Senior AI Systems & Applications Engineer

SUMMARY:

We are seeking a versatile AI Solutions Architect to lead the design and implementation of our next-generation agentic AI ecosystem. You will bridge the gap between data engineering and application development, leveraging the full Microsoft Azure AI Foundry (formerly AI Studio) and MS Fabric suite.

The ideal candidate doesn't just "call an API"; they architect secure, governed, and multi-agentic systems that integrate deeply with enterprise data via OneLake and stay protected through MS Purview. You will be responsible for building the "connective tissue" of our AI strategy—from MCP server integration to complex prompt orchestration.   

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• AI Orchestration: Design and deploy agentic and multi-agentic workflows using Azure AI Foundry, Semantic Kernel, or AutoGen. 

• Data Strategy: Architect and manage data pipelines within MS Fabric OneLake, ensuring "Gold" layer data is ready for RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) and model fine-tuning. 

• Security & Identity: Execute application and agent registration via MS Entra (formerly Azure AD), implementing OAuth flows and Managed Identities for secure tool access. 

• Governance: Configure and maintain MS Purview to ensure data lineage, sensitivity labeling, and AI safety guardrails are enforced across all LLM interactions. 

• Connectivity: Build and maintain MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers and custom tools to allow AI agents to interact securely with internal databases and third-party SaaS. 

• Development: Build production-ready application interfaces (React/Next.js or Python-based frameworks) that integrate seamlessly with backend AI flows. 

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS:  

Microsoft AI & Data Stack 

• Azure AI Foundry / MS Foundry: Deep expertise in Prompt Flow, model evaluation, and deployment of GPT-4o/o1 and SLMs (Phi-3). 

• MS Fabric & OneLake: Experience with Lakehouses, Shortcuts, and integrating Fabric data with AI search indexes. 

• MS Purview: Implementation of data loss prevention (DLP) and sensitivity labels within AI-generated content. 

• MS Entra: Advanced knowledge of App Registrations, Service Principals, and Scopes for AI Agents. 

 Generative & Agentic AI 

• Prompt Engineering: Advanced techniques (Chain-of-Thought, ReAct, Few-shot) and prompt versioning. 

• Agentic Frameworks: Proficiency in building autonomous agents that can use tools, manage state, and collaborate (multi-agentic patterns). 

• MCP (Model Context Protocol): Experience implementing MCP servers to standardize how LLMs access local and remote data. 

Software Engineering 

• Languages: Python (FastAPI/LangChain/Semantic Kernel) and TypeScript/C#. 

• Tooling: Expert-level use of VS Code / Cursor, GitHub Copilot, and Azure DevOps for CI/CD. 

• Infrastructure: Infrastructure-as-Code (Bicep or Terraform) for deploying AI workloads. 

Experience Requirements 

• B.S./M.S. in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field. 

• Certifications Preferred: Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102) or Microsoft Certified: Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate (DP-600). 

• 5+ years’ experience in Software Development, with at least 2+ years of dedicated focus on Generative AI and LLM integration. 

• Project History: Proven track record of moving an AI project from a "notebook" prototype to a governed, production-scale enterprise application. 

• Security Mindset: Understanding of the "AI Red Teaming" concept and mitigating risks like prompt injection. 

COMPETENCIES: 

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values. 

• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. 

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures. 

• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results 

• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. 

• Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail. 

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. 

• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. 

• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities. 

• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality. 

• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• Frequently required to stand 

• Frequently required to walk 

• Continually required to sit 

• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity 

BENEFITS & PERKS: 

Aligned Data Centers is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our team members. Eligible employees have access to: 

• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance 

• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts:  HSA with employer contribution for eligible participants.  FSA's offered for health and dependent care to increase tax savings. 

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match 

• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay 

• Company-Sponsored Insurance: Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (with medical election) 

• Optional Benefits: Voluntary life, critical illness, legal, and additional disability coverage 

• Wellness Programs: Employee assistance program (EAP), Wellhub gym membership, and other wellness initiatives 

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.  

Aligned is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities for all employees. We ensure that all applicants and team members are considered for employment, advancement, and all other employment-related matters without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of your job due to a disability or medical condition, please contact our People & Culture team. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws. Aligned will make reasonable accommodations where necessary to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their role.