AI Developer

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. • Maryville, TN

11h • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an AI Developer who can design and deliver enterprise-grade conversational AI (chatbots/assistants) and agentic AI (autonomous or semi-autonomous agents that plan and execute tasks). This role will build AI solutions using a mix of low-code platforms and pro-code development (e.g., Python), integrate with internal systems (APIs, databases, .NET apps), and implement Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) patterns for secure, grounded enterprise responses. You will also help modernize automation by extending RPA workflows with AI capabilities (classification, extraction, decision support, conversational front-ends), and by building orchestrated agent workflows using tool-calling, MCP servers, and enterprise integration patterns.

Requirements

• Hands-on development experience building AI experiences (chatbots, assistants, or agents).
• Ability to deliver using low-code tools and pro-code, including Python (preferred) and REST APIs.
• Good understanding of Conversational AI design (dialog patterns, user experience, prompts).
• Good understanding of Agentic AI concepts (planning, tool use, autonomy boundaries, guardrails).
• Good understanding of RAG fundamentals and implementation patterns.
• Experience integrating with enterprise systems: APIs, SQL, data services, authentication/authorization.
• Understanding of basic software engineering disciplines: source control, testing, environments, CI/CD, reliability.
• Proficiency in Python and other applicable programming languages.
• Understanding of governance/compliance for enterprise AI (PII handling, audit trails, model risk practices).
• Good understanding of Dev, QA and Prod environments and the ability to promote code across the landscapes is required.
• 0-1 year experience in delivering production ready AI agents or bots.
• 2+ years of general programming knowledge (Ex. .Net or Java or C#).
• 0-1 years of experience building agents using prompt engineering.
• LLM model tuning.
• Professional communications skills, both verbal and written.
• Good team player.
• Manage personal workload and work under tight timeframes.
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must live in a commutable distance to Maryville, TN. If you live outside of a commutable distance, your willingness to relocate must be listed at the top of your resume or within a cover letter.

Nice To Haves

• Good knowledge of API handling (both SOAP and RESTful) is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of Error reporting techniques, exception handling procedures is a plus.
• Experience in one or more of the following is a plus: Power Platform / Copilot Studio, Azure AI services, OpenAI-compatible APIs, or comparable stacks, RPA platforms (UiPath / Power Automate / Blue Prism).

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain chatbots using low-code (e.g., Copilot Studio / Power Platform / other) and/or pro-code (Python-based frameworks).
• Design conversation flows: intents, entities, prompts, dialog management, fallback strategies, escalation to human support.
• Implement enterprise controls: grounding, citations, safety filters, logging, and user experience patterns.
• Understand and apply the difference between: Conversational AI: primarily dialogue-driven Q&A and guided flows. Agentic AI: goal-driven systems that plan, call tools, and complete multi-step tasks.
• Build agents that can call APIs and internal services, execute business workflows, and use tools (search, data retrieval, ticketing, approvals) safely with governance controls.
• Integrate knowledge sources: SharePoint, files, databases, internal wikis, ticketing systems, and line-of-business apps.
• Integrate AI capabilities into internal applications (especially .NET ecosystems).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level