AI Developer II - Maryville, TN

Note: Onsite/Non-Remote in Maryville, TN. To be considered you must live in a commutable distance to Maryville, TN. If you live outside of a commutable distance, your willingness to relocate must be listed at the top of your resume or within a cover letter.

We are seeking an AI Developer who can design and deliver enterprise-grade conversational AI (chatbots/assistants) and agentic AI (autonomous or semi-autonomous agents that plan and execute tasks). This role will build AI solutions using a mix of low-code platforms and pro-code development (e.g., Python), integrate with internal systems (APIs, databases, .NET apps), and implement Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) patterns for secure, grounded enterprise responses.

You will also help modernize automation by extending RPA workflows with AI capabilities (classification, extraction, decision support, conversational front-ends), and by building orchestrated agent workflows using tool-calling, MCP servers, and enterprise integration patterns.

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

• Hands-on development experience building AI experiences (chatbots, assistants, or agents).
• Ability to deliver using low-code tools and pro-code, including Python (preferred) and REST APIs.
• Strong understanding of:
• Conversational AI design (dialog patterns, user experience, prompts)
• Agentic AI concepts (planning, tool use, autonomy boundaries, guardrails)
• RAG fundamentals and implementation patterns
• Experience integrating with enterprise systems: APIs, SQL, data services, authentication/authorization.
• Understanding of basic software engineering disciplines: source control, testing, environments, CI/CD, reliability.
• Proficiency in Python and other applicable programming languages.
• Understanding of governance/compliance for enterprise AI (PII handling, audit trails, model risk practices).
• Good knowledge of API handling (both SOAP and RESTful) is a plus
• Strong knowledge of Error reporting techniques, exception handling procedures is a plus
• Good understanding of Dev, QA and Prod environments and the ability to promote code across the landscapes is required
• Experience in one or more of the following is a plus:
• Power Platform / Copilot Studio
• Azure AI services, OpenAI-compatible APIs, or comparable stacks
• RPA platforms (UiPath / Power Automate / Blue Prism)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build and maintain chatbots using low-code (e.g., Copilot Studio / Power Platform / other) and/or pro-code (Python-based frameworks).
• Design conversation flows: intents, entities, prompts, dialog management, fallback strategies, escalation to human support.
• Implement enterprise controls: grounding, citations, safety filters, logging, and user experience patterns.
• Understand and apply the difference between:




• Conversational AI: primarily dialogue-driven Q&A and guided flows.
• Agentic AI: goal-driven systems that plan, call tools, and complete multi-step tasks.




• Build agents that can:




• Call APIs and internal services
• Execute business workflows
• Use tools (search, data retrieval, ticketing, approvals) safely with governance controls




• Integrate knowledge sources: SharePoint, files, databases, internal wikis, ticketing systems, and line-of-business apps.
• Integrate AI capabilities into internal applications (especially .NET ecosystems).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2+ years experience delivering production ready chatbots connected to Enterprise systems, or 2 years of AI experience plus 5+ years of .Net.
• Prompt engineering.
• LLM model tuning.
• Professional communications skills, both verbal and written. Good team player.
• Manage personal workload and work under tight timeframes.
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Occasional: bending, kneeling, squatting, standing, walking, reaching, overhead reaching, and fine motor skills

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Normal office environment and office lighting
• Within the Smith & Wesson manufacturing facility employees may be exposed to manufacturing noise, airborne liquid chemicals, fine particulate dust, ambient temperatures, and industrial lighting
• All employees are required to apply ergonomic correctness to all job tasks

Updated 4/29/26