Applications Engineer - AI/ML

• Define and execute the technical vision for modernizing the LRAP platform, transitioning from Excel/VBA to a scalable, cloud-native architecture.
• Identify and implement AI/ML solutions including demand forecasting, anomaly detection, intelligent recommendations, and natural-language plan adjustments.
• Serve as the AI subject matter expert by evaluating and implementing emerging technologies such as LLMs, AI copilots, prompt engineering, and agentic workflows.
• Design and develop the next-generation assortment planning platform supporting multi-season demand forecasting and style/geo-level planning.
• Architect automated, real-time data pipelines to replace manual CSV-based workflows and improve data accessibility.
• Build intuitive planning interfaces that allow users to filter, analyze, compare, and manipulate planning data across multiple dimensions including Sport, Gender, Category, Season, and Geography.
• Develop version control, plan comparison, import/export, and collaboration capabilities to support seasonal planning continuity.
• Partner directly with Sport Planners to understand business processes, gather requirements, and rapidly deliver platform enhancements.
• Lead the complete software development lifecycle including requirements gathering, architecture, development, testing, deployment, and production support.
• Maintain and support the existing LRAP platform during the modernization effort to ensure uninterrupted planning operations.
• Mentor team members on AI-first development methodologies, cloud-native engineering practices, and modern software architecture.
• Contribute to broader planning technology strategy and promote AI-powered solutions that improve planner productivity and decision-making.

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Data Science, or a related technical field preferred.
• 5+ years of software development experience with strong proficiency in Python, TypeScript/JavaScript, SQL, or cloud-native development frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience implementing AI/ML solutions in production environments with measurable business impact.
• Proven success modernizing legacy applications and transforming spreadsheet-based processes into scalable enterprise platforms.
• Experience designing and developing data-intensive applications involving large structured datasets, aggregation logic, and planning workflows.
• Strong understanding of software architecture, cloud technologies, APIs, and modern engineering practices.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with both technical teams and business stakeholders.
• Experience leading workshops, design sessions, demonstrations, and requirement gathering meetings.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and drive initiatives from concept through implementation., * Experience with demand planning, assortment planning, merchandise financial planning, or supply chain planning processes.
• Strong understanding of Excel/VBA automation and experience modernizing spreadsheet-driven business applications.
• Hands-on experience with LLMs, prompt engineering, AI agents, copilots, and enterprise AI platforms.
• Experience with cloud data platforms such as Snowflake, Databricks, BigQuery, and modern data orchestration tools.
• Background in retail, consumer products, merchandising, supply chain, or planning technology environments.

Nice to Have:

• Experience developing statistical or machine learning forecasting models for demand or sales planning.
• Familiarity with planning platforms such as Anaplan, o9 Solutions, Kinaxis, or similar enterprise planning tools.
• Experience building solutions that replace or enhance spreadsheet-based workflows.
• Background in footwear, apparel, sporting goods, or lifestyle retail industries. Experience with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.

Russell Tobin offers eligible employee's comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), supplemental coverage (accident insurance, critical illness insurance and hospital indemnity), 401(k)-retirement savings, life & disability insurance, an employee assistance program, legal support, auto, home insurance, pet insurance and employee discounts with preferred vendors.