Principal Azure AI Engineer

The Seattle Times, a family-owned, Pulitzer Prize-winning news organization, is looking for a highly experienced AI implementor to join our dynamic team and drive the development of advanced AI applications.

The Principal Azure AI Engineer will serve in partnership with key business stakeholders in developing artificial intelligence applications using Seattle Times proprietary data. This person will work closely with the VP of Information Technology and staff to develop a comprehensive project plan to outline, track, and deploy a series of projects.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of AI applications across various business stakeholders and end users on concept development, prototypes, technology innovations and process improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
• Optimize and fine-tune AI models for performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Conduct research and stay current with the latest advancements in AI technologies.
• Mentor and guide other engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
• Ensure the integration of AI solutions with existing systems and infrastructure.
• Advocates for adoption of AI governance that aligns with Seattle Times goals and vision of use. 
• Perform rigorous testing and validation of AI models to ensure accuracy and robustness.
• Document technical specifications, processes, and best practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in AI application development and deployment.
• Experience in the process of developing usable domain-specific LLM using commercially available LLM’s like Azure AI.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or JavaScript/NodeJS
• Strong understanding of generative AI, machine learning, and other AI techniques.
• Experience developing cost model projections for Adapting Foundation Models to consume, store and query information.
• Experience with Azure.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering AI projects from concept to production.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and creatively.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Work Location: This is a hybrid role potentially requiring days each week in our Seattle office.

Compensation: The full salary range for this position is $120,000 to $200,000, depending on experience and qualifications.     

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and long-term disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Optional life and AD&D insurance and long-term care insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• 10 days of annual vacation accrual, increasing with tenure up to 20 days
• 10 days of annual sick accrual; unused sick pay accrues to an extended illness bank
• 9 paid holidays
• Internet stipend for predominately remote employees
• Subsidized transit cards
• Complimentary Seattle Times subscription
• Wellness program
• Parental leave options

Please Note: This position requires a criminal background check once an offer has been made.

Founded in 1896, The Seattle Times continues its tradition as a family-owned, Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper that cuts through the clutter and provides readers with timely, relevant news. We serve the Pacific Northwest with thoughtful, independent journalism that makes a real difference in our community. And as a media solutions company, we combine cutting-edge digital capabilities and service with the values and integrity of respected traditional media… with an established audience of 1.9 million. At The Seattle Times, you'll find work that matters.

If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, please contact Human Resources at careers@seattletimes.com and provide a description of the reasonable accommodation(s) needed.