IT AI Innovation Engineer

We are a Firm where people truly believe in what they do and strive to achieve the highest standards of performance and success.

This position may be based in our global operations center in Tampa, FL, or at the Firm's Dallas office.

General Description:

We are seeking an IT AI Innovation Engineer to join our team. The IT AI Innovation Engineer will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining software systems that leverage AI technology to enhance Holland & Knight’s legal practice and operational efficiency. This cross-functional role spans systems architecture, software development, workflow orchestration, and project implementation. The engineer will collaborate closely with the Innovation team, IT Applications, IT Risk, Legal, and key business stakeholders to deliver cutting-edge solutions tailored to the legal domain.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions:

• Develop AI-Oriented Workflows: Build advanced AI workflows such as retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines, prompt chaining, contract automation, and interactive Q&A assistants for attorneys and legal support teams.
• Full-Stack Engineering: Develop front-end systems using modern and scalable frameworks (React, TypeScript, Vue) back-end systems with Python or Node.js, and integration with internal and third-party systems.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with Cloud Architects, IT Security, UI/UX Designers, Application Developers, and Data Governance teams to ensure compliance, scalability, and reliability.
• Iterative Prototyping with Stakeholders: Rapidly build prototype solutions, engage legal users in feedback cycles, and refine tools to deliver high utility and usability.
• Software Lifecycle Management: Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines and GitHub Action workflows, ensuring adherence to firm SDLC and data governance guidelines while fostering collaboration between teams.
• Evaluation and Innovation: Evaluate third-party AI tools and vendor offerings through hands-on testing, code-based validation, and performance benchmarking. Strive to deliver tailored, maintainable engineering solutions that align tightly with the firm’s unique legal needs.
• Security Focus: Using a strong understanding of secure development practices, apply principals from industry standard frameworks (OWASP Top 10, SANS CWE, NIST).  Conduct code reviews, applying least-privilege principals in design, and implementing automated security checks in CI/ CD pipelines.

Required Skills:

• Strong foundation in software engineering and AI systems design.
• Proficiency in full-stack development (React/TypeScript, Python, Node.js).
• Experience with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and prompt engineering.
• Familiarity with vector databases, semantic search, and LLM orchestration.
• Proficiency with version control (git).
• Hands-on experience with ServiceNow platform and architecture.
• Solid understanding of cloud architecture and tools (e.g., Azure, AWS).
• Experience with cloud infrastructure tools (Terraform, Kubernetes, AWS CDK, etc.)
• Knowledge of database systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Required Qualifications & Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications & Education:

• Experience in legal tech or collaborating with legal professionals.
• Familiarity with governance frameworks and compliance standards.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Moderate or advanced keyboard usage.

Benefits: Our goal is to promote a work environment in which individuals have access to the resources they need to be their best both professionally and personally, which includes resources that encourage individuals to focus on their health and well-being.

Below are the benefits we offer: comprehensive medical (PPO and HDHPs), dental and vision plans including coverage for domestic partners; life and AD&D insurance; short and long term disability insurance; tax-advantaged accounts for health care expenses, including FSAs and HSAs; FSAs for dependent care; health advocacy services; behavioral health and counseling resources for all family members; 401(k); profit sharing; backup dependent care; senior care planning support; resources for individuals with development disabilities and their caregivers; and paid holidays and other paid time off, including paid leave for new parents.

Holland & Knight is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other factor prohibited by law.

Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require an accommodation during the process should contact [email protected].

Personal Information collected from applicants will be used for the purpose of processing the application throughout any recruitment or employment process, as well as inclusion in a personnel file. Categories of data collected may include name, address, phone numbers, email, Social Security Number, and signature. Holland & Knight may collect further information if you consent to a background check. This includes criminal background, employment, and certifications. Please visit Legal Information Portal for Holland & Knight LLP’s privacy policies.