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Prompt Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Job Title Sr. AI Agent / Prompt Engineer (260000GN) Hyundai Capital America (HCA) helps people move forward. Through Hyundai Motor Finance, Genesis Finance, and Kia Finance, we deliver innovative ...

Sr. AI Agent / Prompt Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$132K - $204K/yr

Description Job Title : Sr. AI Agent / Prompt Engineer Hyundai Capital America (HCA) helps people move forward. Through Hyundai Motor Finance, Genesis Finance, and Kia Finance, we deliver innovative ...

AI Engineer

Aliso Viejo, CA · On-site

$65 - $70/hr

Hands-on experience with LLMs and prompt engineering across the full application lifecycle. * Demonstrated experience building AI agents with LangGraph. * Familiarity with at least one enterprise ...

Lead AI Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$121 - $185/hr

LLM/SLM model selectionRetrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)Prompt engineering and evaluationAgentic workflowsTool/function callingEmbeddings and vector searchHuman-in-the-loop systemsAI observability ...

Develop and integrate AI capabilities using large language models, embeddings, prompt engineering context engineering, and agentic frameworks. * Build AI assistants, automation tools, and agentic ...

AI Staff Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$106 - $183/hr

Develop and integrate AI capabilities using large language models, embeddings, prompt engineering, context engineering, and agentic frameworks. * Build AI assistants, automation tools, and agentic ...

AI Staff Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$106.20 - $182.98/hr

Develop and integrate AI capabilities using large language models, embeddings, prompt engineering context engineering, and agentic frameworks.* Build AI assistants, automation tools, and agentic ...

AI Software Engineer

Lake Forest, CA · Hybrid

$103K - $172K/yr

Must be able to use prompt engineering to carry out multiple development tasks. * Familiar with AI orchestration and agentic frameworks. * Experience in Python and AI frameworks / tools such ...

Build prompt orchestration, memory systems, and agent reasoning frameworks. * Evaluate and deploy ... Cloud & DevOps: AWS, Azure, GCP, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD

Build prompt orchestration, memory systems, and agent reasoning frameworks. * Evaluate and deploy ... Cloud & DevOps: AWS, Azure, GCP, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD

AI Software Engineer

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$103K - $172K/yr

Must be able to use prompt engineering to carry out multiple development tasks. * Familiar with AI orchestration and agentic frameworks. * Experience in Python and AI frameworks / tools such as ...

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Prompt Engineer information

See Irvine, CA salary details

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How much do prompt engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for prompt engineer in Irvine, CA is $50.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.46 and $65.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prompt engineer?

A Prompt Engineer is a professional who designs, refines, and optimizes prompts to improve interactions with AI models, such as ChatGPT. Their role involves understanding model behavior, crafting precise queries, and experimenting with phrasing to achieve desired outputs. They may work in AI research, software development, or content generation to maximize AI efficiency. Strong skills in language, logic, and sometimes coding are essential for success in this role.

What does a prompt engineer do?

A typical day for a Prompt Engineer involves designing, testing, and refining prompts to enhance the performance of AI language models, often collaborating closely with data scientists, software engineers, and product managers. You might analyze the results of model outputs, integrate user or stakeholder feedback, and iterate on prompt strategies to solve diverse business challenges. Your role will usually include documentation, troubleshooting, and keeping up with the latest advances in AI technologies. Expect a mix of independent work and regular team meetings in a dynamic, fast-evolving environment focused on innovation and improvement.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a prompt engineer?

To thrive as a Prompt Engineer, you need a strong grasp of natural language processing (NLP), machine learning concepts, and experience crafting effective prompts for large language models, usually supported by a technical degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with tools such as OpenAI's API, Hugging Face, or other AI platforms, as well as knowledge of programming languages like Python, is highly valuable. Creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills help differentiate top candidates in this field. These abilities are crucial for optimizing AI outcomes and ensuring collaboration with both technical and non-technical teams.

Are prompt engineers still in demand?

Prompt engineers are currently in demand as organizations seek professionals skilled in designing effective prompts for AI language models. The role often requires knowledge of natural language processing, machine learning, and familiarity with AI tools like GPT. Demand is expected to grow as AI integration expands across industries.

How much do prompt engineers make?

Prompt engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in AI and machine learning can command higher salaries, especially in tech hubs or companies investing heavily in AI development.

What exactly is prompt engineer work?

A prompt engineer designs and optimizes prompts used to interact with AI language models, ensuring accurate and relevant responses. This role involves understanding AI behavior, crafting clear instructions, and often requires knowledge of machine learning, programming, or data analysis.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prompt Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA?

The most popular types of Prompt Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Prompt Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA?

