Specialist, AI Engineering (Hybrid)

$83,100 - $130,900/Yr

Merck & Co. - Austin, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Onsite - Austin, TX

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

We are investing in ourselves to change the way our company develops and harnesses the power of Artificial Intelligence. If you're eager to spearhead groundbreaking technologies that will make a meaningful impact on people's lives within a world-renowned pharmaceutical company, then look no further, we have the perfect role for you! The AI Engineer will redefine what's possible and unleash the potential of Artificial Intelligence. Reporting to the Director of Engineering in Hyperautomation & AI within our Chief Technology Office, this position is responsible for integrating AI models into production systems to ensure seamless operation for our company. The ideal candidate is a tenacious problem solver with the keen ability to move with urgency to create sustainable solutions. Join our team as we pioneer innovative solutions that redefine the boundaries of pharmaceutical advancements on a global scale. In this role, you will write efficient and maintainable code following best practices in software engineering. You will work with DevSecOps tools for deploying and versioning code, conduct thorough research and analysis of retrieval techniques, language models, and generative AI methodologies. Collaboration with data engineers will be essential to ensure data pipeline efficiency and accuracy. You will continuously iterate and refine retrieval augmented generation (RAG) methods and processes based on experimentation, analysis, and feedback, which will include embedding, chunking, loading, and search algorithm setup. Experimentation with different retrieval strategies, including information retrieval, nearest-neighbor searches, or knowledge graph-based retrievals, will be necessary to augment generative AI models. Additionally, you will be responsible for algorithm optimization, fine-tuning AI models for performance, scalability, and accuracy. Working closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, data scientists, and software engineers, you will understand requirements and deliver AI-driven solutions. Presenting findings and insights to stakeholders and contributing to strategic decision-making will be part of your responsibilities. You will document AI models, algorithms, and processes thoroughly, prepare technical reports and presentations to communicate results and methodologies, and stay up to date with the latest advancements in AI and machine learning technologies. Participation in Agile ceremonies with the team to execute on prioritized projects and features will also be expected, along with implementing automated testing and monitoring techniques to ensure the accuracy and reliability of AI systems.

Responsibilities

• Write efficient and maintainable code following best practices in software engineering.
• Work with DevSecOps tools for deploying and versioning code.
• Conduct thorough research and analysis of retrieval techniques, language models, and generative AI methodologies.
• Collaborate with data engineers to ensure data pipeline efficiency and accuracy.
• Continuously iterate and refine retrieval augmented generation (RAG) methods and processes based on experimentation, analysis, and feedback.
• Experiment with different retrieval strategies, including information retrieval, nearest-neighbor searches, or knowledge graph-based retrievals, to augment generative AI models.
• Optimize and fine-tune AI models for performance, scalability, and accuracy.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, data scientists, and software engineers, to understand requirements and deliver AI-driven solutions.
• Present findings and insights to stakeholders and contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Document AI models, algorithms, and processes thoroughly.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations to communicate results and methodologies.
• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in AI and machine learning technologies.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies with the team to execute on prioritized projects and features.
• Implement automated testing and monitoring techniques to ensure the accuracy and reliability of AI systems.

Requirements

• Requires a High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate.
• 3 years of experience in AI Engineering.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Familiar in building scalable AI Solutions within a modern technology stack which includes cloud services, data pipelines, database, and other necessary tooling.
• Familiar with CI/CD and test-driven development.
• Experience in building Restful APIs for AI models.
• Familiar with machine learning concepts (i.e. neural networks, optimization algorithms, evaluation metrics).
• Familiar with Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) techniques.
• Familiarity with prompt engineering techniques, such as instruction design, template-based approaches, rule-based conditioning, or fine-tuning strategies.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Must be analytical, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working in an Agile Methodology.
• Additional programming languages such as Node.js / TypeScript, C#, or Java.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and refining prompts for generative AI models, preferably in creative or text generation domains.
• Experience with AWS Cloud.
• Experience with building, deploying, and managing docker images.

Benefits

• Bonus eligibility
• Long term incentive if applicable
• Health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• Retirement benefits
• Paid holidays
• Vacation
• Sick days