Thoughtworks

Lead AI Engineer (Hybrid)

Thoughtworks$198K — $261K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Strong expertise in Python and software engineering practices (CI/CD, testing, version control).
  • Proven ability to design and integrate scalable end-to-end AI systems.
  • Deep experience with generative AI and agentic frameworks.
  • Expertise in building RAG pipelines and integrating vector databases.
  • Experience deploying AI solutions on major cloud platforms using containers and CI/CD.
  • Skilled in LLMOps and monitoring production systems.
  • Experience with model fine-tuning and advanced ML/NLP frameworks.

Responsibilities

  • Lead cross-functional teams delivering generative AI solutions.
  • Guide design and delivery of scalable, reliable AI systems.
  • Set technical direction for optimizing AI solutions' performance and cost.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to align technical solutions with business goals.
  • Establish best practices in AI engineering, sharing knowledge with the team.
  • Provide architectural guidance balancing experimentation with delivery.
  • Review designs and code to ensure consistency and quality in features.

Benefits

  • Career development supported by numerous interactive programs and tools.
  • Strong emphasis on mentor-driven growth and team collaboration.
  • Commitment to responsible AI usage in recruitment processes.
  • Flexibility in career paths adapted to individual goals.
  • Awareness and management of changing project scopes to inform candidates.
Full Job Description
We are looking for a passionate and skilled AI engineer to lead the AI engineering practice at a team or program level. In this role, you will guide the design and delivery of generative AI solutions, shape the technical roadmap for your team(s), and ensure high standards of engineering excellence. You will provide technical leadership to a small group of engineers, collaborate with product and business partners, and act as a trusted technical consultant for stakeholders.

Job responsibilities

  • Lead a cross-functional team of software engineers, data scientists and other specialists delivering GenAI solutions.
  • Guide the design and delivery of AI-powered systems that are scalable, reliable and production-ready.
  • Set direction for technical decisions, ensuring AI solutions are optimized for performance, cost and maintainability.
  • Collaborate closely with product managers, designers and stakeholders to align technical solutions with business goals.
  • Establish and promote best practices in AI engineering, covering testing, guardrails, responsible AI, monitoring and documentation, while uplifting the team by sharing knowledge, tools and practices that enable both SMEs and generalists to contribute effectively.
  • Provide architectural guidance, balancing experimentation with delivery in short, safe cycles.
  • Review designs and code across the team, ensuring quality and consistency in AI-enabled features.
  • Set direction for GenAI application optimization to improve accuracy, performance, cost and know when model tuning is required.

Job qualifications

Technical Skills

  • Strong expertise in Python and modern software engineering practices, including CI/CD, testing, version control and system reliability.
  • Proven ability to design and integrate end-to-end AI systems, ensuring scalability, maintainability and performance.
  • Deep experience with GenAI and agentic frameworks, guiding teams in their effective use.
  • Expertise in building and scaling RAG pipelines and integrating vector databases into production systems.
  • Experience deploying AI solutions on major cloud platforms, using containers and CI/CD pipelines for reproducibility.
  • Skilled in LLMOps practices and monitoring production systems with observability tools.
  • Experience with fine-tuning, model adaptation and advanced use of ML/NLP frameworks.

Professional Skills

  • Ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences and influence senior decision-makers.
  • Proven ability to inspire, mentor and develop high-performing engineering teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
  • Demonstrates the ability to anticipate technological trends and proactively shape the technical direction of the team.
  • Skilled in navigating complex internal and external dynamics, driving consensus and achieving technical and business goals.


Other things to know

Learning & Development

There is no one-size-fits-all career path at Thoughtworks: however you want to develop your career is entirely up to you. But we also balance autonomy with the strength of our cultivation culture. This means your career is supported by interactive tools, numerous development programs and teammates who want to help you grow. We see value in helping each other be our best and that extends to empowering our employees in their career journeys.

Responsible Use of AI in Recruitment

At Thoughtworks, we use AI tools to support our recruitment team with administrative tasks such as drafting communications, scheduling interviews and writing job descriptions.

Crucially, our AI tools do not screen, assess, rank or make hiring decisions. Every application is reviewed by our team and all selection decisions are made exclusively by our interviewers and hiring managers.

We are committed to fairness and responsible AI. We actively manage our AI systems by testing, monitoring for biased outcomes and implementing mitigation measures. We hold our third-party vendors to these same high standards through a rigorous governance process. For additional information, please see our full Thoughtworks AI Policy for Recruitment.

Cancellations

As a technology consultancy, the projects we undertake are subject to change based on client needs and agreements. While we strive for consistency, please be aware that project scope or availability may shift, or projects may even be cancelled, during the recruitment and selection process, which is often outside of our direct control. Should the project related to this vacancy be significantly altered or cancelled, all impacted candidates will be promptly and duly informed of the change

#LI-Onsite

Salary

Benefits: https://www.thoughtworks.com/en-us/careers/benefits

The annual salary range posted is subject to many factors and may vary depending on experience, geographic location, job responsibilities, performance, skills and/or training.

Salary

$198,000-$261,000 USD

See here our AI policy.

About Thoughtworks

Thoughtworks is a global technology consultancy that provides software design and delivery, and helps clients navigate digital transformation. The company was founded in 1993 in Chicago, and has since grown to have over 40 offices in 17 countries. Thoughtworks is known for its Agile software development methodology, and has worked with clients in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail.
Learn more about Thoughtworks
Size
10,000 employees
Market Cap
$3.3 billion
Industry
Founded
1993
NASDAQ

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