Lead GenAI Engineer

We are on the lookout for a Lead GenAI Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will oversee the full development, deployment, and operational cycle of enterprise-grade AI-powered applications. The position merges backend engineering, LLM integration, cloud infrastructure, and AI platform operations to deliver scalable GenAI solutions in live production environments. You will collaborate closely with AI/DS, Product, and DevOps teams to build and grow AI-driven applications, upholding reliability, observability, performance optimization, and operational excellence across the complete AI SDLC. The role also involves supporting GenAI-assisted development practices, helping expand the client's enterprise AI SDLC processes, contributing to AI Beauty Chat initiatives through agentic micro-pod delivery models, and carrying out System Steward duties across AI platform initiatives.
Responsibilities
Design, construct, deploy, and maintain backend services that power AI/LLM-driven applications
Hold full accountability for GenAI feature delivery, from initial build through to production support
Connect and manage LLM APIs, including OpenAI, within enterprise production environments
Develop APIs, orchestration layers, and microservices that enable agentic AI workflows
Tune LLM systems for latency, resiliency, retries, fallbacks, and cost efficiency
Set up CI/CD pipelines, observability, monitoring, and logging for AI services
Work alongside AI/DS, Product, DevOps, and platform teams to simplify delivery and boost reliability
Operate within Azure cloud environments alongside distributed systems, including Redis, Kafka, and SQL/NoSQL databases
Facilitate MCP integrations, agentic memory initiatives, and AI orchestration frameworks
Advocate for GenAI-assisted development practices and support scaling of the client's AI SDLC processes
Assist with AI Beauty Chat delivery through agentic micro-pod execution models
Carry out System Steward duties within agentic micro-pods
Requirements
A minimum of 5 years of experience in a relevant field
At least one year of experience in a team leadership or management capacity
Main area of specialization in AI Engineering, with an emphasis on backend systems
Well-developed background in Python backend development
Track record of building and running enterprise-grade GenAI/LLM applications from start to finish
Direct experience working with OpenAI or other LLM APIs in live production settings
Competence in prompt engineering and various orchestration approaches
Experience tackling operational hurdles tied to LLMs, including latency, retry logic, fallback handling, observability, and cost control
Deep familiarity with distributed systems and scalable backend architecture
Background in CI/CD practices, DevOps tooling, and Azure-based cloud environments
Experience embedding GenAI into the software development lifecycle, spanning AI-assisted coding, testing, deployment, and release processes
Practical knowledge of SQL/NoSQL databases, along with Redis and Kafka
Strong ability to communicate effectively with varied audiences
Excellent English proficiency (B2 level or higher)
Nice to have
Exposure to agentic workflow design
Hands-on background with Databricks and MCP
We offer
International projects with top brands
Work with global teams of highly skilled, diverse peers
Healthcare benefits
Employee financial programs
Paid time off and sick leave
Upskilling, reskilling and certification courses
Unlimited access to the LinkedIn Learning library and 22,000+ courses
Global career opportunities
Volunteer and community involvement opportunities
EPAM Employee Groups
Award-winning culture recognized by Glassdoor, Newsweek and LinkedIn

Work arrangement
Yes