> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1645771-principal-ai-developer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1645771-principal-ai-developer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal AI Developer - **Company:** Energy Transfer, LP - **Location:** Houston, TX, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** .NET Framework, Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Architectural Patterns, Microsoft Azure, Big Data, Data Infrastructure, Elasticsearch, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Cloud Services, Standard Sql, Search Technologies, SQL Databases, Microsoft Power Automate, Spring Cloud, Retrieval-Augmented Generation, Large Language Models, Virtual Agents, Databricks - **Published:** July 3, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/17479703?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F17479703%2FPrincipal-Ai-Developer-Texas-Houston ## About the Role To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The requirements for this position are listed below: * Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, with relevant job experience commensurate with the selected job level (see below). * Professional experience building production systems with Python or .NET (proficiency in both is a strong plus). * Strong working knowledge of cloud services and architecture patterns - Azure preferred (or equivalent experience in AWS or GCP, with willingness to ramp on Azure). * Hands-on experience building RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) pipelines. * Hands-on experience building AI agents with Microsoft Copilot Studio, Semantic Kernel Agent Framework, or an equivalent agent framework (e.g., LangGraph, AutoGen, CrewAI). * Hands-on experience with at least two of the following: Azure AI Search (or equivalent vector/semantic search platform - Pinecone, Weaviate, pgvector, Elasticsearch with vector, AWS Kendra/OpenSearch) Vector databases Semantic search Agentic AI systems (multi-step reasoning, tool use, orchestration) * Comfort working with SQL and large-scale data platforms (Databricks experience is a plus, but the syntax is approachable if you know SQL). * Excellent communication and critical-thinking skills. * Background in a smaller company or startup environment with significant ownership of technical work. Required experience is commensurate with the selected job level: * The Senior Specialist level requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and 5-8 years of relevant job related experience. * The Lead Specialist level requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and 8+ years of relevant job related experience. * The Principal Specialist level requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and 10+ years of relevant job related experience. Preferred Qualifications * Proficiency in both Python and .NET. * Direct hands-on experience with Microsoft Copilot Studio and/or Semantic Kernel specifically. * Hands-on experience with Databricks specifically. * Practical ML experience (model training, evaluation, deployment). * Familiarity with Azure AI Foundry (or equivalent - AWS Bedrock, Google Vertex AI) and Azure OpenAI (or equivalent managed LLM service) in production. * Experience with MCP (Model Context Protocol) or similar agent-tooling standards. * Natural Gas Pipeline or Energy Industry work experience is a plus. Working Conditions The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. * Usually, normal office working conditions. * This is an on-site role, worked in person at the office 5 days per week during business hours. * Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time due to prolonged periods of sitting or standing. ## Description Energy Transfer is looking for a hands-on AI Developer with strong expertise in Python or .NET, cloud platforms, and modern data tooling to join our multidisciplinary Enterprise AI team. This developer will work alongside AI engineers/developers and business analysts to build, ship, and iterate on real production AI solutions. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment where they own work end-to-end: prototyping, building, deploying, and refining. Candidates who have come up through a smaller company or startup environment - wearing multiple hats and shipping real systems - will feel right at home. Technical Environment Core: Python * .NET * Azure * Databricks (data platform) AI stack: Azure OpenAI * Azure AI Foundry * Azure AI Search * Microsoft Copilot Studio * Semantic Kernel * Vector Databases * RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) * Semantic Search * Agentic AI * MCP (Model Context Protocol), * Design, develop, deploy, and maintain AI solutions using Python and/or .NET. * Build AI agents using Microsoft Copilot Studio or the Semantic Kernel Agent Framework. * Build and optimize cloud-native applications on Azure. * Work with large-scale data in Databricks. * Partner with AI engineers/developers and business analysts to turn ideas and experiments into production systems. * Apply critical thinking to evaluate model performance, troubleshoot complex issues, and improve system efficiency. * Communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. * Prototype quickly, test rigorously, and iterate often. ## Related Videos - [Agentic AI - From Theory to Practice: Developing Multi-Agent AI Systems on Azure](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1532-agentic-ai-from-theory-to-practice-developing-multi-agent-ai-systems-on-azure) - [Serverless Architectures with Spring Cloud Functions and Knative](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/814-serverless-architectures-with-spring-cloud-functions-and-knative) - [Cutting LLM Costs Without Cutting Quality: How to Beat Proprietary LLMs with Fine-Tuned Open Source](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100151-cutting-llm-costs-without-cutting-quality-how-to-beat-proprietary-llms-with-fine-tuned-open-source) - [Alibaba Big Data and Machine Learning Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/37-alibaba-big-data-and-machine-learning-technology) - [From Syntax to Singularity: AI’s Impact on Developer Roles](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/900-from-syntax-to-singularity-ai-s-impact-on-developer-roles) - [Kubernetes Native Java](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/383-kubernetes-native-java) ## Related Articles - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [MLOps And AI Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/82-mlops-and-ai-driven-development) - [What Industries Outside of AI Are Hiring The Most AI Experts?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/98-what-industries-outside-of-ai-are-hiring-the-most-ai-experts) - [Graph and AI Trends 2026: Why Is AI Running but Not Yet Delivering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/680-graph-and-ai-trends-2026-why-is-ai-running-but-not-yet-delivering) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [From Prototype to Production: Build AI Agents with This Free 4-Course Learning Path](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/655-from-prototype-to-production-build-ai-agents-with-this-free-4-course-learning-path)