Senior Consultant Azure GenAI Backend Engineer (RAG & Serverless Focus) (PL861)

**Overview** Our client in the consulting space is seeking a **Senior Consultant – Azure GenAI Backend Engineer** to design and implement scalable Generative AI solutions with a strong focus on RAG architectures and Azure\-native serverless platforms. This role requires deep expertise in Azure AI services, backend system design, authentication mechanisms, and cloud\-native architecture to deliver secure, production\-grade AI systems. **Key Responsibilities** * Design and implement RAG\-based architectures using Azure OpenAI and Azure AI Search. * Develop backend APIs and services to support GenAI applications. * Architect and deploy Azure serverless solutions (Azure Functions, Logic Apps, Container Apps). * Build scalable data pipelines for indexing, embedding, and retrieval workflows. * Implement CI/CD pipelines for AI systems using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions. * Define and implement system architecture ensuring performance, scalability, and high availability. * Apply infrastructure as code using Terraform or Bicep. * Collaborate with frontend, data, and AI teams to deliver end\-to\-end GenAI solutions. * Enforce security, governance, and compliance best practices. **Required Skills \& Experience** Core GenAI \& Architecture * Hands\-on experience building RAG solutions in production. * Strong understanding of LLMs, embeddings, vector search, prompt engineering. * Experience with Azure AI Search and Azure OpenAI. * Knowledge of agentic workflows (preferred). Azure \& Cloud * Strong experience with: * Azure Functions * Azure Container Apps * Azure App Services * Azure Storage \& Key Vault * Solid understanding of Azure networking \& identity management. * Experience designing serverless architectures. Backend Development * Strong proficiency in Python, Java or node.js. * REST API development and microservices. * Strong system design capabilities. DevOps * CI/CD pipelines (Azure DevOps / GitHub Actions). * Docker \& Kubernetes (good to have). * Infrastructure as Code (Terraform / Bicep). Nice to Have * AWS exposure. * Consulting experience. * Experience deploying AI systems in regulated environments.