AI Engineer

Summary

Rios Partners is a mission-driven consulting firm creating positive change by delivering value for our clients, investing in our employees, and solving tough problems that benefit our local and global communities. We ground our approach in empathy, enabling our team members to better hear our customers’ challenges and co-create effective solutions.

As an AI Engineer, you will leverage modern AI tools—including Claude, ChatGPT, and other advanced coding assistants—to dramatically increase software development productivity. You will develop AI-enhanced applications, integrate large language models (LLMs) into workflows, and accelerate delivery through AI-driven coding, analysis, and automation. Your work will support mission-aligned projects across healthcare, federal agencies, and regulated environments.

Key Responsibilities

AI-Accelerated Development

Use AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, Replit Agents, etc.) to generate high-quality code, tests, documentation, and system designs.

Rapidly prototype and iterate on features and integrations using AI-assisted workflows.

Apply prompt engineering techniques to optimize model outputs, automate tasks, and accelerate development cycles.

LLM & AI Integration

Integrate LLMs into applications, including RAG pipelines, embeddings search, and agent-based workflows.

Implement model evaluation, safety guardrails, and monitoring mechanisms in alignment with regulatory and ethical standards.

Software Engineering

Develop backend services, APIs, automation workflows, and data pipelines using Python, TypeScript, or similar languages.

Perform AI-augmented and traditional code reviews to ensure quality, security, and scalability.

Write and maintain documentation with the aid of generative AI tools.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

Work with cross-functional teams including product managers, data scientists, and senior engineers.

Contribute to agile ceremonies and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Actively explore emerging AI capabilities and share learnings with the team.

Required Education, Skills, and Experience

1–4 years of experience in software engineering, machine learning, or automation development.

Demonstrated proficiency using AI tools for coding, debugging, refactoring, and documentation.

Strong programming skills in Python or JavaScript/TypeScript.

Familiarity with LLM concepts (tokens, embeddings, transformers) and modern ML workflows.

Experience with Git and modern DevOps tools.

Strong problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and communication skills.

Ability to obtain a Public Trust Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with LLM frameworks such as LangChain, LlamaIndex, or Anthropic/OpenAI SDKs.

Experience building or maintaining vector databases (Pinecone, Weaviate, FAISS).

Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).

Prior work in healthcare, public sector, or regulated environments.

Exposure to RAG systems, agentic workflows, or production-scale AI integrations.

Additional Information

DUE TO THE SENSITIVE NATURE OF THIS ROLE, PLEASE ONLY APPLY IF YOU ARE A U.S. CITIZEN

Travel: Minimal; may vary based on project needs.

Seniority Level: Professional

Functions: AI Engineering, Software Development

Workplace Location / Type: Hybrid (DMV - Washington D.C. Metro Area)

Rios Partners Benefits:

At Rios Partners, we believe that when our team thrives, our company thrives. That’s why we’re proud to offer a comprehensive and best-in-class benefits package that reflects how much we value our people. Below is an overview of the benefits available to our employees:

Profit-Sharing / Performance Bonus

We believe in shared success. That’s why a portion of company profits is distributed to employees each year through our Profit-Sharing/Performance Bonus program. The total amount may vary based on market conditions, company performance, and individual contributions—but the goal remains the same: to reward the team for our collective achievements.

Retirement Plan (401k)

We help you plan for your future. Rios Partners contributes 3% of your base salary each month to a 401(k) retirement plan, regardless of whether you choose to contribute yourself. You may also make additional contributions. Our 401(k) plan is administered through Fidelity, a leader in retirement planning.

Health Insurance (ICHRA)

We offer flexibility and choice through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA). With ICHRA, Rios Partners contributes tax-free dollars toward your health insurance premiums, allowing you to select the plan that fits your needs rather than being restricted to a one-size-fits-all group plan.

Vision Insurance

We offer vision coverage through MetLife to help you care for your eye health. The plan includes benefits for eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, and more.

Dental Insurance

Dental coverage through MetLife is provided at no cost to you or your dependents. You also have the option to upgrade to a higher-tier plan if desired.

Disability Insurance

Rios Partners provides both short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost to you. This coverage, offered through MetLife, ensures that you're protected in case of illness or injury that prevents you from working.

Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays

We value work-life balance. You’ll receive:

• 15 days of PTO annually, with additional days based on your tenure

• 12 paid holidays per year

• Additional paid time off for life events such as bereavement, jury duty, and voting

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Your well-being matters. Our EAP, provided through Health Advocate, offers confidential support for personal and professional challenges—including mental health counseling, substance abuse, parenting support, grief counseling, and more. Work/life resources and healthcare navigation assistance are also included.

Training and Development

Rios Partners is committed to helping you achieve your highest potential. Our personal view is that this is best accomplished through a combination of client engagements, opportunities to take on new roles within the team, and internal (team) / external (expert) training.

Separation Pay Benefit:

We understand that employees may need to or choose to leave Rios Partners for diverse reasons. The purpose of our separation policy is threefold: 1) to provide eligible employees with certain benefits to support the transition to their next professional endeavor, 2) to encourage a transition that works for both the employee and Rios Partners, and 3) to encourage a culture of transparency around changes in professional pursuits. More information about our separation policy benefit would be outlined in our offer letter.

Disclaimer

Equal Opportunity Employer

Rios Partners is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Rios Partners is an E-Verify Employer.