AI & Automation Engineer

D.A. Davidson Companies is an independent, employee-owned company with a 90-year history, dedicated to high standards of integrity, ethics, and outstanding client service. We foster a friendly, open, and supportive culture that encourages candid communication and community engagement.

About the role

We are seeking a Mid-Level AI and Automation Engineer to develop next-generation AI capabilities within our Microsoft-based environment. This role focuses on building intelligent assistants and automated workflows using tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot Studio, Power Automate, and Azure AI Foundry. The ideal candidate will combine software engineering expertise with a passion for leveraging AI to transform business processes in financial services and wealth management. You will integrate large language model solutions into enterprise systems, ensuring they are secure, compliant, and deliver real value to end-users.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop AI-powered workflows using Microsoft Copilot Studio and Power Platform (Power Automate, Power Apps) to enhance employee productivity and decision-making.
• Integrate enterprise data and systems by connecting AI copilots to data sources and APIs for context-rich automation (e.g., integrating Azure AI services or databases with Copilot agents for real-time information retrieval).
• Apply AI best practices, including prompt engineering and fine-tuning AI models or prompts to improve relevance and accuracy of Copilot responses.
• Ensure compliance and security by building solutions with robust security, privacy, and compliance controls aligned with corporate policies and industry regulations (e.g., financial data protection, responsible AI use, audit logging).
• Develop CI/CD pipelines for deploying and updating AI agents or automation workflows, ensuring smooth rollouts and version control.
• Set up monitoring and telemetry dashboards to track performance, usage, and address issues promptly.
• Collaborate in an Agile team with product managers, business analysts, and designers to refine requirements and user stories, iterating based on feedback and analytics.
• Document solution designs, workflows, and configurations, and help create user guides or demo sessions to drive adoption of AI-powered tools.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in software development, automation engineering, or similar roles.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Power Automate and related Power Platform tools for workflow automation.
• Familiarity with M365 Copilot features or similar AI bot/agent development tools (e.g., Azure AI services, cognitive services).
• Proficiency in at least one programming or scripting language (e.g., Python, C#, JavaScript) to extend and customize solutions.
• Experience building or consuming RESTful APIs and working with data integration.
• Working knowledge of Azure cloud services and AI/ML frameworks, including deploying applications or automations in a cloud environment and integrating AI APIs (e.g., Azure OpenAI, Azure Cognitive Services).
• Experience with version control (Git, Bitbucket) and CI/CD pipelines for software projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a track record of delivering solutions that meet business needs.
• Excellent communication skills to work effectively with both technical and non-technical team members.
• Commitment to maintaining client confidentiality and data security.
• Ability to proactively work with both external and internal clients in a professional manner.
• Ability to maintain regular, predictable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft 365 Copilot Studio, including building or managing AI copilots/agents in a production setting.
• Knowledge of designing conversation flows, topics, tools, and using Copilot’s advanced features (e.g., custom actions, agent-to-agent workflows).
• Familiarity with large language models beyond basic API usage, such as prompt tuning, deploying LLMs, or implementing retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines with vector databases.
• Experience with Azure AI Foundry and Azure AI capabilities like document intelligence, computer vision, and speech.
• Background in financial services or wealth management technology projects, with an understanding of industry regulatory requirements (e.g., data privacy, audit, model risk management).
• Hands-on experience implementing security, compliance, and responsible AI practices in software (e.g., Microsoft’s Responsible AI guidelines, Azure Purview for data governance).
• Demonstrated initiative in introducing new automation tools, leading AI solution pilots, or contributing to AI/automation communities.
• Microsoft certifications in Azure AI, Power Platform, or related areas.
• Experience working in highly-iterative development processes (Lean, Agile).
• Willingness to handle operational and administrative tasks, such as vendor integration and bug fixing.

Benefits

• Competitive salary plus excellent benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Company 401(k) and ESOP contribution.
• Generous sick, vacation, and maternity/parental leave.
• Paid holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Tuition reimbursement ($15,000 lifetime cap).
• Discounted personal insurance (home, auto, recreational vehicles).
• Charitable gift-matching program.
• Davidson Day of Giving: A tradition of positively impacting communities where we live and work.

Pay

The potential base pay hiring range for this role is $90,000 - $120,000 annually. Compensation will be determined based on skills, relevant work experience, and geographic location. This role is eligible for participation in applicable D.A. Davidson variable compensation programs.