Backend AI engineer
Role summary
We are seeking a Sr. Backend AI Engineer for a 12-month contract-to-hire position in Leawood, KS or Burlington, MA. This hybrid role requires strong experience in implementing large distributed systems, Python programming, and a solid understanding of LLMs and Generative AI. The ideal candidate will be adept at designing and building microservices using REST APIs and distributed messaging systems like Kafka. Responsibilities include architectural thinking, driving project delivery, collaborating with product and engineering teams, and addressing non-functional aspects like scalability and performance. Problem-solving skills, particularly for medium-complexity coding challenges, are essential. This role is open to W2 or Corp-Corp candidates and requires authorization to work in the US without sponsorship.
Locals to Leawood, KS or Burlington, MA preferred but those willing to relocate are encouraged to apply.
GC or US Citizens only - Those authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship are encouraged to apply. We are unable to sponsor visas for this position.
Title:
Sr. Backend AI Engineer
Location:
Hybrid @ Leawood, KS or Burlington, MA (3 days onsite a week)
Duration:
12 months contract to hire
Must have:
Strong experience implementing large distributed systems, Python programming, awareness of LLMs and the Generative AI space, designing microservice architectures and building microservices using REST APIs, as well as using distributed messaging systems like Kafka or similar. Logical thinking & problem solving – Able to solve medium-complexity coding problems (LeetCode medium level). Training and exposure to Generative AI and Agentic AI…
Roles and Responsibilities
- Experience coordinating with offshore teams.
- Ability to demonstrate experience collaborating with product teams to gather requirements, working with engineering teams to design solutions, breaking down work into clear, actionable tasks, and driving end-to-end delivery of projects.
- Must demonstrate strong architectural thinking and the ability to clearly articulate system designs, trade-offs, and technical decisions to large technical audiences.
- Critical thinking – Able to think coherently, ask appropriate clarifying questions, and provide solutions to problems presented by the interviewer.
- Communication – Able to communicate concisely and answer questions asked by the interviewer, staying on topic.
- Nonfunctional aspects – Able to share experience and answer questions about nonfunctional aspects such as scaling, monitoring and operations, load and performance testing, code quality, and maintenance (using AI for self-productivity is a significant plus).
- Exposure to large distributed systems projects – Experience implementing large distributed systems, working in sizable teams, and collaborating with cross-functional team members to execute projects.
- Extensive experience in distributed systems – Designing microservice architectures and building microservices using REST APIs, as well as using distributed messaging systems like Kafka or similar.
- Logical thinking & problem solving – Able to solve medium-complexity coding problems (LeetCode medium level).
- Demonstrates flexibility to provide sufficient overlap with the onsite team in a fast-paced environment.
- Basic awareness of LLMs and the Generative AI space.
- Python – Proficiency in Python and basic training in Python programming is a definite plus.
- Gen AI / Agentic AI – Training and exposure to Generative AI and Agentic AI is a definite plus.
Required:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field
This role is open to W2 or those seeking Corp-Corp employment. The salary range for this role is $106 - $115k. For corp-Corp rates please contact the recruiter. In addition to other benefits, Accion Labs offers a comprehensive benefits package, with Accion covering 65% of the medical, dental, and Vision Premiums for employees, their spouses, and dependent children enrolling in the Accion-provided plans.