Python Developer/AI Engineer

Matlen Silver; New York (NY, NJ); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Matlen Silver is seeking a Senior Python Developer / AI Engineer in the NYC/Jersey City area to design, develop, and deploy a GenAI platform. You will deliver production-ready Python applications and AI-powered integrations, driving SDLC automation and platform resiliency.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of professional Python development experience, strong hands-on coding, and a track record of building production-grade applications.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional Python development experience.
• Production-grade software development experience for real-world apps.
• Experience building APIs/backend services with FastAPI.
• Unix/Linux environments and scripting.
• Relational and NoSQL databases experience.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and oversee end-to-end GenAI platform implementation and related business use cases.
• Build scalable, resilient, maintainable architectures for production apps.
• Develop production-ready Python applications and integrate AI-powered solutions into workflows.
• Design and implement software integration solutions involving AI platforms and infrastructure.
• Lead technical delivery and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions.
• Drive SDLC automation for platform performance, scalability, and resiliency.
• Research, prototype, and evaluate emerging AI technologies and solutions.
• Apply software engineering best practices for code quality, testing, and production support.
• Mentor team members on software design and development best practices.

Skills

Python

FastAPI

APIs & Backend

Production-grade

Unix/Linux

Databases

LLMs

RAG

AI Orchestration

SDLC automation

Code quality

Tools

Google ADK

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

Job Title:Python Developer/AI Engineer

Duration: 18 Month W2 Contract

Location:NYC/Jersey City

Required Pay Scale: $60-$68/hour

Job Description: Senior Python Developer / AI Engineer – GenAI PlatformRole OverviewWe are seeking a highly skilled Senior Python Developer / AI Engineer to design, develop, and implement a GenAI platform and associated business use cases. This role is primarily focused on strong software engineering, hands-on Python development, and building production-ready applications that integrate AI-powered solutions.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years of professional Python development experience, strong software engineering fundamentals, and the ability to independently write high-quality code without relying on AI assistance during technical assessments. A deep understanding of AI theory is not required; familiarity with Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and AI orchestration concepts is beneficial.

Candidates must demonstrate strong problem-solving, critical-thinking, and independent engineering skills. Production-grade software development expertise is the top priority, with AI-specific knowledge considered a secondary skill that can be developed on the job.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and oversee the end-to-end implementation of the GenAI platform and related business use cases.
• Build scalable, resilient, maintainable, and reusable application architectures.
• Develop production-ready Python applications and integrate AI-powered solutions into business workflows.
• Design and implement software integration solutions involving AI platforms, applications, and supporting infrastructure.
• Lead technical delivery and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions.
• Drive Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) automation and initiatives focused on platform performance, scalability, and resiliency.
• Research, prototype, and evaluate emerging AI technologies and potential solutions.
• Apply software engineering best practices for code quality, architecture, error handling, testing, and production support.
• Mentor team members on software design, coding standards, and development best practices.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional Python development experience. Internships do not count toward the required experience.
• Strong hands‑on coding skills and the ability to develop solutions independently without AI assistance.
• Strong understanding of Python fundamentals, including data structures, error handling, and application architecture.
• Demonstrated experience developing, deploying, and maintaining production‑grade applications.
• Experience building APIs and backend services using FastAPI.
• Experience with Unix/Linux environments and scripting.
• Experience working with relational and NoSQL databases.
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
• Strong understanding of software development best practices, including writing clean, maintainable, scalable, and reliable code.

Preferred Qualifications – AI / GenAI

• Understanding of Large Language Model (LLM) concepts and AI‑powered application development.
• Familiarity with Retrieval‑Augmented Generation (RAG), including retrieval patterns and orchestration concepts.
• Knowledge of agentic AI and multi‑agent systems.
• Familiarity with Google Agent Development Kit (ADK).
• Understanding of Model Context Protocol (MCP).
• Knowledge of event‑driven agent workflows and orchestration patterns.
• Exposure to machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Experience prototyping or integrating AI technologies into production applications.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• The ability to independently design, code, troubleshoot, and deliver production‑ready applications.
• Strong software engineering fundamentals and sound architectural judgment.
• Critical thinking and the ability to solve complex technical problems.
• A builder mindset with a focus on implementation, integration, and delivery.
• Adaptability and the ability to learn emerging AI technologies as needed.
• Effective collaboration and communication skills when working across technical teams.

Important Hiring Considerations

• Python engineering fundamentals are the highest priority. Candidates must have strong hands‑on development experience and proven coding ability.
• Independent coding is essential. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their technical skills without relying on AI tools during interviews or technical assessments.
• Production experience is required. Candidates should have experience building and maintaining real‑world applications, not just prototypes or proof‑of‑concepts.
• Deep AI expertise is not required. Basic LLM knowledge and an understanding of RAG, retrieval, and orchestration concepts are sufficient.
• Advanced AI technologies are a plus. Agentic AI, multi‑agent systems, Google ADK, MCP, and event‑driven workflows are desirable but not required.
• Strong engineers take precedence over AI specialists. Candidates with extensive AI knowledge but weak Python fundamentals, software architecture, or production engineering experience are not a fit.

Experience Requirement

Minimum: 7+ years of professional Python development experience, excluding internships.

Primary focus: Python engineering, production‑grade application development, software architecture, and API development.

Secondary focus: GenAI platform integration, LLM concepts, RAG, and AI orchestration.