Grant Thornton (US)

AI Data Engineer Associate

Grant Thornton (US)  •  $120k - $141k/yr  •  Edison, NJ (Hybrid)  •  2 hours ago
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Job Description

Grant Thornton is seeking AI & Data Engineering Associates with 1-2 years of experience to support client engagements. These full-time positions require travel for client and team needs.

The role blends hands-on SQL and Python development, data engineering, and AI-enabled application development. Working under experienced technical leads, associates will help build reliable data solutions and custom AI agents. Academic projects, capstone work, internships, and personal projects can demonstrate relevant skills; prior financial services experience is a plus.

Your day-to-day may include:

SQL & Python Development

  • Develop Python scripts and reusable components for data processing, automation, exception analysis, and integration.
  • Write SQL queries to extract, join, transform, and validate data for reporting and financial-system workflows.
  • Debug code, handle errors, and document solutions with guidance from senior team members.
  • Support data pipelines and source-to-target mappings across approved applications and data platforms.
  • Perform reconciliation checks, investigate data quality issues, and document exceptions for review.
  • Assist with data transformations and platform development where Snowflake or Databricks is used.

Data Engineering & Integration

AI & Agent Development

  • Help prototype custom AI agents and LLM-enabled workflows for document retrieval, grounded question answering, and task automation.
  • Contribute to Microsoft Copilot Studio solutions and integrations where approved and relevant to assigned work.
  • Test AI outputs against approved source material, document limitations, and escalate inaccurate or unsupported responses.

Testing, Documentation & Delivery

  • Write unit tests, troubleshoot defects, and participate in code reviews and version-control workflows.
  • Maintain technical documentation, data mappings, test evidence, and operating procedures.
  • Work with technical and functional colleagues to turn requirements into small, testable deliverables.

Security, Governance & Quality

  • Follow applicable access controls, security procedures, and data-handling requirements.
  • Use approved tools and data sources; protect sensitive information and escalate issues promptly.
  • Support traceability, data quality checks, and human review of AI-assisted work.
  • Other duties as assigned

You have the following technical skills and qualifications:

  • 1-2 years of relevant experience; coursework, academic projects, capstone work, internships, and personal projects are welcome.
  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a closely related technical discipline.
  • Hands-on SQL skills, including joins, aggregations, and working with relational data.
  • Hands-on Python skills, including functions, data processing, error handling, and debugging.
  • Foundational understanding of databases, data structures, and software development.
  • Ability to explain a project you built, the problem it solved, and how you tested it.
  • Can travel as needed.
  • Preferred
  • Exposure to Snowflake or Databricks through coursework, projects, internships, or professional experience.
  • Experience with Microsoft Copilot Studio, Power Automate, custom AI agents, LLM APIs, prompt design, retrieval-augmented generation, or AI evaluation.
  • Familiarity with Git, REST APIs, cloud platforms, ETL/ELT pipelines, or automated testing; interest in financial systems and responsible AI.
  • Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

The base salary range for this position is between $120,000 and $140,760. Placement within the pay range is at Grant Thornton’s discretion, and it is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job -related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, progression within the role, geographic location, and internal equity. At Grant Thornton, compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

#LI-LG1

#Hybrid

At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result – for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It’s what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.

In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.

In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.

Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.

Grant Thornton (US)

About Grant Thornton (US)

Forget what you think you know about professional services. We go beyond what’s expected and help others do the same.

Grant Thornton is the brand name for Grant Thornton LLP and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC the U.S. member firms of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading independent audit & assurance, tax and advisory firms. That means our network has more than 73,000 professionals in more than 146 countries who are ready to help public and private organizations of all sizes take on today’s challenges. But what sets us apart isn’t just what we do – it’s how we do it. Here, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result. We’re collaborators – obsessed with quality and ready for anything – who understand the value of strong relationships. It’s how we challenge the expectations of business and empower our people and clients to do it, too.

One thing we won’t do? Grant Thornton will never request money or any form of payment for services via social media. Please report any concerns at 1-800-810-3503.

Grant Thornton International Limited (GTIL) and the member firms, including Grant Thornton LLP and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC, are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions. Please see www.grantthornton.com for further details.​

Industry
Accounting & Tax
Company Size
10,000+ employees
Headquarters
Chicago, IL
Year Founded
1924
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