Conversational AI Engineer (IBM Watsonx Orchestrate) | IBM WatsonX Orchestrate Full Stack Developer

Job Title: Conversational AI Engineer (IBM Watsonx Orchestrate) | IBM WatsonX Orchestrate Full Stack Developer Location: Hartford, CT Work Arrangement: Hybrid / Onsite Employment Type: Contract Duration: Open-ended Long-Term Contract (Based on typical project cycles) Pay Range: $52.45/hr. to $55.38/hr. on W2 | $64.29/hr. to $72.00/hr. on C2C Domain: Healthcare Payor IT & Digital Insurance Platforms Application Deadline: June 18, 2026 SKILLS REQUIRED: Primary (Must-Have): ✔️10 to 14 years of enterprise software engineering experience with a deep focus on Conversational AI platforms and full-stack system architecture ✔️Hands-on, advanced engineering expertise within the IBM Watsonx Orchestrate and Watson Conversational AI stack ✔️Proven experience architecting complex dialog flows, context-aware intent resolutions, and natural language processing (NLP) pipelines ✔️Strong API integration capabilities, specifically designing orchestration layers that ingest data from external APIs via cloud functions or backend microservices ✔️Direct technical experience developing and deploying multi-channel conversational agents across both voice and digital chat interfaces Secondary (Good to Have): ✔️Practical knowledge of advanced machine learning algorithms, cognitive computing frameworks, and Speech-to-Text (STT) model customization/tuning ✔️Strong understanding of front-end web technologies and responsive user interface architectures to support UI/UX design collaboration ✔️Deep familiarity with enterprise security frameworks, HIPAA data compliance guidelines, and safe cloud deployment practices within the healthcare sector ✔️Solid background in lifecycle test automation, performance stress testing, and diagnostic logging for AI virtual assistants POSITION OVERVIEW We are seeking a senior-level Conversational AI Engineer / Program Manager specializing in IBM Watsonx Orchestrate to lead the technical development of our next-generation conversational interface for the YAVA project. Operating onsite/hybrid out of Hartford, CT, within Aetna's Data, Digital, Analytics, and Technology (DDAT) division, this critical role blends full-stack execution with AI strategy. You will own the end-to-end delivery of trustworthy, context-aware virtual assistants designed to connect members and healthcare providers with rapid, accurate health ecosystem data. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES ✔️Architect, implement, and optimize highly sophisticated, rich conversational paths using the IBM Watsonx ecosystem to deliver accurate answers to consumers. ✔️Engineer modular backend integrations and cloud functions to securely bind live database platforms, RESTful APIs, and core banking/insurance legacy data silos. ✔️Translate abstract customer experience goals and brand guidelines into clean, testable logic templates alongside backend developers and UI/UX designers. ✔️Tune, train, and structurally enhance NLP models, semantic parsers, and custom Speech-to-Text parameters to reduce error rates and handle vocabulary variations. ✔️Configure, deploy, and maintain live virtual agents across diverse ecosystem endpoints, validating system health across both telephonic (voice) and web-based chat loops. ✔️Conduct advanced triage sessions on production logs, diagnosing intent mismatches, tracing routing drop-offs, and programming proactive functional enhancements. ✔️Standardize technical engineering playbooks, continuous integration pipelines, and testing automation matrices to establish modern engineering practices for the AI squad. BENEFITS Medical | Dental | Vision | 401(k) EEOC Compliance We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. DISCLAIMER AI Usage Policy: Pacer Group uses AI to assist in screening applications. Final hiring decisions are made by human recruiters based on qualifications and experience.