Senior Python Backend Engineer (LLM/RAG)

EPAM; Singapore; Hybrid; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

EPAM is hiring a Senior Python Backend Engineer (LLM/RAG) in Singapore to build APIs and event-driven services for AML and sanctions screening. You will work with product and compliance partners in a hybrid setup, focusing on auditability and scalable architectures.

You will design and implement LLM/RAG patterns, vector retrieval, and high-throughput data pipelines using PostgreSQL, Elasticsearch/OpenSearch and vector stores. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong Python skills for production back-end development.
• Experience with microservices, APIs and event-driven architectures.
• Proficient in search/retrieval across full-text search and relevance tuning.
• Database knowledge with PostgreSQL and data modeling for traceability.
• Experience with vector stores (e.g., Pinecone) and LLM/RAG patterns.
• Hands-on generative AI with LLM applications and auditability focus.
• AML screening knowledge including KYC, sanctions, PEP and watchlists.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain Python back-end services, APIs and microservices.
• Design event-driven integrations for high-throughput, traceable processing.
• Implement LLM and RAG patterns for entity resolution and investigation support.
• Develop search and retrieval using PostgreSQL, Elasticsearch/OpenSearch and vector stores.
• Collaborate with compliance/engineering to translate controls into system behavior.
• Improve observability, audit trails and explainability for screening decisions.
• Write automated tests and support reliable releases in a regulated environment.

Skills

Python

Backend architecture

Event-driven systems

LLM/RAG

KYC/AML screening

Auditability/logging

Tools

PostgreSQL

Elasticsearch/OpenSearch

Pinecone

Azure AI Search

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Python Backend Engineer (LLM/RAG). You will build APIs and event-driven services that power AML and sanctions screening, combining NLP, search and vector retrieval to improve match quality and auditability. Work closely with product and compliance partners in a hybrid setup in Singapore.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain Python back-end services, APIs and microservices for screening workflows
• Design event-driven integrations to support high-throughput, traceable processing
• Implement LLM and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) patterns for entity resolution and investigation support
• Develop search and retrieval using PostgreSQL, Elasticsearch/OpenSearch and vector stores
• Partner with compliance and engineering stakeholders to translate controls into system behavior
• Improve observability, audit trails and explainability for screening decisions and overrides
• Write automated tests and support reliable releases in a regulated environment

Requirements

• Python proficiency for production back-end development
• Back-end architecture experience with microservices, APIs and event-driven systems
• Search and retrieval capability across full-text search and relevance tuning
• Databases knowledge with PostgreSQL and data modeling for traceability
• Vector databases familiarity such as Pinecone or similar vector stores
• Generative AI hands-on experience with LLM applications, RAG, agents or workflow-based orchestration
• AML screening working knowledge across KYC, sanctions, PEP, watchlists, adverse media and negative news
• Risk and controls mindset with focus on auditability, logging and explainable outcomes

Nice to have

• Experience with Azure AI Search
• Familiarity with OpenSearch tuning and relevance evaluation approaches
• Exposure to screening model governance, thresholding and investigation workflows

We offer

• By choosing EPAM, you're getting a job at one of the most loved workplaces according to Newsweek 2021 & 2022&2023.
• Employee ideas are the main driver of our business. We have a very supportive environment where your voice matters
• You will be challenged while working side-by-side with the best talent globally. We work with top-notch technologies, constantly seeking new industry trends and best practices
• We offer a transparent career path and an individual roadmap to engineer your future & accelerate your journey
• At EPAM, you can find vast opportunities for self-development: online courses and libraries, mentoring programs, partial grants of certification, and experience exchange with colleagues around the world. You will learn, contribute, and grow with us

Life at EPAM

• EPAM is a leading global provider of digital platform engineering and development services. EPAM has been expanding in Singapore since 2013 and delivering the best solutions to our customers. As a recognized leader, EPAM Singapore achieved Great Place to Work Certification in 2023 and is committed to providing our team with inspiring careers.
• You will have the opportunity to work with fellow talented technologists and accelerate your career by participating in our numerous upskilling, training, and certification programs. That is why EPAM Singapore was awarded Gold for Best In-House Certification Programmes in the Employee Experience Awards 2023 and Silver in the SkillsFuture Employers Awards 2022 for our efforts in championing employees skills development and building a lifelong learning culture at the workplace. You can also look forward to developing holistically with the multiracial festivals and various wellness and cultural activities organized by our passionate colleagues here.