Backend AI Engineer

Backend AI Engineer *Must be able to work in Pacific Time Zone hours Job Description Join our Systems Engineering team to help build next-generation AI tools that improve engineering productivity, workflow automation, and documentation processes. This role is focused on developing internal AI applications used by Systems Engineers and R&D teams. Responsibilities Build AI agents and agentic workflows. Develop RAG-based applications. Create scalable backend services and APIs. Integrate data from multiple sources. Implement vector database solutions. Develop automated documentation and requirements-generation capabilities. Collaborate closely with Systems Engineering, validation, and other cross-functional teams to deliver practical AI solutions. Essential Skills Hands-on experience building production AI applications using Python and modern GenAI frameworks. Experience creating AI agents, agentic workflows, and tool-calling systems. Strong expertise with RAG architectures, prompt/context engineering, vector databases, and retrieval techniques. Experience integrating multiple data sources and providing grounded context for AI-generated outputs. Experience developing scalable APIs and backend services that support AI applications. Additional Skills & Qualifications 2+ years of relevant GenAI/LLM experience; less overall experience may be considered if AI skills are strong. Strong software engineering foundation with Python development experience. Experience deploying AI applications in cloud environments. Strong communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional engineering teams. Ability to work in a fast-moving, highly ambiguous prototype environment. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or related STEM discipline preferred. Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, Langsmith, PyTorch, and REST APIs. Experience with FDA and ISO standards. Work Environment Fully remote engineering environment with preference for candidates able to work Pacific Time Zone hours. The team focuses on internal engineering productivity initiatives, collaborating with Systems Engineers, V&V teams, and technical experts in a fast-paced prototype and pilot-stage AI development environment. Standard business hours with extensive collaboration through virtual meetings and communication tools, focusing on internal engineering tools, workflow automation, and documentation acceleration rather than customer-facing products. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $56.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully remote position. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 1, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.