Python and AI programming expert (SME)

Role: IT Python and AI programming expert Location: Washington DC, Eagan MN, St Louis MO, Wilkes-Barre PA, San Mateo CA, Raleigh or Morrisville NC, or Remote Duration: 12 months Client: IPS/USPS Note: candidates meet the residency requirements (Last 5 years in the US with no more than 6 months out of the country). List of tasks to be performed: • Practical Application of Core Python Concepts: Not just knowing Python syntax, but demonstrating a track record of building and deploying Python applications or scripts that address IT operational needs, automate processes, or handle data management. • Data Engineering and Analysis Skills: Demonstrable experience with data acquisition, cleaning, preprocessing, and transformation using Python tools and techniques for building robust analysis on large scale data sets. • Implementing and Deploying Cloud Applications: Experience deploying python applications in cloud service production environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform), potentially leveraging containerization tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes). • Understanding of Software Engineering Best Practices: Experience in applying principles like version control (Git), writing clear and testable code, participating in code reviews, and using continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. • Knowledge of Data Science Best Practices: Demonstrated understanding and implementation of data science solutions such as data pipelining, feature engineering, or creation of Machine Learning Models. • Familiarity with Cloud-based Data Science Services: Proficiency using managed AI/ML services provided by cloud platforms to streamline development, deployment, and management of data science applications. • Ethical Practices and Security Knowledge: A demonstrated awareness and application of ethical guidelines for data science solutioning, including addressing bias, ensuring data privacy, and implementing secure coding practices in Python-based solutions. • Chosen resource should exhibit through actual work experience not merely training: • Desirable: hands on experience building MCP servers and integration with Agentic AI workflows. • Communicating complex technical concepts to both technical and executive stakeholders. • Proficiency creating technical diagrams with products like Microsoft Visio or Draw.io. • Proficiency creating technical design and architecture documents in Microsoft Word. • Proficiency creating business and technical presentations in Microsoft PowerPoint. • Proficiency creating data representations, charts and reports in tools such as Microsoft s Excel worksheets and Power BI. • Ability to communicate, orally and in writing, sufficient to develop and present management briefings; provide written and/or verbal guidance on technical issues; and prepare/present recommendations and reports. • Using design patterns for building scalable and maintainable applications/solutions. • Clearly document code, models, and technical solutions. • Proficiency in Generative AI and prompt engineering. • Continuous learning and adaptability in a very large IT organization. • Troubleshooting software and technical implementations in large-scale enterprise ecosystems. • API development and integration. • Querying and managing data in both SQL and NoSQL databases. • Tasks might include (neither exhaustive nor restrictive): • Data science tasks such as data acquisition, data cleaning, and feature extraction. • Develop and demonstrate proof-of-concepts (PoC); independently or in a team. • Create technical diagrams and documentation to show PoC implementations and potential production implementation. • Researching and presenting to teammates on the latest tools/packages/capabilities being developed. • Make recommendations on relevant tools/packages to use for production environments. • Work with relevant governance committees to document and obtain approval for exploratory data science efforts. • Consulting with members of architecture teams to identify potential automation solutions which may include AI/ML. • Collaborating with cross functional teams on holistic AI/ML solutions. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job