Senior Software Engineer - AI

As a Senior Software Engineer - AI at Phocas, your primary responsibilities will revolve around developing and enhancing our AI-driven products. You’ll focus on leveraging off-the-shelf AI and ML tools, especially large language models, to improve our offerings and streamline user interactions. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams is key as you engage in experimentation and iteration to discover new and innovative solutions for our customer base. Additionally, you’ll be tasked with analyzing vast datasets to optimize AI functionalities and ensure our products meet the evolving needs of users.

To qualify for the Senior Software Engineer - AI position at Phocas, candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of experience in software engineering, particularly in building and managing complex software products. Proficiency in C# is crucial, alongside familiarity with AI and machine learning tools. Experience with AWS cloud infrastructure is essential, while knowledge of TypeScript and SQL will give you an edge. Finally, a problem-solving mindset and a collaborative spirit are highly valued, as you'll work within a diverse team dedicated to innovation.

At Phocas, we believe that personal and professional development are vital to success. As a Senior Software Engineer - AI, you’ll have dedicated time every fortnight specifically for learning and growth. We encourage exploration of new technologies and methodologies that could benefit our products. By fostering an environment where continuous improvement is prioritized, we ensure our team remains at the forefront of the industry, allowing you to advance your career while contributing significantly to our mission.

The work culture at Phocas for the Senior Software Engineer - AI role is characterized by collaboration, creativity, and a strong focus on customer-centric solutions. We promote an inclusive environment where diverse voices are not only heard but encouraged. Your contributions will directly impact the way we innovate and solve challenges. Flexibility is key, allowing for a hybrid working option that empowers you to maintain work-life balance while being part of a dynamic team striving to redefine data engagement for our clients.

As a Senior Software Engineer - AI at Phocas, you’ll have the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects involving AI and ML technologies. Recent initiatives include developing systems for natural language queries within our analytics platform and creating feedback tools for user-generated SQL. You may also explore capabilities like automatic transaction categorization and budget forecasting. Each project encourages you to apply your creativity and technical expertise to push boundaries and deliver real impact, ensuring our products continually evolve to meet customer needs.

When designing AI features for software products, I start by understanding the user need and defining clear objectives for the AI’s role. I focus on leveraging existing AI/ML tools to create solutions that enhance usability and effectiveness. Integrating user feedback loops is crucial, as it informs ongoing improvements and aligns the AI’s functionality with user expectations.

My experience with large language models (LLMs) involves developing applications that utilize these models to process and interpret user input effectively. I've worked on projects where LLMs are used for natural language understanding, enabling users to interact with analytical tools conversationally. This requires careful prompt design and tuning of the model to ensure accurate and relevant responses.

To ensure successful AI model deployment, I follow a structured approach that includes thorough testing, benchmarking against KPIs, and stakeholder collaboration. I emphasize the importance of monitoring the AI’s performance in real-time and gathering user feedback. This allows for iterative improvements and ensures the model continues to meet evolving user needs effectively.

Handling ambiguity in innovative projects means embracing uncertainty and being adaptable. I focus on creating a framework that allows for exploration and experimentation. Engaging in brainstorming sessions with the team can spark ideas and refine approaches to challenge assumptions while allowing flexibility in our methods to find the most impactful solution.

In my previous role, I noticed user engagement levels were dropping for a specific feature. By conducting data analysis to identify usage patterns and pain points, I was able to determine areas needing improvement. Implementing data-driven changes based on this analysis led to a significant uptick in user satisfaction and engagement, illustrating the importance of data in guiding product decisions.

To stay up-to-date with advancements in AI technology, I regularly engage with online courses, webinars, and industry publications. I also participate in tech meetups and forums as they offer great opportunities to exchange ideas with professionals in the field. Networking and collaborating with peers helps me gain insights into emerging technologies that can be integrated into our products.

Documentation is an integral part of my development process. It facilitates knowledge sharing, helps maintain clarity among team members, and ensures that all stakeholders can understand project progress and technical decisions. I believe well-structured documentation also aids in onboarding new team members who need to quickly understand existing systems and features.

When managing multiple projects, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I often use project management tools to help organize the workflow while scheduling regular check-ins to assess progress and address any blockers. This approach allows me to maintain focus and deliver on the highest priority tasks without compromising on quality.

My approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams involves establishing clear communication channels and articulating our common goals. I ensure everyone understands their roles and contributions while fostering an inclusive environment for sharing diverse ideas. Regular collaborative meetings are essential to synchronize efforts and ensure alignment on objectives.

If hired, I would contribute to Phocas’s commitment to customer-centric solutions by actively seeking user feedback and incorporating it into the product development cycle. My focus would be on understanding customer pain points through direct engagement and data analysis, ensuring that the products we develop are tailored to effectively address their needs.