Artificial Intelligence (AI) Systems Engineer

Posting Close DateApplicants must submit their completed application by 08-02-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MSTApplication and Special InstructionsAs part of the application process, all applicants are required to submit a chronological resume. Applications submitted without a chronological resume will be considered incomplete and will not receive further consideration.
This position is based on-site at a City of Tucson facility. Remote or hybrid work arrangements are not available at this time.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications may be evaluated and scored based on their relevant education, experience, and training, as outlined in the job bulletin. The highest-scoring applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual interview via Microsoft Teams.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Virtual interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of August 17, 2026, and will be conducted via Microsoft Teams (available as a free download).
Hiring interviews, if applicable, may be conducted on-site at the City of Tucson Information Technology Department in Tucson, Arizona.
The City of Tucson does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.
Relocation expenses will not be be provided for this position. Candidates are responsible for all costs associated with relocating to the Tucson area, if applicable.
Candidates who are placed on the Civil Service Eligibility List and receive a contingent offer of employment must successfully complete the following:
An extensive background investigation, including local, state, and national criminal history and fingerprint checks.
Recruiter Contact Information:
If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Liliana Almeraz
(520) 837-4303
[email protected]Position Specific Summary

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Systems Engineer at the City of Tucson’s Information Technology (IT) Department is responsible for the design, development, implementation, administration, and maintenance of artificial intelligence solutions that support organizational goals and business operations. This position collaborates with cross-functional teams to develop, enhance, and support AI-driven applications and systems, ensuring they are scalable, reliable, secure, and aligned with business requirements.

Work is performed under the supervision of the AI Program Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Defines and owns the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for AI initiatives.
• Translates business needs into technical requirements and user stories.
• Designs, develops, and deploys AI models and applications using modern frameworks.
• Administers and maintains existing AI projects, ensuring operational stability, performance optimization, and timely updates.
• Develops AI Governance and is responsible for AI operations like model monitoring, training, and retraining.
• Coordinates the integration and utilization of data pipelines, APIs, and structured and unstructured data to support enterprise applications and AI initiatives. Integrates AI technologies with core city systems (ERP, GIS, CRM, & ITSM platforms, etc.)
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams, engineers, designers, and stakeholders to deliver high-impact solutions.
• Ensures AI solutions comply with established governance, privacy, security, transparency, and ethical standards.
• Monitors performance, gathers feedback, and iterates on product features.
• Stays current with emerging AI trends, tools, and technologies.
• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions

Mostly office environment.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducationBachelor's degreeExperienceThree (3) years of relevant experienceEquivalency

Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

License/CertificationsPreferred QualificationsEducation:
Bachelor's Degree
Experience:
Three (3) years of relevant experience.
Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with generative AI, LLMs, or NLP applications
Proven experience as a Product Owner or Technical Product Manager in AI or data-driven products
Strong proficiency in Python and AI/ML libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow)
Experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP) and MLOps pipelines
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Familiarity with agile methodologies and product lifecycle management
Certifications in AI/ML or product management is a plusPOSITION DETAILSJob ProfileJ2025 - Systems Engineer

View full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.

Compensation GradeG110Hourly Range$35.37 - 53.05 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)ExemptPosition TypeRegularTime TypeFull timeDepartmentInformation TechnologyDepartment LinkNo WebsiteBackground Check

This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

ABOUT USBenefits

The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.

Citizenship

The City of Tucson employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.

The City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer

The city does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD). 

ADA Accessibility Compliant Form

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

Recruiter NameLiliana AlmerazRecruiter Email[email protected]

For general Human Resources questions please contact 520-837-4190.