Artificial Intelligence; AI Systems Engineer

Position Summary

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Systems Engineer at the City of Tucson’s Information Technology (IT) Department is responsible for the design, development, implementation, administration, and maintenance of artificial intelligence solutions that support organizational goals and business operations. This position collaborates with cross‑functional teams to develop, enhance, and support AI‑driven applications and systems, ensuring they are scalable, reliable, secure, and aligned with business requirements.

Work is performed under the supervision of the AI Program Manager.

• Defines and owns the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for AI initiatives.
• Translates business needs into technical requirements and user stories.
• Designs, develops, and deploys AI models and applications using modern frameworks.
• Administers and maintains existing AI projects, ensuring operational stability, performance optimization, and timely updates.
• Develops AI Governance and is responsible for AI operations such as model monitoring, training, and retraining.
• Coordinates the integration and utilization of data pipelines, APIs, and structured and unstructured data to support enterprise applications and AI initiatives.
• Integrates AI technologies with core city systems (ERP, GIS, CRM, ITSM platforms, etc.).
• Collaborates with cross‑functional teams, engineers, designers, and stakeholders to deliver high‑impact solutions.
• Ensures AI solutions comply with established governance, privacy, security, transparency, and ethical standards.
• Monitors performance, gathers feedback, and iterates on product features.
• Stays current with emerging AI trends, tools, and technologies.
• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Mostly office environment. All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

• Bachelor's degree.
• Three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis.

• Experience with generative AI, LLMs, or NLP applications.
• Proven experience as a Product Owner or Technical Product Manager in AI or data‑driven products.
• Strong proficiency in Python and AI/ML libraries (e.g., scikit‑learn, PyTorch, Tensor Flow).
• Experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP) and MLOps pipelines.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies and product lifecycle management.
• Certifications in AI/ML or product management are a plus.

Grade G110; hourly range $35.37 – $53.05 USD.

The City of Tucson offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible positions, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage; a pension plan with optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation; paid time off (38 days in the first year with increases over time); paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; student loan repayment; and opportunities for professional development and volunteer service.

The City of Tucson employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non‑U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship. The City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer. The city does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status.

If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at Employee Leaves.