Applied AI Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Applied AI Engineer I supports, maintains, and enhances ESRT’s portfolio of AI-enabled enterprise applications. This early-career role offers recent graduates hands-on experience with large language models, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), AI agents, and intelligent automation, and helps them develop software engineering skills for production applications.

The role works closely with senior engineers and technical leadership to learn the application portfolio and codebase and complete well-defined tasks, such as bug fixes, small enhancements, tests, and documentation. Regular mentorship and code review support skill development and greater responsibility over time.

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