Applied AI Engineer

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support software design, development, tests, and deployment under senior guidance, and help build applications that incorporate large language models and other AI capabilities
• Support retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) workflows, such as document ingestion, chunking, embeddings, indexing, and retrieval
• Help develop AI agents, agent tools, and tool-calling workflows, and convert approved prototypes into production-ready features under senior guidance
• Implement small, well-defined features and components under close guidance, with code review by senior engineers
• Learn the architecture and codebase of AI applications, such as model integrations, RAG pipelines, agent workflows, evaluation systems, and observability, through structured orientation, documentation, and work with experienced engineers
• Write unit and integration tests and help develop automated tests and application monitoring
• Learn and apply safeguards for data privacy, access control, and responsible AI practices
• Help build APIs, backend services, and data processing workflows that connect AI solutions with internal systems, with support for data ingestion and extract, transform, and load (ETL) processes
• Write clean, well-documented code, use Git for version control, participate in peer code reviews, and follow the team’s continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) practices
• Maintain technical documentation, communicate progress and blockers clearly, and collaborate with internal teams, vendors, and business stakeholders in an agile environment

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Complete orientation within the first 3 months, demonstrate familiarity with the team’s tools and development processes, and help resolve small, well-defined bugs and tasks under close supervision
• Complete assigned tasks and small features within the first 6 months, incorporate regular feedback from senior engineers, and contribute reliably to team sprints
• Handle well-scoped tasks with greater independence within the first year, apply foundational AI engineering practices, and take on greater ownership with continued mentorship

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Solid foundation in Python; exposure to at least one additional language (e.g., C#, Java, TypeScript) through coursework or projects
• Exposure to large language models, APIs, or other AI services through coursework, internships, or personal projects
• Basic knowledge of software engineering fundamentals: version control (Git), tests, and code review
• Familiarity with API development or use, databases, and data models
• Willingness to learn about AI application risks, such as prompt injection and sensitive-data exposure, and responsible AI practices
• Strong problem resolution skills, ability to learn new tools and technologies quickly, and clear written and verbal communication
• Ability to collaborate, take direction from senior engineers, and show initiative on assigned tasks

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, or a related field (recent graduates welcome), or equivalent hands-on experience through internships, bootcamps, or personal/academic projects
• No prior professional experience required; internship, co-op, or project experience is a plus
• Coursework or project exposure to RAG concepts (embeddings, vector search), Azure OpenAI or comparable AI platforms, cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP), or traditional machine learning

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

At ESRT, like our tenants, our employees come from everywhere. We foster a collaborative work environment that captures top talent and cultivates the best ideas. As a Great Place to Work® Certified employer, we are committed to maintaining our positive work culture where employees are engaged and can grow and develop. In addition, ESRT employees embody our Company Culture & Success Factors -
• Adaptable – you are a self-starter who’s able to quickly digest and execute new processes to work both collaboratively and independently
• Dynamic – you are solutions-oriented, aim to improve processes and implement efficiency, and offer insightful feedback to improve ESRT
• Dependable – you take a strong sense of ownership and accountability over your work
• Passionate – you keep up with industry trends and are excited about the potential to propel the industry forward with a “roll-up-your-sleeves” attitude
• Curious – you consistently look for new ways to work smarter, not just harder
• Ethical – you treat others with respect, act with integrity in how you perform your work, and embrace our collaborative culture
• Positive – you possess a service-oriented attitude with excellent follow through

BENEFITS

• Competitive base salary and bonus
• Health/Dental/Vision insurance
• Company sponsored Life, AD&D, STD (with Salary Continuation), and LTD Insurance
• Voluntary Enhanced LTD Program
• Voluntary Hospital, Accident, and Cancer Programs
• 401(k) with 100% match up to 5%
• Paid parental leave
• Pre-tax transit accounts
• Employee Assistance Program for emotional, financial, and legal support

WELL-BEING

• Generous paid time off
• Flex remote work time
• Flex Summer Fridays
• Employee engagement programs
• Volunteer time off
• Continuing education
• Complimentary Empire State Building Observation Deck access
• Complimentary gym membership and other wellness benefits
• Employee Discount Programs