Research & Development Engineer

Description

Vector Solutions is a leading, AI-enabled, performance platform powering safe, compliant, and efficient operations for the public, educational, and commercial sectors. We bring training, safety, and workforce operations together to boost readiness, reduce risk, and drive high-performance results for the everyday heroes who count on us. 

Vector Solutions is seeking an R&D Engineer to start our Research & Development function. In this individual contributor role, you will work under the direction of senior engineers and leadership to build, test, and refine AI-powered features within Vector's product suite. This is an experienced individual contributor position focused on hands-on execution of assigned technical tasks, not on setting technical direction, architecture, or strategy.

What You'll Do:

• Build, test, and refine prototypes and features that apply AI and machine learning models (including large language models) to Vector's SaaS products, under the direction of senior engineers and R&D leadership. 
• Write, debug, and maintain application code that integrates AI/ML APIs and services into existing product workflows. 
• Support data preparation, labeling, and pipeline tasks needed to train, fine-tune, or evaluate AI models, following guidance from senior team members. 
• Execute experiments designed by senior engineers, document results, and summarize findings for team review. 
• Collaborate with QA to test AI-driven features for accuracy, reliability, and performance prior to release. 
• Assist in monitoring deployed AI features for performance issues, escalating problems to senior engineers as needed. 
• Contribute to internal documentation of AI workflows, model usage guidelines, and known limitations. 
• Participate in code reviews and incorporate feedback from senior engineers and technical leads. 
• Stay current on emerging AI tools and techniques relevant to assigned project work. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience 
• 5+ years of professional software development experience 
• Hands-on experience with AI/ML-related projects. 
• Strong working knowledge of at least one modern programming language commonly used in AI/ML development (e.g., Python, JavaScript, or similar), gained through several years of hands-on development experience. 
• Solid understanding of machine learning concepts and practical experience with common AI/ML frameworks or APIs (e.g., OpenAI, Hugging Face, TensorFlow, PyTorch). 
• Ability to take direction and requirements from senior engineers and R&D leadership and independently translate them into working, well-tested code. 
• Strong attention to detail and ability to test and validate technical work before hand-off. 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for documenting work and collaborating with cross-functional teams. 
• Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks within a clearly defined project scope. 
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git). 
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new tools, frameworks, and AI techniques. 

Preferred:  

• Experience working with LLM APIs (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic) or open-source ML frameworks; 
• Experience in a SaaS product development environment; prior experience integrating AI/ML capabilities into production applications. 

What You Can Expect From Us:

• Friendly, open, and casual work environment
• Comprehensive benefits package effective the first of the month after hire
• Matching 401(k) retirement plan
• Healthy work-life balance with flexible work arrangements and generous time off
• Generous referral incentive program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Pet Insurance
• OnePass Gym/Wellness Discount Program
• Calm Health-Employee Membership
• Company social events
• Employee Resource Groups
• Philanthropic opportunities

What We Value 

• Teamwork - Above all, we’re a team. We give and value feedback. We support each other, respect each other and work together to accomplish our common goals and serve our customers. Once we make decisions, we align behind them as a team. 
• Customers First - Our customers’ success is our success. They are why we are here. We work to earn the trust of our customers and always deliver on our commitments. 
• Make a Difference - It’s not a job, it’s a calling. We have passion for our mission, for our customers, for our work, and for sharing a fulfilling experience with our fellow team members. 
• Inclusiveness - Uniqueness is powerful. We support an environment of respect, belonging, and community that promotes a variety of perspectives and crucial conversations, leading to better outcomes. 
• Act Now - We act with urgency. The best time to get something important done is now. We don’t wait and let perfection be the enemy of good. 
• Curiosity - We love a good challenge. We’re scrappy, we stretch ourselves to be the best, ask questions, learn from our mistakes, and are dedicated to continually improving and growing. 
• Ownership - We own the outcome and don’t pass the buck. The score matters. We hold ourselves and each other accountable. We treat company resources like they are our own. 

Vector Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Compensation Disclaimer: The base salary range provided is a good-faith estimate at the time of posting. Actual pay may vary based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, and work location. Compensation will always comply with applicable state and local pay laws, including but not limited to those in California, Colorado, New York, and Washington.