Consulting Data & AI Engineer

Carrier Access IT•Clive, IA

About The Position

The Consulting Data & AI Engineer is a key member of the Professional Services team, responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining data and artificial intelligence solutions for clients. In fast-paced environments, the role focuses on delivering data engineering, integration, analytics, and AI-enabled application projects, while working directly with clients to address business needs through practical, secure, and maintainable technology solutions. The engineer consults with clients to understand business objectives, data environments, and technical requirements, then translates those needs into solution designs. The role develops and maintains data pipelines, integrations, models, and ETL/ELT processes; builds SQL and database solutions for reporting, analytics, and AI applications; and connects AI capabilities to client data sources and systems with attention to security, privacy, and access controls. It also evaluates AI use cases, creates prototypes or proofs of concept, and assesses solutions for accuracy, reliability, performance, and business value. The position involves communicating business and technical considerations, estimating effort, identifying risks and dependencies, tracking project status, troubleshooting client issues, and documenting solutions for maintenance and knowledge transfer. The engineer contributes to team knowledge sharing, service development and roadmap planning, technology offering improvements, client outcomes, and revenue growth. The role also includes meeting project delivery, client service, and billable-hour expectations, maintaining relevant knowledge and certifications, and performing other tasks as needed.

Requirements

At least 7 years of related experience in data engineering, software engineering, analytics engineering, business intelligence, or a related technology discipline.
Demonstrated experience designing, developing, and supporting data pipelines, data integrations, data models, or data-intensive applications.
Strong SQL skills and experience with relational databases, data warehousing, and ETL/ELT processes.
Experience developing and deploying technical solutions in cloud or enterprise environments.
Programming experience in one or more data engineering languages, such as Python, SQL, or Rust, or similar.
Client-facing communication and interpersonal skills to work with management, client technology teams, end users, and technical vendors on project or client technical issues.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts and business implications to technical and nontechnical audiences.
Ability to create lasting relationships with client technology teams.
Entrepreneurial mindset and understanding of revenue growth as a business driver.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, troubleshooting, and attention-to-detail skills.
High level of self-motivation and accountability.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and add value under time constraints in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Ability to learn new technologies, research industry best practices, and recommend practical solutions.
Ability to travel for purposes including client sites, training seminars, trade shows, and corporate events.
Ability to work in an environment that may require sitting for extended periods and using hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and mouse.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Microsoft cloud and data technologies, such as Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Factory, Snowflake, Databricks, or related services.
Experience with large language models (LLMs), generative AI, AI agents, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), embeddings, or vector search.
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related field; equivalent practical experience may be considered.
Certifications, especially in data, cloud, software development, and AI technologies.

Responsibilities

Implement data and AI technology projects that address client business needs.
Consult with clients to understand business objectives, existing data environments, and technical requirements, and translate them into solution designs.
Design, develop, and maintain data pipelines, integrations, data models, and ETL/ELT processes.
Develop and optimize SQL queries, database structures, and data solutions for reporting, analytics, and AI-enabled applications.
Connect AI capabilities to client data sources, APIs, applications, and business systems while considering security, privacy, and access controls.
Evaluate AI use cases, build prototypes or proofs of concept, and test solutions for accuracy, reliability, performance, and business value.
Communicate business drivers and technical details throughout projects.
Estimate project effort, identify risks and dependencies, communicate project status, and help deliver solutions within agreed scope and timelines.
Troubleshoot client technical issues and collaborate with internal and vendor technical resources to resolve them.
Document solution designs, data flows, configurations, and implementation procedures for maintenance and knowledge transfer.
Attend vendor training, conferences, webinars, and continuing education to maintain relevant knowledge and research industry best practices.
Gain and maintain certifications in areas of expertise.
Collaborate with team members to share knowledge, reusable tools, and best practices, and advocate a positive culture.
Provide feedback to executive and technical teams for functionality roadmap planning and continued development of CAIT’s data and AI services.
Benchmark, analyze, and report on professional and managed services technology offerings, and recommend improvements and growth.
Identify opportunities to improve client outcomes and support revenue growth through data, analytics, automation, and AI solutions.
Meet established project delivery, client service, and billable-hour expectations.
Perform other tasks as needed or requested.

Benefits

401(k) retirement plan with employer match
Opportunities for quarterly bonuses (variable pay)
Paid time off and volunteer time off
Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents
Company-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability insurance
Flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts
Career development and advancement opportunities
Professional development and training opportunities
Company-paid vendor certifications and training
Mentorship and opportunities to work on diverse projects
Hybrid and flexible work arrangements, depending on the position and business needs
Wellness and financial resources