Senior Python Developer / AI / Chicago / Hybrid

Our client, one of the largest and most respected North American e-commerce companies, is hiring a Senior Python Engineer to join a high-impact AI engineering team. This role is based in Chicago (hybrid) and focuses on building Python-first, cloud-native APIs using FastAPI, AWS, EKS, and modern distributed systems to power AI-driven chat and voice applications.

This is a rare opportunity to sit at the intersection of AI, ML, and large-scale e-commerce systems—without joining an early-stage startup. You’ll be embedded directly with an ML team, acting as the backbone that connects LLMs, internal data, and real customer interactions across chat, email, and voice.

You’ll be the 5th engineer on a tight-knit team, owning real production systems from day one.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong experience with Python (primary language)

• Experience building APIs with FastAPI or similar frameworks

• API-based cloud development experience

• AWS experience

• CI/CD pipeline experience

• Kubernetes experience, specifically EKS

• Strong understanding of REST APIs

Desired Skills & Experience

• Exposure to LangGraph or AI workflow orchestration tools

• Strong data engineering fundamentals, including:

  • ETL pipelines

  • Streaming platforms (Kinesis or similar)

  • Caching and distributed cache systems

• Full-stack exposure preferred:

  • ~90% backend (Python) / ~10% frontend (React)

  • Understanding of frontend–backend integration

  • UI development experience is a plus, not required

Tech Breakdown

• 70% Python / FastAPI APIs

• 20% AWS, EKS, CI/CD, distributed systems

• 10% Frontend integration (React)

Daily Responsibilities

• 75% Hands-On Development

• 10% Architecture & System Design

• 15% Team Collaboration & Cross-Functional Work (ML, Product)

The Offer

• Bonus eligible

You will receive the following benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Vacation Time

• 401(k) with company match

• Employee stock purchase program

• Hybrid work flexibility