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