Machine Learning Operations Engineer – Conversational AI & NLP Solutions

About arenaflex

Welcome to arenaflex, where innovation meets healthcare excellence. Since our founding in 1901, we have grown from a single corner store in Chicago to become one of the most trusted names in American healthcare and retail pharmacy. Today, arenaflex operates nearly 9,000 brick-and-mortar stores across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, serving approximately 10 million customers daily. Our mission is simple yet profound: to create happier lives through better health.

At arenaflex, we believe that technology is the cornerstone of modern healthcare delivery. Our commitment to innovation extends beyond traditional pharmacy services—we're leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning to transform how we interact with our customers and provide personalized healthcare solutions. As part of the Walgreens Boots Alliance family (Nasdaq: WBA), we have access to unprecedented resources and a legacy spanning over a century of serving communities across the nation.

We are currently seeking a talented and passionate Machine Learning Operations Engineer to join our dynamic Conversational AI team. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of healthcare technology and artificial intelligence, contributing to solutions that impact millions of lives every day.

Position Overview

As a Machine Learning Operations Engineer specializing in Conversational AI at arenaflex, you will play a critical role in developing and deploying state-of-the-art natural language processing (NLP) and voice AI solutions. You will be responsible for ensuring the performance, scalability, and reliability of our AI models across multiple platforms, including cloud infrastructure and embedded systems.

This position offers the unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge conversational AI technologies that power our voice and text-based customer interaction systems. You will collaborate with talented data scientists, software engineers, and product teams to bring innovative AI solutions from concept to production, ensuring seamless integration with our business operations.

Key Responsibilities

• ML Model Development & Optimization: Design, develop, and implement machine learning models using the latest advancements in AI and deep learning technologies. Optimize models for deployment on cloud infrastructure and embedded hardware to ensure maximum performance and efficiency.
• NLP & Voice Processing: Work extensively with natural language processing (NLP), speech recognition, voice-to-text processing, speaker identification, speech emotion analysis, and language translation technologies to enhance our conversational AI capabilities.
• MLOps & Infrastructure: Foster production-level software development for AI infrastructure, including data pipelines, testing frameworks, model deployment, and MLOps practices. Implement automated deployment of trained AI models on cloud platforms.
• Performance Monitoring & Maintenance: Monitor model performance, conduct maintenance activities, and troubleshoot issues to ensure consistent and reliable AI system operation. Implement A/B testing methodologies to evaluate candidate models.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with software developers and data scientists to integrate machine learning models into production systems on cloud platforms and embedded systems.
• Innovation & Research: Conduct proof-of-concept designs and experiments for the latest AI and NLP voice processing technologies. Stay current with emerging developments in AI and related fields to propose innovative solutions.
• Center of Excellence: Support all projects within the Center of Excellence and contribute to addressing high-impact business challenges. Execute effective training procedures and integrate models into production systems.
• Technology Democratization: Drive the coordination and democratization of new technologies that bring agility and efficiency to data analysis techniques across the organization.

Essential Qualifications

• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, with at least two years of experience in speech recognition or conversational AI. Alternatively, a high school diploma/GED with at least five years of direct experience in speech recognition will be considered.
• Industry Experience: Minimum 2+ years of industry experience specifically in artificial intelligence and natural language processing (NLP).
• Technical Proficiency: Strong expertise in programming languages including SQL and Python, with demonstrated proficiency in deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow. Excellent software development skills are essential.
• Cloud Deployment: Experience with automated deployment of trained AI models on cloud platforms (such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform).
• Domain Expertise: Hands-on experience in speech processing, NLP, voice-to-text processing, speaker identification, speech emotion processing, and translation technologies.
• Leadership Skills: At least 1 year of direct leadership, indirect management, and/or cross-functional team leadership experience.
• Travel Availability: Willingness and ability to travel up to 10% of the time for business purposes (both within state and out of state).

