to ensure total system resilience and high availability. *Integration & Business Analysis* * _Cloud Integration:_ Set up, manage, and monitor data pipelines between on-premise systems and Azure, managing the underlying Cisco network fabric. * _Development Support:_ Support development teams by reviewing database and network interaction code (primarily .NET C#, with exposure to Python). * _Documentation:_ Create and maintain detailed documentation of data flows, network architectures, and AI integrations. _*Required Qualifications*_ * 3-5+ years of experience as a Microsoft SQL Server DBA and/or Strong proficiency in C# and the .NET ecosystem. * Cisco Networking: Proven experience with Cisco routing, switching, and hybrid cloud connectivity. * Azure AI Expertise: Hands-on experience integrating with Azure AI Services and OpenAI. * Database Mastery: Strong proficiency in writing and optimizing complex T-SQL and stored procedures. * AI Techniques: Demonstrable experience with prompt engineering and data preparation for ML models. * Automation: Solid experience using PowerShell or Python for infrastructure and database automation. _*Preferred Qualifications:*_ * Certifications: Cisco CCNA/DevNet or Microsoft Azure DP-300/AI-102. * High Availability: Experience with SQL Server Always On Availability Groups and Cisco hardware redundancy. * Data Tools: Experience with Azure Data Factory or SSIS for hybrid data integration. * Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent experience. Pay: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Employee assistance program * Employee discount * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Retirement plan * Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Work Location: In person