For Prompt Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Prompt Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Prompt Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Prompt Engineer jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Prompt Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Prompt Engineer job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,128 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Sr. AI Agent / Prompt Engineer

Hyundai Capital

Irvine, CA • On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Job Title

Sr. AI Agent / Prompt Engineer (260000GN)

Hyundai Capital America (HCA) helps people move forward. Through Hyundai Motor Finance, Genesis Finance, and Kia Finance, we deliver innovative financing, leasing, and insurance solutions to more than 3 million customers and businesses nationwide.

We’re a company driven by growth, innovation, and people. At HCA, you’ll find opportunities to build new skills, expand your career, and make a real impact—while working in a diverse, inclusive, and values‑driven environment. We’re proud to support our communities through volunteerism, philanthropy, and engaged Employee Resource Groups.

If you’re looking for a fast‑paced, collaborative workplace where your ideas matter, join us as we lead the future of financing freedom of movement. Apply today.

Work Model

#LI-OnSite (4 days a week)

Responsibilities

The Sr. AI Agent / Prompt Engineer designs, builds, and hardens production grade AI agents that use large language models to reason, invoke tools, retrieve enterprise knowledge, and recover from errors. This role goes beyond prompt writing and owns agent behavior end to end, including prompt systems, tool orchestration, guardrails, evaluation, and reliability in real business workflows. This role will operate independently, partner closely with architecture, product, governance, and UX, and actively drive AI initiatives from prototype through production.

  • Agent and Prompt Engineering
    • Design, build and deploy multi‑step prompt chains for complex reasoning, planning, tool integration, and error recovery ensuring accuracy, reliability and contextual awareness.
    • Author and maintain robust prompt libraries (system prompts, task prompts, tool prompts) with clear structure, constraints, and fallbacks.
    • Develop agent workflows using function calling, graph‑based orchestration, or similar agent frameworks.
    • Continuously iterate prompts and agent logic to improve accuracy, consistency, and grounded response.
  • Tool Use and Integration
    • Integrate agents with enterprise tools, APIs, and data sources (e.g. retrieval systems, workflow engines, internal services).
    • Define safe tool use patterns, permissions, and auditing strategies in partnership with governance and security teams.
    • Partner with data and platform engineers to ensure reliable RAG and agent execution paths.
  • Evaluation, Quality, and Reliability
    • Define and run offline and online evaluations for agent behavior (task success, tool success, error recovery).
    • Diagnose failure modes such as hallucinations, prompt injection, and tool misuse.
    • Partner with QA and Governance to harden agents prior to production release.
  • Cross‑Functional Collaboration
    • Partner with business teams and product managers to translate business use cases into agent behaviors and integrate AI agents into production systems.
    • Ensure optimized design for interaction flows, transparency, and user trust.
    • Stay current of emerging AI research trends and recommend practical improvements to the enterprise AI stack.
Qualifications
  • Minimum 8 years’ progressive experience including 3+ years in applied AI or backend engineering including strong proficiency with Python.
  • Experience with agent frameworks (LangChain/LangGraph or similar patterns).
  • Experience with AI content generation, chatbots, or automated workflows.
  • Experience with multi‑agent coordination, RLHF/RLAIF, or feedback loops preferred.
  • Knowledge of safety filters, jailbreak resistance, and red‑team tactics preferred.
  • Automotive or financial services industries preferred.
  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, engineering, or a related field.
  • Proven expertise in building AI agents and orchestrating multi-model workflows.
  • Deep understanding of prompt design patterns, context management and model behavior tuning.
  • Track record of delivering production‑grade AI solutions that balance innovation with reliability.
  • Technical background, strong analytical skills and a creative mindset to shape AI interactions and improve automated systems.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and quality.
  • Ability to work autonomously and in a team environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication, including presentation skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to successfully collaborate with cross‑functional departments.
  • Strong orientation toward results coupled with reputation for integrity, creativity and good judgment.
  • Must have the ability to challenge, when appropriate, existing practices.
Benefits
  • Hybrid work schedule offering 4 on‑site days and 1 remote day per week
  • Vehicle benefits designed around your role, including monthly allowances and purchase and lease discounts
  • Flexible health coverage with medical, dental, and vision plans, including no cost and low‑cost options
  • Annual employer HSA contribution to help offset healthcare expenses
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting so you can start building your future from day one
  • 100% company paid life and disability insurance for added peace of mind
  • Wellbeing programs at no cost to you, including gym benefits and health resources
  • Generous parental leave to support growing families
  • Paid Volunteer Time Off plus a company donation to a charity of your choice
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Our Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace—because we believe diversity builds stronger teams. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or creed, color, national origin, ancestry, caste, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, family care or medical leave status, military or veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Information provided during the application process is requested in good faith and will be used solely in accordance with applicable employment laws.

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