Senior AI Engineer
QoraliAbout the role
Senior AI Engineer
A major enterprise is building a new AI Engineering function and is looking for a senior technical leader to anchor its most advanced AI initiatives. This is a hands‑on, high‑impact IC role where you’ll shape the organisation’s AI strategy, design agentic AI systems, and build production‑grade applications that plug directly into real business workflows.
You’ll work at the intersection of large‑scale systems, modern cloud platforms, and frontier AI models — architecting solutions, mentoring engineers, and setting the technical bar for how AI is built and deployed in a highly regulated environment. If you’re an experienced engineer who wants to stay close to the code while influencing enterprise‑level decisions, this role hits the sweet spot.
What You’ll Lead:
Architect and Engineer agent‑driven AI systems that integrate with enterprise data, workflows, and internal platforms
Build production AI applications on modern cloud infrastructure using state‑of‑the‑art LLMs
Define technical standards for safe, reliable, and auditable AI in a regulated environment
Mentor engineers through code reviews, design guidance, and hands‑on technical leadership
Evaluate emerging AI tools and model capabilities, shaping the roadmap for future adoption
What You Bring:
Deep engineering experience across distributed systems, APIs, microservices, and event‑driven design
Strong Python expertise plus comfort with SQL, containers, orchestration, and CI/CD
Hands‑on experience with LLMs, AI agents, or the engineering depth to ramp quickly
Understanding of AI safety, risk vectors, and responsible deployment practices
Background working on complex, high‑stakes production systems; regulated industry experience is a bonus
Compensation:
$140-165k base
15% bonus
20+ days PTO
6% 401k match
Health, vision, dental and life plans
This is a hybrid role, based in Chicago and cannot support any form of visa sponsorship.
Responsibilities
- Architect and Engineer agent‑driven AI systems that integrate with enterprise data, workflows, and internal platforms
- Build production AI applications on modern cloud infrastructure using state‑of‑the‑art LLMs
- Define technical standards for safe, reliable, and auditable AI in a regulated environment
- Mentor engineers through code reviews, design guidance, and hands‑on technical leadership
- Evaluate emerging AI tools and model capabilities, shaping the roadmap for future adoption
Qualifications
- Deep engineering experience across distributed systems, APIs, microservices, and event‑driven design
- Strong Python expertise plus comfort with SQL, containers, orchestration, and CI/CD
- Hands‑on experience with LLMs, AI agents, or the engineering depth to ramp quickly
- Understanding of AI safety, risk vectors, and responsible deployment practices
- Background working on complex, high‑stakes production systems; regulated industry experience is a bonus
Benefits
- 15% bonus
- 20+ days PTO
- 6% 401k match
- Health, vision, dental and life plans
Skills mentioned
About Qorali
Qorali is a specialist technology recruitment partner connecting exceptional talent with innovative organizations across the U.S. We focus on high-demand disciplines - Data, Cloud, DevOps, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce and NetSuite - helping businesses build the technical foundations that drive growth, transformation, and innovation. With a team of experienced recruiters who truly understand the U.S. tech landscape, we combine market expertise with a people-first approach to deliver lasting results. At Qorali, we create meaningful partnerships. We take the time to understand both our clients and candidates, ensuring every connection aligns on skills, culture, and vision. Our candidate network is at the heart of what we do. We work closely with professionals at every stage of their career - from rising engineers to senior architects - helping them identify opportunities where they can thrive. Whether it’s a contract project or a long-term position, we focus on roles that match their ambitions, values, and technical expertise. Through our consultative process, rigorous vetting, and deep technical understanding, we deliver professionals who not only meet the brief but elevate the businesses they join. Whether you’re scaling your team or advancing your tech career, Qorali is your trusted partner for smarter, faster, and more impactful hiring.