Senior Cloud Systems Engineer (Python & AI Integration)

dentsu•New York, NY

8d•$94,000 - $152,375•Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for a heavy-hitting Python Developer with deep Azure Infrastructure expertise to own the backend and deployment for a production-grade AI conversational platform. This isn't a research role; it’s a "boots-on-the-ground" engineering position requiring you to architect, deploy, and integrate AI services into a complex enterprise ecosystem for a Fortune 500 connectivity leader. The Mission You will join an ongoing program for a massive global telecommunications and connectivity client. The platform—a sophisticated chat interface with streaming responses and long-term memory—has been architected and built solo by our Technical Director to date. As we approach an April 2025 production launch, you will take over the day-to-day engineering, architecture, and "Full-Stack DevOps" ownership to scale the platform through the end of the year. What You’ll Do (The Role) Architect from Scratch: Design and deploy cloud infrastructure within Azure, ensuring services are resilient, monitored, and secure (RBAC). Engineer Backend Services: Develop and extend high-concurrency APIs using Python and FastAPI to support agentic behaviors and real-time streaming. Own the Deployment: In the absence of a centralized CI/CD team, you will manage the full deployment lifecycle, running scripts across environments and building the path toward future automation. Integrate AI as a Service: Implement and orchestrate LLMs, Vector Databases, and RAG pipelines using the Microsoft Agent Framework (MAF). Data Orchestration: Build the data flows required for "agent memory" and prepare for upcoming integrations with Adobe Experience Platform (AEP) and Salesforce Data Cloud. Navigate the Enterprise: Work within a highly matrixed environment, independently managing communications with upwards of 25 project managers and stakeholders. What You’ll Have (The Requirements) Python Mastery: Professional experience building production backend systems (FastAPI preferred). Azure Infrastructure: You are a "Cloud First" developer capable of configuring Azure Functions, Container Apps, and API Management independently. The "DevOps" Skillset: Hands-on experience with Docker and manual environment management; you don't need a DevOps team to ship code. Practical AI Understanding: You treat AI as "just another development effort." You understand how to integrate LLMs and manage context without getting lost in the "hype." Enterprise Endurance: Experience working in large-scale corporate environments. The Tech Stack Languages/Frameworks: Python, FastAPI, Microsoft Agent Framework (MAF) Cloud: Azure (Functions, APIM, RBAC, Monitoring) Data/Containers: Postgres, Docker, Vector Databases Future Integrations: Adobe Experience Platform, Salesforce Data Cloud The annual salary range for this position is $94,000 - $152,375. Placement within the salary range is based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other factors permitted by law. Benefits available with this position include: • Medical, vision, and dental insurance, • Life insurance, • Short-term and long-term disability insurance, • 401k, • Flexible paid time off, • At least 15 paid holidays per year, • Paid sick and safe leave, and • Paid parental leave. Dentsu also complies with applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies. For further details regarding Dentsu benefits, please visit www.dentsubenefitsplus.com. To begin the application process, please click on the “Apply” button at the top of this job posting. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted for next steps. At dentsu, we believe great work happens when we’re connected. Our way of working combines flexibility with in-person collaboration to spark ideas and strengthen our teams. Employees who live within a commutable distance of one of our hub offices, currently located in Chicago, metro Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York City, are required and expected to work from the office three days per week (two days per week for employees based in Los Angeles). Dentsu may designate other Hub offices at any time. Those who live outside a commutable range may be designated as remote, depending on the role and business needs. Regardless of your work location, we expect our employees to be flexible to meet the needs of our Company and clients, which may include attendance in an office. Location: New York Brand: Merkle Time Type: Full time Contract Type: Permanent Dentsu is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We do this without regard to race, color, national origin, sex , sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religious practices and observances, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Dentsu is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity with us, please send an e-mail to [email protected] by clicking on the link to let us know the nature of your accommodation request and your contact information. We are here to support you. Can’t find a suitable job? Sign up for job alerts tailored to your interests and be first in line for new opportunities. About dentsu For over 120 years, innovation has been a core tenet of our offering – exploring new ways to reach, engage and nurture relationships with audiences. Together we drive a multiplier effect for clients at a global scale, through the development of Integrated Growth Solutions that are underpinned by our promise to clients: innovating to impact. Be a force for good. Sustainability is a vital part of our business and an important area of focus for our clients. We’re leading the way – helping to build a more sustainable planet. Dream loud. In this moment of transformation, we need our people to be fearless, embracing change and ambiguity, driven by the love for their work and excitement for the future. Team without limits. We create opportunities for connection and collaboration between our colleagues and clients, building a sense of belonging and having some fun along the way. Find out more about us Who we are Our Social Impact Our work

Requirements

Python Mastery: Professional experience building production backend systems (FastAPI preferred).
Azure Infrastructure: You are a "Cloud First" developer capable of configuring Azure Functions, Container Apps, and API Management independently.
The "DevOps" Skillset: Hands-on experience with Docker and manual environment management; you don't need a DevOps team to ship code.
Practical AI Understanding: You treat AI as "just another development effort." You understand how to integrate LLMs and manage context without getting lost in the "hype."
Enterprise Endurance: Experience working in large-scale corporate environments.

Responsibilities

Architect from Scratch: Design and deploy cloud infrastructure within Azure, ensuring services are resilient, monitored, and secure (RBAC).
Engineer Backend Services: Develop and extend high-concurrency APIs using Python and FastAPI to support agentic behaviors and real-time streaming.
Own the Deployment: In the absence of a centralized CI/CD team, you will manage the full deployment lifecycle, running scripts across environments and building the path toward future automation.
Integrate AI as a Service: Implement and orchestrate LLMs, Vector Databases, and RAG pipelines using the Microsoft Agent Framework (MAF).
Data Orchestration: Build the data flows required for "agent memory" and prepare for upcoming integrations with Adobe Experience Platform (AEP) and Salesforce Data Cloud.
Navigate the Enterprise: Work within a highly matrixed environment, independently managing communications with upwards of 25 project managers and stakeholders.