Forward Deployment AI Engineer

About the Role

Forward Deployment AI Engineer at Systems Engineering, a Lyra Technology Group portfolio company. This is a builder role focused on designing and deploying real-world AI solutions for clients. You'll develop AI agents, integrate LLMs, architect data strategies, and deploy cloud-based AI systems that solve actual business problems. You'll work hand-in-hand with the AI Process Consultant, taking business requirements and translating them into production-grade systems.

Responsibilities

• Build and deploy AI agents, LLM-powered applications, and intelligent automation solutions, primarily in the Microsoft ecosystem
• Integrate large language models (LLMs) into client workflows via prompt engineering, fine-tuning, and API integration
• Design and implement data strategies, pipelines, and architectures that support AI use cases
• Develop and maintain APIs and system integrations that connect AI solutions to existing infrastructure
• Architect and deploy solutions on cloud platforms with a focus on reliability and scale
• Collaborate with the AI Solutions Consultant and clients to ensure technical solutions are aligned to business goals
• Apply responsible AI practices, including governance, bias evaluation, and explainability to every engagement
• Stay ahead of emerging AI tools, frameworks, and platforms and bring that knowledge into our practice

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Engineering, or a related field; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education
• 3+ years of software or AI/ML engineering experience with real production deployments
• Experience with Microsoft AI platforms, including Copilot for Microsoft 365, Azure OpenAI, or Azure AI Foundry, and their application in business environments
• Proficiency in Python and API/systems integration development
• Cloud platform experience
• Strong grasp of data architecture and pipeline design (SQL experience is a plus)
• The ability to explain what you're building and why you're building it to technical teammates and client stakeholders alike

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AI agent development and orchestration frameworks
• Prior work in a consulting or professional services environment
• Experience with the Microsoft AI ecosystem and how tools like Copilot and Azure AI can be applied to improve workflows and productivity

Who Thrives in This Role

• You are a builder who takes pride in creating things that work in the real world, not just in demos
• You can communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders without hiding behind jargon
• You approach problems with curiosity and entrepreneurial energy and proactively identify what's possible and pursue it
• You understand that the best solution is the one that the client can adopt, not just the most elegant one technically
• You have strong ethical instincts around AI: you think about risk, bias, and responsible use as part of your standard engineering practice
• You thrive in a collaborative, fast-moving environment and are comfortable working across multiple client contexts
• You stay current with the AI landscape, which moves fast

Compensation and Location

• Base Salary: $120,000 - $150,000 per year
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid, based out of the Systems Engineering Office in Portland, Maine

Benefits

Health & Wellbeing

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Employer-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Onsite fitness facilities
• Daily stretch breaks
• Free health coaching programs

Financial Wellbeing

• Employer 401k matching contributions
• Short-term incentive plans (STIP)
• Free financial advising

Time & Flexibility

• Paid Time Off starting with 17 days PTO
• Nine paid holidays
• Hybrid work arrangements

Family Support

• Paid parental leave
• Dependent care FSA programs

Professional Development & Growth Opportunities

• Career mobility and professional development
• Employer-supported training, learning, and certification opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement benefits

Community & Culture

• Paid community volunteer time
• Employer-charitable match programs
• Corporate golf membership
• Company-provided season tickets to local sports teams
• Employer provided parking
• Regular company gatherings

About Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering is a Best Places to Work Company in Maine for over a decade. The company cultivates a high-performing culture focused on continuous learning, collaboration, and community impact. Headquarters is located in Portland, Maine, in the heart of the Old Port in downtown Portland, positioned centrally to the waterfront, trails, parks, cultural events, and restaurants.

Requirements

Due to the nature of the business and the requirements of ITAR regulations, this role may require access to controlled information and technology. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and be willing to undergo a thorough background check as part of the employment process.

Equal Opportunity

Lyra Technology Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diverse perspectives and are committed to building an inclusive team.