About this opportunity
Horizontal Talent lists this AI Engineer opportunity in chicago, Illinois. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
We’re looking for a Software Engineer to help take AI solutions from proof of concept to MVP and production in a secure, enterprise-ready environment. This role offers the opportunity to build scalable applications, partner with AI engineers and product teams, and shape the architecture, tooling, and deployment patterns that support real-world AI delivery.
Responsibilities
Design and build secure, scalable AI-enabled applications ready for enterprise deployment
Help establish engineering best practices for architecture, design patterns, performance, and security
Build application scaffolding, APIs, shared services, environments, and deployment components
Collaborate with AI engineers and product teams to choose the right technical approach for each solution
Integrate AI applications with enterprise systems while meeting security, identity, and compliance standards
Support CI/CD, testing, release management, and operational readiness for MVP and production systems
Partner with DevOps and platform teams to ensure solutions are supportable, scalable, and maintainable
Participate in code reviews and help strengthen the quality and reliability of production software
Skills
Strong software engineering experience with a focus on building production-grade applications
Hands-on experience supporting AI solutions in enterprise environments
Practical understanding of common AI patterns such as RAG, agentic workflows, and API-based model integration
Solid Azure experience across infrastructure, platform services, networking, identity, and security
Experience with CI/CD pipelines, environment management, and secure deployment practices
Knowledge of modern application and data technologies such as containers, Kubernetes, FastAPI, Kafka, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Cosmos DB, and Neo4j
Strong understanding of when to apply relational, NoSQL, graph, vector, and event-driven architecture patterns
Experience using GitHub workflows, branching strategies, pull requests, and modern AI productivity tools
Ability to work effectively within enterprise standards and cross-functional teams
Preferred Skills
Experience delivering across multiple enterprise projects
Exposure to AI evaluation and observability needs
Familiarity with tools such as GitHub Copilot and Claude Code
Background supporting secure integration into large-scale business systems
Experience introducing engineering best practices to teams working on AI solutions
Comfort working in hybrid environments and collaborating closely with distributed stakeholders
Horizontal is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where different perspectives and experiences are valued. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and bring their unique strengths to the team.
By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that Horizontal Talent may contact you regarding your application using automated technology, including phone calls, SMS/text messages, or email, which may be delivered by our virtual AI recruiter, Alex.
Please apply through this online posting or by visiting our Job Board at Applications will be accepted for 4 weeks. For those that join the team, we offer competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement. Check out all we have to offer and how you can become part of the Horizontal Talent Team. The pay range for this role is $33 - $67 per hour based on qualifications and experience.
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.