AI Developer
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.Location
Onsite/Non-Remote in Maryville, TN. To be considered you must live in a commutable distance to Maryville, TN. If you live outside of a commutable distance, your willingness to relocate must be listed at the top of your resume or within a cover letter.
Scope of the Job
We are seeking an AI Developer who can design and deliver enterprise-grade conversational AI (chatbots/assistants) and agentic AI (autonomous or semi-autonomous agents that plan and execute tasks). This role will build AI solutions using a mix of low-code platforms and pro-code development (e.g., Python), integrate with internal systems (APIs, databases, .NET apps), and implement Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) patterns for secure, grounded enterprise responses.
You will also help modernize automation by extending RPA workflows with AI capabilities (classification, extraction, decision support, conversational front-ends), and by building orchestrated agent workflows using tool-calling, MCP servers, and enterprise integration patterns.
Competencies and Skills
- Hands-on development experience building AI experiences (chatbots, assistants, or agents)
- Ability to deliver using low-code tools and pro-code, including Python (preferred) and REST APIs
- Good understanding of conversational AI design (dialog patterns, user experience, prompts)
- Good understanding of agentic AI concepts (planning, tool use, autonomy boundaries, guardrails)
- Good understanding of RAG fundamentals and implementation patterns
- Experience integrating with enterprise systems: APIs, SQL, data services, authentication/authorization
- Understanding of basic software engineering disciplines: source control, testing, environments, CI/CD, reliability
- Proficiency in Python and other applicable programming languages
- Understanding of governance/compliance for enterprise AI (PII handling, audit trails, model risk practices)
- Good knowledge of API handling (both SOAP and RESTful) is a plus
- Strong knowledge of error reporting techniques and exception handling procedures is a plus
- Good understanding of Dev, QA and Prod environments and the ability to promote code across the landscapes is required
- Experience in one or more of the following is a plus:
- Power Platform / Copilot Studio
- Azure AI services, OpenAI-compatible APIs, or comparable stacks
- RPA platforms (UiPath / Power Automate / Blue Prism)
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Build and maintain chatbots using low-code (e.g., Copilot Studio / Power Platform / other) and/or pro-code (Python-based frameworks)
- Design conversation flows: intents, entities, prompts, dialog management, fallback strategies, escalation to human support
- Implement enterprise controls: grounding, citations, safety filters, logging, and user experience patterns
- Understand and apply the difference between conversational AI (primarily dialogue-driven Q&A and guided flows) and agentic AI (goal-driven systems that plan, call tools, and complete multi-step tasks)
- Build agents that can call APIs and internal services, execute business workflows, and use tools (search, data retrieval, ticketing, approvals) safely with governance controls
- Integrate knowledge sources: SharePoint, files, databases, internal wikis, ticketing systems, and line-of-business apps
- Integrate AI capabilities into internal applications (especially .NET ecosystems)
Qualifications
- 0–1 year experience in delivering production ready AI agents or bots and 2+ years of general programming knowledge (e.g., .NET or Java or C#)
- 0–1 years of experience building agents using prompt engineering
- LLM model tuning
- Professional communications skills, both verbal and written
- Good team player
- Ability to manage personal workload and work under tight timeframes
- Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field preferred
Physical Demands
- Occasional: bending, kneeling, squatting, standing, walking, reaching, overhead reaching, and fine motor skills
Work Environment
- Normal office environment and office lighting
- Within the Smith & Wesson manufacturing facility employees may be exposed to manufacturing noise, airborne liquid chemicals, fine particulate dust, ambient temperatures, and industrial lighting
- All employees are required to apply ergonomic correctness to all job tasks
About Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. is an American company that designs, manufactures, and sells firearms and firearm-related products, including handguns (revolvers and pistols), long guns such as modern sporting rifles, and shooting accessories. It is a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol SWBI.
Interested in this role?
Apply now to join Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc..