About this role
Job Description
We are looking for a software engineer to join our Central AI Organization (APEX CAIO) and build production-grade AI systems. The core of this role is engineering: designing, coding, and shipping reliable software that integrates large language models, retrieval pipelines, and AI agents into enterprise products.
You will work in a product-oriented engineering team, applying strong software development fundamentals to AI-driven systems.
What Will You Do?
Engineering & Delivery
Design and implement backend systems and APIs that integrate LLMs, vector databases, and retrieval components
Build, deploy, and maintain RAG pipelines and AI agents in production
Write clean, testable, maintainable code following engineering best practices
Contribute to CI/CD pipelines, testing, and observability of AI systems
Optimize AI components for performance, reliability, and correctness
Collaboration
Translate requirements into working software alongside senior engineers, product managers, and domain experts
Participate in Agile ceremonies, sprint planning, and code reviews
Communicate technical progress, risks, and trade-offs clearly within the team
Qualifications, Skills & Experience
Required
Proven software engineering experience — strong, production-level Python is essential
Experience building systems that integrate APIs, databases, and cloud services
Hands-on experience with LLMs, RAG architectures, vector databases, or generative AI applications
RESTful API development experience
Familiarity with CI/CD, testing practices, and software delivery
Nice to Have
AWS or other cloud provider experience
Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
Agile/Scrum background
Familiarity with prompt engineering or AI evaluation frameworks
Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline
What We Offer
Exciting work in a great team, global projects, international environment
Opportunity to learn and grow professionally within the company globally
Hybrid working model, flexible role pattern
Pension and health (Canadian Medical) contributions
Internal reward system plus referral program
5 weeks annual leave, 5 sick days, 15 days of certified sick leave paid above statutory requirements annually, 40 paid hours annually for volunteering activities, 12 weeks of parental contribution
Cafeteria for tax free benefits according to your choice (meal vouchers, sport, culture, health, travel, etc.), Multisport card
Vodafone, Raiffeisen Bank and Foodora discount programs
Up-to-date laptop and iPhone
Parking in the garage, showers, refreshments, massage chairs, library, music corner
Competitive salary, incentive pay, and many more
Ready to take up the challenge? Apply now!
Know anybody who might be interested? Refer this job!
#joinAI
The date shown below is the earliest possible closing date for this posting. However, we sometimes extend the job posting period as needed, so please feel free to apply anytime you see the "Apply" button available. You may also reach out to the recruiter directly via https://www.linkedin.com/in/badumtss/
Required Skills:
AI Adoption, AI Frameworks, AI Integration, AI Programming, AI Prompting, AI Security, API Development, API Management, API Platforms, API Programming, API Testing, CI/CD, Cloud Computing, Large Language Models (LLMs), Machine Learning (ML), Programming Languages, Prompt Design, Prompt Engineering, Prompt OptimizationPreferred Skills:
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science, C Sharp (Programming Language), Python (Programming Language), Software Design, Structured Query Language (SQL)Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
RegularRelocation:
No relocationVISA Sponsorship:
YesTravel Requirements:
10%Flexible Work Arrangements:
HybridShift:
Not IndicatedValid Driving License:
NoHazardous Material(s):
N/AJob Posting End Date:
05/25/2026*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
About Merck & Co.
Global pharmaceutical company known for oncology, vaccines, and infectious disease treatments. Headquartered in Rahway, NJ.