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Education: Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Linguistics, Cognitive Science, or a related field.
• Healthcare Experience: Prior experience working in the healthcare or retail industry, particularly with healthcare-specific AI applications.
• Specialized Tools: Experience with Nuance speech recognition software, speech synthesis software, and voice biometrics software.
• Cloud Platforms: Extensive working knowledge of cloud platforms, particularly Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), with MLOps-related experience for production deployment.
• Language Skills: Familiarity or near-fluency in Spanish is highly desirable, given our diverse customer base.
• Team Management: Previous experience in team management or leading technical teams.

Skills & Competencies

To thrive in this role at arenaflex, you should possess the following key skills and competencies:

• Technical Innovation: A passion for staying at the forefront of AI/ML technologies and a drive to continuously improve existing solutions.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical abilities to identify issues and develop creative, effective solutions.
• Collaboration: Excellent teamwork and communication skills to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with evolving priorities.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to model development, testing, and deployment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Business Acumen: Understanding of how AI solutions translate into business value and customer benefits.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At arenaflex, we are committed to the professional development and career growth of our employees. As a Machine Learning Operations Engineer, you will have access to:

• Cutting-Edge Technology: Work with the latest AI/ML tools, frameworks, and cloud platforms, keeping your skills at the industry leading edge.
• Mentorship Programs: Learn from experienced data scientists, ML engineers, and industry experts who will guide your professional journey.
• Training & Development: Access to comprehensive training programs, workshops, and certifications in AI, cloud computing, and specialized domain areas.
• Career Advancement: Clear pathways for progression into senior technical roles, team leadership positions, or specialized AI research opportunities.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to work across different business units, including retail pharmacy, healthcare services, and digital innovation.

Work Environment & Culture

arenaflex offers a collaborative and inclusive work environment that values innovation, diversity, and excellence. Our culture is built on the foundation of putting customers first and making a positive impact in the communities we serve. As part of our team, you will enjoy:

• Inclusive Culture: A workplace that celebrates diversity and fosters belonging for all employees.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work arrangements and comprehensive leave policies to support your well-being.
• Innovation Hub: Access to state-of-the-art labs and technology resources to experiment and innovate.
• Team Spirit: Regular team-building activities, hackathons, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Community Impact: Opportunities to participate in corporate social responsibility initiatives and community health programs.

Compensation & Benefits

arenaflex is proud to offer a competitive compensation package that reflects your skills, experience, and contributions. The expected salary range for this position is $35-$40 per hour, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location. In addition to base compensation, eligible employees may participate in our annual performance bonus program.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, including coverage for pre-existing conditions.
• Retirement Plans: 401(k) retirement savings plan with generous company matching.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday entitlements.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and support for professional certifications.
• Employee Discounts: Discounts on arenaflex products and services.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support for personal and professional challenges.

*The actual compensation a successful candidate can expect to receive, in addition to any bonus under applicable bonus plans, will depend on experience, position, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. To learn more about our benefits, please visit our careers website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

arenaflex is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. We encourage applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and communities.

How to Apply

If you're ready to join a team that's transforming healthcare through innovative AI solutions, we want to hear from you! To apply for this position:

1. Review the official job posting on our careers website carefully.


2. Fill out the online application form with your current information.


3. Attach the required documents, including your qualifications certificate with mark sheets, a recent passport-sized photograph, and your signature.


4. Submit your application.

We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Join the arenaflex Family

Are you passionate about leveraging artificial intelligence to make a real difference in healthcare? Do you want to work with cutting-edge technology while contributing to a company with over a century of trusted service to communities?

At arenaflex, you'll be more than just an employee—you'll be part of a mission-driven organization that's transforming how healthcare is delivered across America. Your work will directly impact millions of customers, helping them access the care and services they need more conveniently and effectively than ever before.

We invite you to apply today and take the first step toward an exciting career at arenaflex. Together, we can build a healthier, happier future for all.

Apply now and become part of the arenaflex innovation team!