Location: Pune, Maharashtra
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience: 4–8 Years
We are looking for an AI Research Engineer with strong expertise in algorithm development, machine learning, deep learning, and applied AI research. The ideal candidate will work on developing advanced AI/ML solutions, researching emerging techniques, designing scalable algorithms, and translating research concepts into production-ready applications.
This role combines research, mathematical modeling, algorithm engineering, and software development to solve complex technical and business problems using Artificial Intelligence.
Key Responsibilities- Design, develop, and optimize AI/ML algorithms for real-world applications.
- Research and implement state-of-the-art techniques in:
- Machine Learning
- Deep Learning
- Generative AI
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Computer Vision
- Reinforcement Learning
- Develop novel algorithms to improve model accuracy, efficiency, scalability, and performance.
- Conduct experiments, benchmark models, and analyze algorithm performance.
- Build prototypes and Proofs of Concept (PoCs) for emerging AI technologies.
- Work with large-scale datasets to develop data-driven AI solutions.
- Design and implement LLM, Transformer, RAG, and Agentic AI solutions.
- Collaborate with Data Scientists, Software Engineers, and Product teams.
- Convert research innovations and prototypes into production-grade AI solutions.
- Document research findings, technical approaches, experiments, and best practices.
- Stay updated with the latest advancements in AI research, algorithms, and academic literature.
Master's or Ph.D. in any of the following or a related technical field:
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Data Science
- Applied Mathematics
- Computational Science
- Strong programming expertise in Python.
- Proficiency in at least one of C++, Java, or Scala.
- Strong understanding of:
- Algorithms & Data Structures
- Probability & Statistics
- Linear Algebra
- Optimization Techniques
- Hands-on experience with ML/DL frameworks such as:
- PyTorch
- TensorFlow
- Keras
- Scikit-learn
- Strong knowledge of Machine Learning and Deep Learning architectures.
- Experience with Large Language Models (LLMs), Transformers, RAG, and Agentic AI frameworks.
Candidates should have hands-on experience in one or more of the following:
- Algorithm Design & Analysis
- Graph Algorithms
- Search & Optimization Algorithms
- Recommendation Systems
- NLP Algorithms
- Deep Learning Architectures
- Reinforcement Learning
- Evolutionary Computing
- Distributed Computing Algorithms
- Large-scale Data Processing
- Model Compression & Optimization
- Experience working with Generative AI and Foundation Models.
- Experience with MLOps and model deployment pipelines.
- Hands-on experience with GPU optimization and distributed model training.
- Research publications in reputed AI/ML conferences or journals such as:
- NeurIPS
- ICML
- ICLR
- CVPR
- ACL
- EMNLP
- Contributions to open-source AI/ML projects.
- Experience developing and deploying AI solutions in production environments.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Research-oriented and innovative mindset.
- Strong understanding of mathematical and computational concepts.
- Ability to design and evaluate complex algorithms.
- Creativity and passion for emerging AI technologies.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as in cross-functional teams.
Success in this role will be measured through:
- Development of innovative AI algorithms and models.
- Improvements in model accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
- Successful conversion of research concepts into production solutions.
- Research contributions, patents, publications, or open-source contributions.
- Successful deployment and adoption of AI solutions.
- Measurable business impact through AI-driven innovation.
The ideal candidate is an AI/ML researcher-engineer who combines strong theoretical knowledge with hands-on software engineering skills. They should be comfortable working on algorithmic problems, experimenting with emerging AI technologies, and taking AI solutions from research/prototype stage to production.
Skills Required
- 7+ years of experience in AI/ML Engineering
- At least 2 years of hands-on experience developing production LLM applications
- Expert-level Python skills
- Strong software engineering practices
- Strong experience with the Microsoft Azure AI ecosystem, including Azure AI Foundry, Azure AI Search, Azure ML, Azure OpenAI Service, and Azure Custom Vision
- Deep hands-on experience with LangChain and LangGraph
- Strong understanding of LLMs, prompt engineering, RAG, agentic AI, function/tool calling, and multi-agent workflows
- Experience building LLM evaluation datasets and applying groundedness, relevance, faithfulness, and answer-accuracy metrics
- Hands-on experience with GraphRAG, graph databases, entity and relationship extraction, and knowledge graphs
- Experience with vector search technologies such as Azure AI Search, FAISS, and ChromaDB, plus embedding models
- Strong ML fundamentals, including model training, evaluation, fine-tuning, deployment, and monitoring
- Experience with MLOps, CI/CD, and containerized AI workloads
- Manufacturing or supply chain domain experience
- Experience with LangSmith, RAGAS, and Azure AI Foundry evaluation tools
- Experience with LLM fine-tuning, including LoRA and PEFT, and vision models
- Exposure to AutoGen, Semantic Kernel, Google ADK, or MCP
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, AI/ML, Data Science, or a related field
- Master's degree
What We Do
NextHire Consulting is an AI-driven recruiting platform that streamlines the hiring process for companies. By leveraging AI agents for sourcing, screening, and interviewing, the platform enables teams to focus on pre-qualified finalists. It provides data-driven insights into candidate soft skills and behavioral styles, aiming to disrupt traditional recruitment models with efficient, automated, and science-based talent acquisition solutions for businesses of all sizes.
