Software Engineer, Python and AI/ML Development

Job Description We are seeking a Software Engineer with solid technical depth to build, deploy, and operate Python services and machine learning components, working with Python, NumPy, Pandas, FastAPI/Flask, LLM frameworks, and Azure. Responsibilities: Design and develop maintainable, modular Python components and services that follow SOLID and equivalent principles Build, train, evaluate, and productionalize ML models and AI components (classical ML, NLP, and LLM based features) in collaboration with product and architecture teams Develop LLM powered capabilities such as prompt pipelines, retrieval augmented generation (RAG), embeddings, and tool or function calling using frameworks like LangChain or LlamaIndex Build data processing and feature engineering pipelines using NumPy, Pandas, and SQL Design, build, and consume REST APIs with FastAPI and Flask to serve models and AI capabilities Apply concurrency, asynchronous programming (asyncio), and batching techniques to improve inference and service throughput Track experiments, version models and datasets, and support model deployment using MLflow or equivalent MLOps tooling Monitor models and AI services in production for latency, cost, drift, and output quality, and act on findings Solve technical problems by analyzing possible solutions and their impact on the function and the business Provide informal guidance to new and junior team members through code reviews and pairing Understand how the team's work integrates with closely related teams and account for interdependencies Write and execute unit tests using pytest and mocking libraries; perform API integration testing and basic model validation testing Implement CI/CD pipelines to build and deploy applications and maintain a high level of quality maturity in pipeline quality gates Implement security best practices (input validation, authentication, authorization, secrets handling, OWASP guidelines) and responsible AI practices such as prompt injection awareness and data privacy Deploy and operate applications on Azure using Docker and Kubernetes Collaborate with cross functional teams to define, design, and ship new features Troubleshoot and resolve issues in development, test, and production environments Explain technical, sometimes complex and dynamic concepts clearly to others Qualifications 3.5+ years of strong working experience in Python development, including at least 1.5 years building ML or AI enabled applications Solid experience with NumPy, Pandas, and scikit learn for data oriented services and model development Working experience with a deep learning framework such as PyTorch or TensorFlow Hands on experience with LLM APIs (Azure OpenAI or similar), prompt engineering, embeddings, and vector databases Strong experience in designing, building, and consuming REST APIs; experience building and operating FastAPI or Flask services Strong experience with common software design patterns (for example Adapter, Strategy, Factory) Good experience using AI assisted tools in the SDLC Experience with code execution best practices (memory footprint, profiling) and database query analysis (explain plan, statistics) Working knowledge of RDBMS and NoSQL stores; hands on experience in messaging and queuing Proficiency in pytest; experience with API integration testing using Postman Experience with quality gates and security tools integration in CI/CD processes Hands on experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and Azure cloud services Excellent problem solving skills and attention to detail Strong communication and teamwork skills Familiarity with Agile development methodologies Additional Information Our Benefits Flexible working environment Volunteer time off LinkedIn Learning Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP) NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/info/niqs-ai-safety-policies/ About NIQ NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population. For more information, visit NIQ.com Want to keep up with our latest updates? Follow us on:  LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Facebook Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence.  All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the  https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion