AI Integration Developer

Sterling Engineering, Inc.

Lemont, IL

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Application Programming Interface (API), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation, Business Solutions, Communication Skills, Computer Science, Computer Security, Continuous Deployment/Delivery, Continuous Integration, Data Collection, Data Management, Data Migration, Data Recovery, Data Sets, Data Storage, Data Structures, Debian Linux, Documentation, Git, GitHub, Government, Graphical User Interface (GUI), HDF (Hierarchical Data Format), Information Systems/Technology IS/IT Administration, Information Technology & Information Systems, Information/Data Security (InfoSec), Internet Application, Internet Security, Inventory Management, Laboratory, Linux Operating System, Management of Information Systems/Technology (MIS), MariaDB, Metadata, Modeling Languages, Multitasking, MySQL, Oracle, Performance Analysis, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Privacy Controls, Python Programming/Scripting Language, RCS (Revision Control System), REST (Representational State Transfer), Red Hat Linux Operating System, Regulatory Compliance, Relational Databases (RDBMS), Requirements Management, Scalable System Development, Scientific Research, Scripting (Scripting Languages), Software Administration, Software Development, Source Code/Configuration Management (SCM), Statement of Work (SOW), Taxonomies, Team Player, Technical Research, Technical Writing, Test Automation, Web Programming, Web Services, Workflow Analysis, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Lemont, IL
POSTED
30+ days ago
Appendix “B” Argonne National Laboratory Statement of Work “AI Integration Developer” 04/20/2026 1.0 Introduction Argonne, through the NST division, is seeking an AI Integration Developer contractor experienced with the development, enhancement, and maintenance of AI-assisted workflows supporting scientific data. Some common tasks that will be performed include working with scientific domain experts to understand the location and structure of their data, designing methods to extract/develop metadata, implementing a strong dataset taxonomy to ensure consistency, orchestrating the migration of datasets for computational analysis using approved LLMs, etc. 2.0 Scope Argonne is seeking an engagement with an experienced candidate with qualifications in the listed technologies to aid the NST division and CNM User Facility in work to automate/standardize the process of collecting and storing data for AI training and collaborative ventures. 3.0 Objectives The overall goal of this assignment is to deliver a functional and impactful workflow to aid research scientists across the NST division with data management, including, but not limited to: • Identifying location of data and the methodology to determine which data is to be managed through the workflow • Filtering, sanitizing, normalizing and/or otherwise preparing the data for storage/sharing • Packaging the data with AI-enabling metadata into an HDF5 format that can be used for long-term storage • Creating a mechanism to migrate and inventory data for easy retrieval and/or sharing • Building an interface/workflow that is accessible and easy to use by the research staff • Develop documentation of solutions • Construct all components, artifacts, etc. using acceptable tools and techniques, good coding practices and accessible documentation 4.0 Tasks and Delivery Three projects have been identified that require data manipulation, sanitization, orchestration and automation. During the first 2-3 weeks, engagements with the scientific domain experts will provide details on understanding their datasets, locations and desired outcomes. Once the details have been identified by the domain scientists, work will begin through an iterative development process to create a compatible workflow, using existing or new tools to achieve the desired outcomes. All tools, software and related materials will require compliance with local cybersecurity and IT standards as well as documentation of operation. Development under revision control is required. Delivery to the domain scientists of an MVP within the first 90-days of the project is expected. The MVP need not address all of the key deliverable outcomes but must demonstrate the core of the workflow desired. Further refinement, refactoring and feature addition is expected beyond the 90-day window. Once the domain scientists have accepted the solution, the candidate will be assigned a new set of domain experts and a new workflow to create. It is expected that each contractor will have no fewer than two active development tasks. 5.0 Required Background, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge/Skill/Ability: • A strong working understanding of AI and LLMs • Ability to develop efficient prompts and structured workflows with AI integration • Familiarity with AI workflow orchestrators (e.x. Dify) • Familiarity with relational databases (e.x. MySql/MariaDB, Oracle, etc.) • Working knowledge of relevant programming/scripting languages (e.x. python) for automating tasks • Working knowledge of revision control systems (e.x. Git) • Working knowledge of CI/CD pipelines as implemented in services like gitlab/github for testing and deploying solution changes automatically • Familiarity with RESTful web services • Strong skills in Linux (Debian and RHEL) CLI administration, development and general use • Familiarity with GUI development either through web or python applications • Strong written and oral communication skills providing the ability to develop requirements for tasks through interactions with technical experts in the field Background • Associate or bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, system administration, or a closely related field, or equivalent experience required • 2 or more years of software development and/or system administration 6.0 Work Location The primary location of contract performance will be primarily accomplished at the contractor’s facility. Between 20-40% of the individual’s time will be required on-site at the Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) [building 440]. 7.0 Work Schedule Mostly off-site schedule (up to 80%) with 40 hours per week. Schedule to be negotiated with hiring manager. 8.0 Technical Direction of Work PSE’s IT Manager – Corby Schmitz will manage the workload, but the tasks will be driven by the domain experts in NST/CNM. 9.0 Task and Time reporting Time will be reported weekly, and performance will be measured against assigned tasks, schedule maintenance and productivity. 10.0 Government-Owned Property The work will be completed using Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) complete with all required cyber protections, software licenses and tools needed to complete the work under the contract. The device will be made available to the contractor at the outset of the contract, once all cyber-related training is complete. At the completion of the contract term, all provided GFE shall be returned promptly to the Lab. 11.0 Security Requirements As part of the contract, access will be granted to datasets and information systems secured with restrictive permissions. Access to such systems is explicitly for the contractor only. Accounts used for access may not be shared with others. Datasets and other information assets may not be shared, copied or transferred out of Laboratory-owned systems, including GFE noted above. No clearance is required. 12.0 Computer Protection Program The contractor(s) may have root access to government computers and/or Business Information Systems. The contractor(s) shall adhere to all policies and procedures of the ANL Computer Protection Program, must not bypass any procedures established to protect data, applications, hardware, or communications at ANL, must maintain a work environment that will satisfy audit, privacy, and protection requirements, and must report any findings of inadequacies to the technical contact and the Argonne Cyber Security Representative. 13.0 Attachments None Overview: Location: Lemont, IL Schedule: Primarily remote with occasional onsite visits (approximately 15–20%) Pay Rate: $40–45/hour Contract Length: Minimum 1-year contract Benefits: BCBS Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage available This role will focus on building and improving AI-enabled data workflows that support research scientists and technical teams. The ideal candidate will have experience integrating AI/LLM technologies into structured workflows, automating data processes, and developing scalable solutions for data organization, migration, and accessibility. The individual will work directly with scientific domain experts to understand data structures, identify workflow requirements, and create solutions that improve data management, accessibility, and AI-readiness. Key Responsibilities: Collaborate with technical and scientific stakeholders to understand datasets, workflows, and business requirements Design and implement AI-assisted workflows for scientific and research data Develop methods for metadata extraction, data normalization, sanitization, and organization Package datasets into structured formats suitable for long-term storage and AI usage Build automated mechanisms for data migration, inventory management, and retrieval Develop user-friendly interfaces and workflow tools for internal research teams Create and maintain technical documentation and workflow documentation Ensure all development follows cybersecurity, compliance, and IT standards Work within revision-controlled development environments using Git-based workflows Participate in iterative development cycles, including MVP delivery, refinement, and feature enhancements Support multiple active development projects simultaneously Required Qualifications: Strong understanding of AI technologies and Large Language Models (LLMs) Experience developing AI-integrated workflows and prompt engineering strategies Familiarity with AI orchestration platforms such as Dify or similar tools Experience with relational databases such as MySQL, MariaDB, Oracle, or similar Working knowledge of Python or similar scripting/programming languages Experience using Git and revision control systems Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment/testing environments Experience working with RESTful APIs and web services Strong Linux experience, including CLI administration and development in Debian and/or RHEL environments Familiarity with GUI development through web applications or Python-based tools Strong communication skills with the ability to gather requirements from technical stakeholders Preferred Background Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, System Administration, or a related field 2+ years of experience in software development and/or system administration Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity

About the Company

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Sterling Engineering, Inc.

Sterling Engineering has been a trusted partner for engineering, project management, and staffing solutions for over five decades. We provide exceptional engineering/technical recruitment and engineering project services to clients nationwide:

 

  • Engineering & Technical Recruitment - With our focus on engineering, technical, and IT, Sterling has the in-depth knowledge, industry expertise, and robust employee pipeline it takes to rapidly find talent for even the most difficult to fill positions. Sterling’s extensive recruitment methodology allows us to engage the most talented employees in the marketplace. We offer exciting work and career-building opportunities for our candidates, along with expert support at every step of the process.

 

  • Engineering Project Services – Our experienced, multi-disciplined team of project managers, engineers, and designers, led by licensed Professional Engineers (PE), provide project management, engineering, design, and Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) to manufacturing, OEM, and R&D customers. We work on complex, highly technical projects across a number of industry sectors, and our ability to scale and seamlessly integrate at multiple levels of your organization is what differentiates us.

 

Sterling offers a unique combination of engineering solutions and Best of Staffing level service to help our clients and talent achieve their goals.

COMPANY SIZE
500 to 999 employees
INDUSTRY
Staffing/Employment Agencies
FOUNDED
1969
WEBSITE
http://www.sterling-engineering.com