Sr Consultant, Software Engineering — Forward Deployed Engineering

Nationwide•Columbus, OH

6d•$149,000 - $262,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Consultant, Software Engineering (Forward Deployed Engineering) leads the design, development, deployment, and continuous improvement of complex AI solutions that address priority business needs and deliver measurable enterprise value. Working closely with business teams, product partners, and AI platform engineers, the role provides technical direction across model integration, agent development, cloud and software architecture, evaluation, observability, security and privacy, governance, reliability, and cost management. It applies and contributes to reusable enterprise capabilities such as model access, LLM-as-a-Service, AgentCore, MCP services, guardrails, and enablement tools. The role distinguishes solution-specific engineering from shared platform engineering, establishes service boundaries with AI Platform Engineering, and contributes reusable capabilities where appropriate. It extends shared AI Platform Engineering capabilities and is accountable for the production readiness, reliability, supportability, lifecycle health, and measurable outcomes of in-scope AI solutions. The ideal candidate brings deep AI and software engineering expertise, strong technical judgment, operational accountability, and the ability to guide engineers, influence cross-functional decisions, navigate ambiguity, and balance rapid delivery with responsible AI practices, maintainability, reuse, and measurable business outcomes. The position follows a hybrid schedule, with in-office presence two days per week, and candidates must be within commuting distance of Columbus, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; or Scottsdale, Arizona. Current internal associates working remotely may also be considered. The role is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization, and Nationwide does not participate in the STEM OPT Extension program. In the broader software engineering role description, the position mentors and leads others in delivering high-quality, cost-effective technology solutions by creating new applications or modifying and supporting packaged or custom-built applications. It analyzes complex solutions; develops, tests, debugs, documents, and deploys software; applies secure engineering practices; provides technical direction and strategic advice; drives cross-organizational collaboration and DevSecOps practices; promotes continuous learning; and manages complex priorities, deadlines, and deliverables. Other responsibilities may be assigned. The role reports to a Technology Director or above. It is exempt from overtime eligibility, in a hybrid office environment, and may have on-call responsibility after normal working hours or on weekends.

Requirements

Eight or more years of programming, software engineering, or analysis experience.
Hands-on technical leadership experience leading project teams and setting technical direction.
Proficiency in multiple programming languages, such as Java, C++, Python, and JavaScript.
Extensive knowledge of the software development lifecycle.
Proven ability to tackle sophisticated business and development problems.
Ability to thrive in a team environment.
Undergraduate studies in computer science, management information systems, or a related degree; technology experience or non-traditional technology certificates may substitute for an undergraduate degree.
Candidates must be based within commuting distance of Columbus, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; or Scottsdale, Arizona, except that current internal associates working remotely may also be considered.
Ability to work in a hybrid arrangement with in-office presence two days per week.

Nice To Haves

Insurance or financial services industry knowledge.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, deployment, and continuous improvement of complex AI solutions addressing priority business needs and delivering measurable enterprise value.
Provide technical direction for model integration, agent development, cloud and software architecture, evaluation, observability, security and privacy, governance, reliability, and cost management.
Apply and contribute to reusable enterprise AI capabilities, including model access, LLM-as-a-Service, AgentCore, MCP services, guardrails, and enablement tools.
Establish boundaries between solution-specific engineering and shared platform engineering, and contribute reusable capabilities where appropriate.
Ensure production readiness, reliability, supportability, lifecycle health, and measurable outcomes for AI solutions within scope.
Analyze complex solutions and develop, test, debug, document, and deploy software according to standards and best practices.
Apply secure software and systems engineering practices throughout the delivery lifecycle.
Serve as a technical expert and mentor or train others on design techniques, tools, and coding standards.
Provide strategic advice on using technology to achieve technology and business goals.
Drive cross-organizational collaboration across teams and product areas to execute projects and shape shared technical roadmaps.
Set technical direction for DevSecOps practices, tooling, and techniques across teams to strengthen security, automation, reliability, and delivery speed.
Drive continuous learning and improvement through training, practice, and innovation.
Guide solution design, establish engineering standards, and align teams on technical direction.
Manage multiple complex project priorities, deadlines, and deliverables proactively.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Paid time off: newly hired associates receive a minimum of 18 days per full calendar year, prorated quarterly based on hire date
Nine paid holidays
Eight hours of Lifetime paid time off
Eight hours of Unity Day paid time off
401(k) with company match
Company-paid pension plan
Business casual attire