job summary: We are seeking a skilled and hands-on AI Applications Developer to join our team as an onshore contractor. In this role, you will focus on developing cutting-edge AI-based platforms, agents, and applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in full-lifecycle software engineering, proven application development and deployment experience, and deep familiarity with AI-native development workflows. location: Chicago, Illinois job type: Solutions salary: $70 - 75 per hour work hours: 8am to 5pm education: Bachelors responsibilities: Required Skills - Core Tech Stack: Proven expertise in the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js). Programming Languages: Solid technical knowledge of high-level programming languages including Python, TypeScript, JavaScript, and Java. AI-Native Development: Proven experience utilizing AI native development tools to accelerate workflows (e.g., Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, and MCPs). Systems Architecture: Solid understanding of databases, application interfaces, and various application program development alternatives. Development Tools (5+ Years Experience): Proficient with modern IDEs (VS Code, JetBrains). Version control systems (Git, GitHub). Package management (npm/yarn, pip, maven/gradle). Containerization (Docker). Job Duties - Application Development & Deployment: Apply proven, hands-on experience in building, testing, and deploying robust applications to production environments. AI Application Integration: Design, build, and deploy AI-based platforms, applications, agents, and skills. Vertex AI Integration: Lead AI model development and application design leveraging Google Vertex AI. RAG & EVALs Implementation: Architect and develop Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines and build comprehensive EVALs frameworks to measure and ensure model performance and accuracy. API & Integration Architecture: Apply advanced knowledge to design and build scalable integration platforms, APIs, and web services. Full SDLC Execution: Manage the complete software development life cycle (SDLC) from initial design and build through comprehensive testing to final production deployment. Job Requirements - Core Tech Stack: Proven expertise in the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js). Programming Languages: Solid technical knowledge of high-level programming languages including Python, TypeScript, JavaScript, and Java. AI-Native Development: Proven experience utilizing AI native development tools to accelerate workflows (e.g., Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, and MCPs). Systems Architecture: Solid understanding of databases, application interfaces, and various application program development alternatives. Development Tools (5+ Years Experience): Proficient with modern IDEs (VS Code, JetBrains). Version control systems (Git, GitHub). Package management (npm/yarn, pip, maven/gradle). Containerization (Docker). Desired Skills & Experience - Quality Engineering (QE) Background: Strong preference will be given to candidates with previous experience in QE, demonstrating a rigorous approach to testing, validation, and system reliability within the SDLC qualifications: Bachelors Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.At Randstad Digital, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact HRsupport@randstadusa.com. Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad Digital offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility). This posting is open for thirty (30) days.