Senior AI Search Engineer

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Why Valtech? We’re the experience innovation company – a trusted partner to the world’s most recognized brands. To our people we offer growth opportunities, a values-driven culture, international careers and the chance to shape the future of experience.

The opportunity
At Valtech, you’ll find an environment designed for continuous learning, meaningful impact, and professional growth. Whether you’re pioneering new digital solutions, challenging conventional thinking or building the next generation of customer experiences, your work will help transform industries.

We are proud of:

• The work we do and the innovation we drive
• Our values of share, care and dare
• A workplace culture that fosters creativity, diversity and autonomy
• Our borderless, global framework, which enables seamless collaboration

The role
We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Senior AI Search Engineer with a strong foundation in data science, data engineering, and cloud-based AI solutions. This role focuses on designing and implementing intelligent search and question-answering systems powered by large language models and vector-based retrieval techniques. You will lead the development of scalable data pipelines, vectorization strategies, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures using platforms like Google Vertex AI and Azure AI. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong problem-solving abilities and a passion for building impactful AI-driven user experiences.

You will thrive in this role if you are:

• A curious problem solver who challenges the status quo
• A collaborator who values teamwork and knowledge-sharing
• Excited by the intersection of technology, creativity and data
• Experienced in Agile methodologies and consulting (a plus)

Role responsibilities

• Design & Architect AI Search Solutions: Design end-to-end, scalable, and robust AI search and question-answering systems using Vertex AI Search or Azure AI Search
• Develop Data Ingestion & Processing Pipelines: Build and maintain reliable ETL/ELT pipelines to ingest, cleanse, and transform large volumes of website, structured and unstructured data (e.g., PDFs, DOCX, HTML, database records) and experience analytics data (e.g. GA4) for indexing
• Implement Vectorization and Indexing Strategies:
  • Utilize embedding models (e.g., from Vertex AI or Azure OpenAI) to generate vector representations of data
  • Configure and manage search indices in Vertex AI Search, Azure AI Search or similar platforms, implementing hybrid strategies that combine vector search with traditional full-text and semantic search
• Integrate Generative AI Models (LLMs):
  • Build and optimize Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) workflows by integrating the search/retrieval component with large language models (e.g., Google’s Gemini, models via Azure OpenAI)
  • Develop and refine prompts to ensure accurate, relevant, and safe generative outputs
• Build and Deploy MLOps Pipelines: Use Vertex AI Pipelines or Azure Machine Learning pipelines to automate the data processing, indexing, and model deployment lifecycle, ensuring reproducibility and efficiency
• Evaluate and Optimize Performance:
  • Develop metrics and frameworks to evaluate the performance of the search and generative systems, focusing on relevance, latency, accuracy, and user satisfaction
  • Continuously tune retrieval parameters, re-rank results, and experiment with different embedding models and prompts to improve performance
• Collaborate and Innovate: Work closely with product managers, engineers, analysts and business stakeholders to understand user needs, define requirements, and deliver impactful AI-driven features

Must have qualifications
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following essential qualifications:

• Professional Experience: 3-5+ years of hands-on experience in a Data Engineering, Machine Learning Engineering, or Data Scientist role with a focus on building data-intensive applications
• Cloud Platform Proficiency (Multi-Cloud):
  • Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Proven experience with Vertex AI, specifically AI Applications (formerly Generative AI App Builder). Strong familiarity with Vertex AI Pipelines, Cloud Storage, BigQuery, and Cloud Functions
  • Microsoft Azure: Proven experience with Azure AI Search (formerly Cognitive Search), including creating indexes, data sources, and skillsets. Familiarity with Azure Blob Storage, Azure Functions, and Azure OpenAI Service
• Programming & Libraries:
  • Expert-level proficiency in Python
  • Hands-on experience with relevant libraries such as LangChain, LlamaIndex, pandas, google-cloud-aiplatform, and azure-search-documents
• AI/ML Fundamentals:
  • Strong understanding of Natural Language Processing (NLP) concepts
  • Knowledge of vector embeddings, vector similarity metrics (e.g., cosine similarity, vector databases/indices
  • Practical experience designing and implementing RAG architectures
• Data Engineering Skills: Strong SQL skills and demonstrable experience building production-grade data pipelines

Nice to have qualifications

• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform or Bicep
• Familiarity with containerization technologies such as Docker and orchestration with Kubernetes (GKE/AKS)
• Experience with fine-tuning large language models
• Experience with experience analytics data and utilisation of it to optimise search results
• Experience building and exposing services via REST APIs for consumption by web applications
• Knowledge of advanced search concepts like semantic ranking, query expansion, faceting/filtering, autocomplete, controls etc.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Google Professional Data Engineer, Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer, Azure AI Engineer Associate)

If you do not meet all the listed qualifications or have gaps in your experience, we still encourage you to apply. At Valtech, we recognize that talent comes in many forms, and we value diverse perspectives and a willingness to learn.

Commitment to reaching all kinds of people
We design experiences that work for all kinds of people – and that starts with our own teams. At Valtech, we’re intentional about building an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported to grow, thrive and achieve their goals. No matter your background, you belong here. Explore our Diversity & Inclusion site to see how we’re creating a more equitable Valtech for all.

The benefits
Beyond a competitive compensation package, we offer:

• Flexibility, with remote and hybrid work options and 25 vacation days for healthy work-life balance
• Co-subsidized transportation & Multisport cards
• Premium health insurance for fast and easy access to top healthcare services
• Training policy for technical and other skills-related events, courses and certifications
• Personal career development roadmap guided by performance evaluations
• Self-care program offering psychological consultations & discussions for you and the team
• Cozy office space designed for comfort and productivity
• Exciting team events and company gatherings

Your application process
Once you apply, our Talent Acquisition team will review your application. If your skills and experience align with the role, we’ll reach out for next steps.

⚠️ Beware of recruitment fraud: Only engage with official Valtech email addresses ending in @valtech.com.

We are committed to inclusion and accessibility. If you need reasonable accommodations during the interview process, please either indicate it in your application or let your Talent Partner know.

About Valtech
Valtech is the experience innovation company that exists to unlock a better way to experience the world. By blending crafts, categories, and cultures, we help brands unlock new value in an increasingly digital world.

At the intersection of data, AI, creativity, and technology, we drive transformation for leading organizations, including L’Oréal, Mars, Audi, P&G, Volkswagen Dolby, and more.

At Valtech, we don’t just talk about transformation. We make it happen. Our people are the heart of our success, and we foster a workplace where everyone has the support to thrive, grow and innovate.

Are you ready to create what’s next? Join us.