Job Description:
Job Summary
The Principal Engineer, AI Orchestration & Retrieval defines how the enterprise's central AI system is composed – the orchestration and abstraction layers that connect LLMs to tools, data, and one another, and the retrieval systems that ground them. This role sets the strategy and builds the reality for how we build and expose tools (including MCP servers), how we structure retrieval and chunking, and when to rely on specialized sub-agents versus directly exposing tools to a model.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities
Design the orchestration and abstraction layers of the central AI system that connect LLMs to tools, data, and sub-agents
Design, build, and operate MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers and set standards for how tools are defined, exposed, and versioned
Define tool-surface strategy: the optimal number of tools exposed to an LLM, the optimal number of APIs per MCP server, and how to keep tool surfaces coherent and discoverable
Establish when to use specialized sub-agents versus directly exposing tools to a model, and design the corresponding multi-agent patterns
Design retrieval (RAG) systems: chunking strategies, embedding models, vector stores, hybrid/keyword search, re-ranking, and context assembly
Define abstraction layers that decouple product teams from the underlying models, tools, and providers
Build routing, context-window management, and memory strategies for agentic workflows
Define evaluation for orchestration and retrieval quality (retrieval precision/recall, tool-selection accuracy, task success, latency, and cost)
Establish observability and tracing across multi-step agent and tool calls
Address safety, guardrails, authentication, and access control across tools and agents
Partner with product teams to onboard their capabilities as tools and agents into the central AI system
Mentor engineers and raise orchestration and retrieval maturity across teams
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Deep hands-on experience with LLM orchestration frameworks (e.g., LangGraph, LlamaIndex, Semantic Kernel, or equivalents) and agentic patterns
Direct experience building MCP servers and tool/function-calling integrations
Evidence-based opinions on the optimal number of tools to expose to an LLM and the optimal number of APIs per MCP server, and on overall tool-surface design
A clear, defensible point of view on specialized sub-agents versus direct tool exposure, and the tradeoffs of each
Deep experience with retrieval/RAG: chunking strategies, embeddings, vector databases, hybrid search, and re-ranking
Experience designing abstraction layers and platform APIs that many teams build on top of
Strong understanding of context-window management, prompt/context assembly, and cost/latency optimization
Experience with evaluation and observability for agentic and retrieval systems
Ability to set strategy and standards while remaining hands-on in code
Strong stakeholder collaboration and problem-solving skills
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline; advanced degree preferred
12 or more years of experience in software/AI engineering, with hands-on experience building LLM orchestration, agents, and retrieval systems
Disclaimer
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. Other duties may be assigned.
Pay Transparency Statement:
Base pay offered to new hires may vary based upon factors including relevant industry and job-related skills and experience, geographic location, and business needs.* The range displayed does not encompass the full potential of the role, which allows for further growth and career progression.
In addition, as a part of our total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Vertex Bonus Plan (VOB), a role-specific sales commission/bonus, and/or equity grants.
Learn more about Life at Vertex and connect with your recruiter for more details regarding Vertex's compensation and benefit programs.
*In no case will your pay fall below applicable local minimum wage requirements.
Skills Required
- 12+ years of software/AI engineering experience building LLM orchestration, agents, and retrieval systems
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline
- Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in related field
- Deep hands-on experience with LLM orchestration frameworks (e.g., LangGraph, LlamaIndex, Semantic Kernel)
- Direct experience building MCP servers and tool/function-calling integrations
- Deep experience with retrieval/RAG: chunking strategies, embeddings, vector databases, hybrid search, and re-ranking
- Experience designing abstraction layers and platform APIs for multi-team use
- Strong understanding of context-window management, prompt/context assembly, and cost/latency optimization
- Experience with evaluation, observability, and tracing for agentic and retrieval systems
- Ability to set strategy and standards while remaining hands-on in code; strong stakeholder collaboration and mentoring skills
Vertex, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Vertex, Inc. and has not been reviewed or approved by Vertex, Inc..
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Flexible time off, including unlimited vacation for some roles, paid volunteer time, bereavement leave, sabbaticals, and observed holidays is emphasized. Occasional company shutdowns further expand time-away options.
-
Parental & Family Support — Benefits span paid parental leave, adoption assistance, childcare support, fertility benefits, and structured return-to-work programs. Backup care and daycare tuition discounts reinforce family-focused support.
-
Retirement Support — A 401(k) with employer matching and immediate vesting anchors long-term savings. Profit sharing and defined contribution programs complement financial security offerings.
Vertex, Inc. Insights
What We Do
The Trusted Leader in Tax Technology. We're Vertex (VERX). A pioneer in tax automation for more than 45 years. We proudly serve over 4,000 customers worldwide with distinction and provide comprehensive tax solutions that enable global businesses to transact, comply, and grow with confidence. Our collaborative, friendly culture is the foundation of everything we do and who we are. We're proud to be an employer guided by a common purpose by building trusted relationships at work, in business and in our communities. We strive to be a values-driven employer of choice who attracts, retains, and inspires talented professionals to achieve their full potential. We employ over 1,500 full-time professionals across three continents: US, Europe, and Brazil. Our software, content, and services address the increasing complexities of global commerce and compliance by reducing friction, enhancing transparency and enabling greater confidence in meeting indirect tax obligations. As a result, our software is ubiquitous within our customers’ business systems, touching nearly every line item of every transaction that an enterprise can conduct. Our software is fueled by over 300 million data-driven effective tax rules and supports indirect tax compliance in more than 19,000 jurisdictions worldwide. We partner with the world’s most respected companies and harness their strengths to deliver the best tax technology solution to businesses across the globe. We integrate with key technology partners that span ERP, CRM, procurement, billing, POS and e-commerce platforms. We also work closely with over 50 tax, accounting and consulting firms to provide the integrated tax technology solutions.
Why Work With Us
Innovative, agile, and growth-minded professionals thrive at Vertex. Our remote-first culture offers flexibility and connection, while our focus on indirect tax technology and global expansion creates real impact. With leadership development and a strong emphasis on well-being, careers flourish here.
Gallery
