Associate Engineer - AI

Zs Associates; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in Toronto is seeking an LLM Engineer to design and develop scalable software solutions. Candidates should have 1-4 years of software development experience and proficiency in Python and LLM tools. The role emphasizes collaboration across teams, translating business needs into technical solutions. This position supports a hybrid working model and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Health and well-being benefits

Financial planning resources

Professional development programs

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• 1-5 years of experience in software development, focusing on LLM application development.
• Strong communication skills for conveying complex technical concepts.
• Experience with Agile methodology for continuous product development.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop scalable and distributed software systems.
• Translate business requirements into technical requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and conduct code reviews.

Skills

Python

LLM patterns like RAG

Cloud platforms (AWS, Databricks, Azure)

DevOps tools (Docker, Kubernetes)

JavaScript

API frameworks (FastAPI, Django)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field

Tools

Terraform

React JS

Next JS

Job description

Overview

ZS is a place where passion changes lives. As a management consulting and technology firm focused on improving life and how we live it, we transform ideas into impact by bringing together data, science, technology and human ingenuity to deliver better outcomes for all. ZSers drive impact by bringing a client-first mentality to each engagement. We partner collaboratively with our clients to develop custom solutions and technology products that create value and deliver company results across critical areas of their business. Bring your curiosity for learning, bold ideas, courage and passion to drive life-changing impact to ZS.

LLM Engineer

We are seeking a highly skilled LLM Engineer with 1-4 years of experience in software development and 1-2 years in LLM solution development. The ideal candidate will have strong experience working with Python, LLM solution patterns and tools (RAG, Vector DB, Agentic workflows, LoRA, etc.), cloud platforms (AWS, Databricks and Azure), and DevOps tools. They will be responsible for designing and developing scalable software solutions, leading architecture design, and ensuring the performance and reliability of our systems.

What You’ll Do:

• Take ownership of architecture design and development of scalable and distributed software systems
• Translate business to technical requirements
• Own technical execution, ensuring code quality, adherence to deadlines, and efficient resource allocation
• Data driven decision making skills with focus on achieving product goals
• Design, develop and deploy LLM based pipelines involving patterns like RAG, Agentic workflows, PEFT (e.g. LORA, QLORA, etc.)
• Responsible for the complete software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, and deployment
• Utilize AWS services / Azure services like IAM, Monitoring, Load Balancing, Autoscaling, Database, Networking, storage, ECR, AKS, ACR etc.
• Utilize Databricks capabilities, esp. Unity Catalog and be able to architect the governance layer from data all the way to the AI model output
• Design, develop and deploy prompt and response guardrails to enable responsible AI requirements
• Implement DevOps practices using tools like Docker, Kubernetes to ensure continuous integration and delivery. Develop DevOps scripts for automation and monitoring
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, conduct code reviews, and provide guidance on software design and best practices

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience)
• 1-5 years of experience in software development, with relevant work experience in LLM app development
• Strong coding skills with proficiency in Python and Javascript
• Experience with API frameworks both stateless and stateful such as FastAPI, Django
• Proficient in cloud platforms, specifically AWS, Databricks and Azure
• Proficient in Infra-as-Code, esp. focused on developing Terraform scripts and CloudFormation
• Knowledge and hands-on experience with front-end development (React JS, Next JS, Tailwind CSS) preferred
• Strong experience in LLM patterns like RAG, Vector DB, Hybrid Search, Agent development, Agentic workflows, prompt engineering, etc.
• Strong experience with LLM APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, AWS Bedrock), SDKs (Langchain, DSPy)
• Hands-on experience with DevOps tools including Docker, Kubernetes, and AWS services (Redshift, RDS, S3)
• Hands-on experience with Databricks solutions including Unity Catalog
• Experience in production deployments involving thousands of users, esp with capabilities like Redis, Vector Search, etc.
• Strong understanding of scalable application design principles and experience with security best practices and privacy regulations
• Good knowledge of software engineering practices like version control (GIT), DevOps (Azure DevOps preferred) and Agile or Scrum
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to a diverse audience
• Experience of SDLC and best practices while development
• Experience with Agile methodology for continuous product development and delivery

Hybrid working model

ZS is committed to a Flexible and Connected way of working. ZSers are on-site at clients or ZS offices three days a week. Combined flexibility to work remotely two days a week is also available. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face-to-face connections.

Perks & Benefits

ZS offers a comprehensive total rewards package including health and well-being, financial planning, annual leave, personal growth and professional development. Our robust skills development programs, multiple career progression options and internal mobility paths and collaborative culture empower you to thrive as an individual and global team member.

Travel

Travel is a requirement at ZS for client facing ZSers; business needs of your project and client are the priority. While some projects may be local, all client-facing ZSers should be prepared to travel as needed. Travel provides opportunities to strengthen client relationships, gain diverse experiences, and enhance professional growth by working in different environments and cultures.

Considering applying?

At ZS, we honor the visible and invisible elements of our identities, personal experiences, and belief systems—the ones that comprise us as individuals, shape who we are, and make us unique. We believe your personal interests, identities, and desire to learn are integral to your success here. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn more about our inclusion and belonging efforts and the networks ZS supports to assist our ZSers in cultivating community spaces and obtaining the resources they need to thrive.

If you’re eager to grow, contribute, and bring your unique self to our work, we encourage you to apply. ZS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to any class protected by applicable law. To complete your application: Candidates must possess or be able to obtain work authorization for their intended country of employment. An online application, including a full set of transcripts (official or unofficial), is required to be considered. NO AGENCY CALLS, PLEASE. Find Out More At: www.zs.com