Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineer

We are looking for experienced Machine Learning Engineers with a background in software development and a deep enthusiasm for solving complex problems. You will lead a dynamic team dedicated to designing and implementing a large language model framework to power diverse applications across Avalara. Your responsibilities will span the entire development lifecycle, including conceptualization, prototyping, and delivery of the LLM platform features. You will have a blend of technical skills in the fields of AI & Machine Learning, especially with LLMs, and a deep-seated understanding of software development practices, where you'll work with a team to ensure our systems are scalable, performant, and accurate. You will be reporting to the Senior Manager, AI/ML.

What Your Responsibilities Will Be

We are looking for engineers who can think quickly and have a background in implementation. Your responsibilities will include:

• Build on top of the foundational framework for supporting Large Language Model Applications at Avalara.
• Experience with LLMs - like GPT, Claude, LLama, and other Bedrock models.
• Leverage best practices in software development, including Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), along with appropriate functional and unit testing in place.
• Inspire creativity by researching and applying the latest technologies and methodologies in machine learning and software development.
• Write, review, and maintain high-quality code that meets industry standards.
• Lead code review sessions, ensuring good code quality and documentation.
• Mentor junior engineers, encouraging a culture of collaboration.
• Proficiency in developing and debugging software with a preference for Python, though familiarity with additional programming languages is valued and encouraged.

What You’ll Need To Be Successful

• Bachelor's/Master's degree in computer science with 5+ years of industry experience in software development, along with experience building Machine Learning models and deploying them in production environments.
• Proficiency working in cloud computing environments (AWS, Azure, GCP), Machine Learning frameworks, and software development best practices.
• Work with technological innovations in AI & ML (esp. GenAI).
• Experience with design patterns and data structures.
• Good analytical, design, and debugging skills.

Technologies You Will Work With

• Python
• LLMs
• MLFlow
• Docker
• Kubernetes
• Terraform
• AWS
• GitLab
• Postgres
• Prometheus
• Grafana

Avalara is an AI-first Company

AI is embedded in our workflows, decision-making, and products. Success here requires embracing AI as an essential capability. You’ll bring experience using AI and AI-related technologies, ready to thrive here. You’ll apply AI every day to business challenges - improving efficiency, contributing solutions, and driving results for your team, our company, and our customers. You’ll grow with AI by staying curious about new trends and best practices, and by sharing what you learn so others can benefit too.

How We’ll Take Care Of You

• Total Rewards: In addition to a great compensation package, paid time off, and paid parental leave, many Avalara employees are eligible for bonuses.
• Health & Wellness: Benefits vary by location but generally include private medical, life, and disability insurance.
• Inclusive culture and diversity: Avalara strongly supports diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is committed to integrating them into our business practices and our organizational culture. We also have a total of 8 employee-run resource groups, each with senior leadership and exec sponsorship.

What You Need To Know About Avalara

We’re defining the relationship between tax and tech. We’ve already built an industry-leading cloud compliance platform, processing over 54 billion customer API calls and over 6.6 million tax returns a year. Our growth is real - we're a billion dollar business - and we’re not slowing down until we’ve achieved our mission - to be part of every transaction in the world. We’re bright, innovative, and disruptive, like the orange we love to wear. It captures our quirky spirit and optimistic mindset. It shows off the culture we’ve designed, that empowers our people to win. We’ve been different from day one. Join us, and your career will be too.

We’re An Equal Opportunity Employer

Supporting diversity and inclusion is a cornerstone of our company — we don’t want people to fit into our culture, but to enrich it. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, gender, national orientation, disability, sexual orientation, US Veteran status, or any other factor protected by law. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Key skills/competency

• Machine Learning Engineer
• Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Software Development
• Python
• Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• CI/CD
• AI & ML
• GenAI
• Data Structures
• Debugging