Sr Consultant, Software Engineering — Forward Deployed Engineering
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 clear service boundaries with AI Platform Engineering, and contributes reusable capabilities back where appropriate. It extends shared AI Platform Engineering capabilities and is accountable for production readiness, reliability, supportability, lifecycle health, and measurable outcomes of its AI solutions. The ideal candidate has 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 business outcomes. This role follows a hybrid schedule, with in-office presence two days per week. 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 does not qualify for employer-sponsored work authorization, and Nationwide does not participate in the STEM OPT Extension program.
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 another related degree; technology experience or non-traditional technology certificates may substitute for an undergraduate degree.
- Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.
Nice To Haves
- Insurance or financial services industry knowledge.
Responsibilities
- Analyze large and complex solutions and develop, test, debug, document, and deploy software according to standards and best practices.
- Design, develop, deploy, and continuously improve complex AI solutions that address priority business needs and deliver measurable enterprise value.
- Provide technical direction across 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.
- Distinguish solution-specific engineering from shared platform engineering, establish service boundaries with AI Platform Engineering, and contribute reusable capabilities back where appropriate.
- Ensure production readiness, reliability, supportability, lifecycle health, and measurable outcomes for AI solutions within the role's scope.
- Apply secure software and systems engineering practices throughout the delivery lifecycle to protect data and technology solutions from threats and vulnerabilities.
- Serve as a top technical expert and mentor and train others on design techniques, tools, and coding standards.
- Execute and 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 ongoing training, practice, and innovation.
- Guide solution design, establish engineering standards, and align teams in technical direction.
- Manage multiple complex project priorities, deadlines, and deliverables proactively.
- May perform other responsibilities as assigned.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- Paid time off, with newly hired associates receiving 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
