AI Engineer (Part-Time, Contracted)
Brocade Studio · Remote/Virtual
Brocade Studio is a growing consultancy that supports purpose-driven organizations in achieving their goals through applied AI.
We are seeking a part-time AI Engineer to join us in working with non-profit, government agency, and startup leaders to help them better understand and serve their constituents and customers by leveraging AI tools.
We’re seeking an AI Engineer with hands-on experience building agentic systems, MCPs, and chat interfaces. The ideal candidate has demonstrated real-world experience designing and deploying agentic AI solutions and is comfortable contributing to projects end-to-end, from architecture and prototyping through production deployment and iteration.
Please note that this role is provisional and will move forward only upon successful award of the project.
About Brocade
Our recent work includes:
- creation of an AI agent focused on improving outcomes for individuals seeking behavioral health services
- development of batch processed machine learning pipelines for a regional public health provider
- delivery of an AWS-native CATE-based message targeting system for an impact tech company
Members of our team are based in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Richmond, and work from home or coworking offices.
Qualifications
We are looking for someone who:
- Has professional experience as an AI engineer, particularly in the context of social impact technology.
- Has hands-on experience designing and deploying conversational AI systems using cloud-native platforms (e.g., Dialogflow ES/CX, Vertex AI, or comparable tools).
- Is comfortable working with large language models, including prompt design, iteration, and evaluation in real-world production contexts.
- Can design, build, and maintain modular, testable, and well-documented data models that are understandable to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Can design and implement retrieval-augmented workflows that integrate structured data, documentation, or knowledge bases into AI-assisted experiences.
- Balances speed of delivery with maintaining data integrity and high engineering standards.
- Understands conversational UX principles and can shape AI interactions that are clear, helpful, and aligned with user intent.
- Listens deeply and actively to understand client needs and translate them into scalable, maintainable data workflows.
- Has experience testing and refining AI outputs to ensure accuracy, safety, and consistent tone.
- Brings a pragmatic approach to integrating AI-assisted tools into existing analytics, reporting, or educational data environments.
Hours
We are open to a variety of arrangements based on your preferred hours per week and schedule. That said, the ideal candidate has a degree of flexibility in their schedule, or has flexibility outside of a set of predictable hours given to a second commitment.
Other Things to Note
You can work from anywhere with a strong, reliable internet connection. Our meetings occur within the EST workday, though all other work can be done at your preferred time of day.
In our work, we craft strategy and advance projects (alongside our clients) to change systems and increase justice. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, women, and LGBTQIA+ people.
Details
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through February 25, 2026. We’ll keep any applications we receive after February 25 on file.
- Estimated start date: March
- This is an independent contractor position.
To apply, please send a resume/CV and cover letter with the subject line “AI Engineer Application” to [email protected]. While we cautiously embrace the AI-powered future, note that an actual human will read both documents.
