Senior Associate, Applied AI Engineer

Core Spaces•Chicago, IL

7d•$150,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Associate, Applied AI Engineer works closely with the AI Architect to design, implement, evaluate, and operationalize AI agents and automation workflows across the organization. This role focuses on applying modern AI techniques related to retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), agent frameworks, and evaluation methodologies all contained within a Databricks-centric data platform and Microsoft Copilot Studio–based agent ecosystem. This is a hands-on role centered on building reliable, auditable AI systems that integrate deeply with enterprise data, analytics, and business processes. The position does not have direct reports and operates as a junior partner to the AI Architect, supporting architectural vision through implementation and validation.

Requirements

2–5 years of experience in applied AI, ML engineering, data science, or analytics engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)
Solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and software engineering principles
Proficiency in Python and Machine Learning frameworks

Nice To Haves

Databricks (Delta Lake, notebooks, jobs, MLflow, feature pipelines)
Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and embedding workflows
Microsoft Copilot Studio or Power Platform–based automations
Vector databases and semantic search patterns
LLM evaluation, prompt iteration, and agent testing
Cloud platforms such as Azure (preferred), AWS, or GCP

Responsibilities

AI Agent & RAG Implementation
Build and implement AI agents using retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), tool calling, and orchestration frameworks
Leverage Databricks (Delta Lake, notebooks, jobs, MLflow) as the primary environment for data preparation, experimentation, and evaluation
Configure embeddings, vector stores, retrieval strategies, and prompt logic to support accurate, grounded responses
Implement and extend agents within Microsoft Copilot Studio, integrating enterprise data, workflows, and APIs
Assist the AI Architect in translating reference architectures into working agent implementations
Evaluation, Accuracy & Auditing
Audit AI agent behavior for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with business intent
Design and run evaluation workflows using Databricks (test datasets, regression checks, qualitative reviews)
Identify failure modes such as hallucinations, retrieval gaps, or tool misuse and recommend corrective strategies
Support monitoring and iteration of deployed agents to maintain reliability over time
Data & Platform Enablement
Prepare and curate structured and unstructured data for retrieval and grounding
Assist with document ingestion pipelines, chunking strategies, metadata enrichment, and indexing in Databricks
Collaborate with data engineering teams to ensure AI workflows align with Lakehouse standards and governance
Support integration between Databricks outputs and Copilot Studio agents
Responsible AI & Compliance
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with product managers to translate business needs into agent behaviors and success criteria
Work with stakeholders to validate AI outputs against real-world use cases
Clearly communicate system behavior, limitations, and tradeoffs to non-technical audiences
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with product managers, engineers, and domain experts to define problem statements and success metrics
Communicate complex technical concepts to non technical stakeholders in a clear, concise manner
Occasional travel may be necessary as needed
Perform all other duties and tasks as assigned by management
Must be able to complete all physical requirements of this role with or without a reasonable accommodation

Benefits

A culture that provides you with a sense of belonging
Hybrid or remote work options may vary by role to support work-life balance
Competitive pay that values your contributions
Incentives designed to reward your achievements
Paid flexible PTO to disconnect or celebrate life milestones
Paid 14+ holidays, including your birthday, to disconnect and celebrate
Paid Parental Leave that begins after 90 days
Paid volunteer time off to give back to your community
Monthly workshop weeks; fewer meetings & more collaboration
Robust health plan options that begin within at least 30 days of your employment
Monthly phone reimbursement
Wellness allowance and perks, including a yearly subscription to a meditation app
An environment that provides you a voice to share your perspectives
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for access to confidential support services
Company retirement options including 401(k) + matching & Roth account option