We are looking for a
**Lead Python AI Engineer**
to build robust, AI-powered API services and agentic workflows.

In this role, you will bridge the gap between traditional backend systems and modern language models, focusing on secure and scalable LLM interactions with internal systems, vector databases, and external tools via orchestration frameworks.

We treat LLMs not as magic, but as components in a secure, scalable distributed system.

If you take pride in API reliability, graceful failure handling, and production-grade AI integration, we'd love to talk to you.

Req# (phone hidden)
**Responsibilities**
End-to-End Ownership: Own API contracts and service reliability end-to-end. AI edge cases must fail gracefully without compromising system integrity
Rigorous Systems Engineering: Integrate LLMs with a strong engineering foundation—baking in evaluation, comprehensive observability, robust fallback handling, and cost awareness
Reusable Frameworks: Build reliable, reusable orchestration frameworks and logic designed for downstream developer consumption
Design and build scalable backend API services and advanced LLM orchestration layers
Implement and maintain complex RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) pipelines, covering document ingestion, chunking, embedding, and retrieval optimization
Develop and connect agent tools using Lang

Chain, Lang

Graph, and potentially MCP (Model Context Protocol)
Ensure top-tier security, privacy, enterprise-grade observability, and comprehensive test coverage across all backend workflows
Contribute actively to architecture decisions and engineering standards within your pod
Collaborate cross-functionally with frontend engineers, data engineers, and infrastructure teams




**Requirements**
Backend Experience: 7+ years of backend engineering with a heavy focus on microservices and distributed systems, using Python for high-performance backend services and cloud-native APIs
Cloud & Infrastructure: Hands-on experience with AWS, Docker, ECS/EKS, and RESTful APIs
Security First: Proven experience with secure coding practices and strong authentication/authorization (auth/authz) fundamentals
Agentic Frameworks: Practical, hands-on experience with frameworks such as Lang

Chain, Llama

Index, or Lang

Graph
AI SDK Integration: 1–2+ years of hands-on experience integrating AI SDKs (OpenAI, Anthropic/Claude, AWS Bedrock, or equivalent) in production environments
AI Observability & Evaluation: Familiarity with AI evaluation tooling or real-time APM platforms (e.g., Lang

Smith, Langfuse, Arize)
RAG Pipelines: Practical experience working with vector databases (e.g., Amazon Kendra, Open

Search), advanced embedding strategies, and retrieval systems
**Nice to have**
Frontend Fluency: 1–2+ years of experience with React and Type

Script
Scale & Deployment: Experience deploying applications to EKS environments at scale
Interoperability & Security: Knowledge of agent interoperability patterns (MCP) and identity/security domain models (IAM, CIAM)
Secondary Languages:



Professional proficiency in Java, Node.js, or Go
**We offer**
Extended Healthcare with Prescription Drugs, Dental and Vision, and Healthcare Spending Account (Company Paid)
Life and AD&D; Insurance (Company Paid)
Employee Assistance Program (Company Paid)
Telehealth (Company Paid)
Short-term Disability (Company Paid)
Long-Term Disability
Paid Time Off (including vacation and sick days)
Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) with Company match
Maternity/Parental/Adoption Leave Top-up
Employee Stock Purchase Program
Critical Illness Insurance
Employee Discounts
Unlimited access to Linked

In learning solutions
EPAM Systems, Inc. is an equal chance employer.

We recognize the value of diversity and inclusion in creating success for our customers, business partners, shareholders, employees and communities.

We are committed to recruiting, hiring, developing and promoting employees without discrimination.

As a global employer, this commitment includes complying with all laws in the countries in which we operate.

Nevertheless, we believe equal employment practices should not be limited to what the law requires.

Equal opportunity and inclusion are essential to motivate, empower and recognize the best in everyone.

At EPAM, employment actions are based on individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, pregnancy status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or familial status, national origin, ancestry, genetics, age, disability status, veteran status, citizenship status when otherwise legally able to work, or any other characteristic protected by law.

📌 Lead Python AI Engineer (Canada)
🏢 EPAM Systems
📍 Canada