Associate LLM Engineer (Forward Deployment)

Zs Associates; Toronto; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ZS Associates is seeking an LLM Engineer - Forward Deployment to design and deliver scalable AI-powered software solutions. You’ll own architecture, translate business needs into technical design, and drive end-to-end implementation using AWS, Azure, and Databricks.

The role emphasizes LLM patterns (RAG, vector search, PEFT) and DevOps practices with Docker and Kubernetes. Collaboration across teams and global client projects is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field; equivalent work experience accepted.
• 1-5 years in software development with experience in LLM app development.
• Strong coding skills in Python and JavaScript; proficient with API frameworks like FastAPI or Django.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of architecture design and development of scalable, distributed software systems.
• Translate business requirements into technical specifications and deliver robust solutions.
• Lead code reviews, ensure code quality, and manage project timelines.

Skills

Python

LLM development

JavaScript

Data-driven decision making

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

AWS

Databricks

Azure

Terraform

Kubernetes

Docker

React

LangChain

OpenAI

Job description

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. Here you’ll work side-by-side with a powerful collective of thinkers and experts shaping life-changing solutions for patients, caregivers and consumers, worldwide. client-first mentality ZSers drive impact by bringing a client-first mentality to each and every 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 - Forward Deployment

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 Fast API, 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 (Open AI, 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 compliance with 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
• Fluency in English
• Client-first mentality
• Intense work ethic
• Collaborative spirit and problem-solving approach

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.

How you’ll grow:

• Cross-functional skills development & custom learning pathways
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s-curves, individual contribution and role expansions

Perks & Benefits:

At ZS, your growth matters. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your health and well‑being, financial future, time away, and professional development. With robust skills‑building programs, multiple career progression paths, internal mobility, and a deeply collaborative culture, you’ll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, expand your capabilities, and thrive as part of a global community. For details on total rewards in Canada, visit ZS Canada office locations | Where we work | ZS.

Hybrid working model:

We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working. A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and on-site presence at clients/ZS offices for the majority of our week. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face‑to‑face connections.

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.

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.