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Vector Databases Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

... with vector databases and semantic search architectures - Translating complex business problems into AI solution designs - Contributing to business development and proposal writing - Cloud ...

Principal Software Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$130K - $174K/yr

Knowledge of LLM orchestration frameworks, retrieval systems, vector databases, or AI infrastructure concepts is a plus. * Demonstrated ability to rapidly ship high quality production systems using ...

Client Partner

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Vector Databases * LangChain * CrewAI * AutoGen * MCP Frameworks Success Metrics The AI Solutions Engineer will be measured on: * AI use cases successfully delivered * Business value generated from ...

Principal Software Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$130K - $174K/yr

Knowledge of LLM orchestration frameworks, retrieval systems, vector databases, or AI infrastructure concepts is a plus. * Demonstrated ability to rapidly ship high quality production systems using ...

Systems Engineer - Cloud Ops

Memphis, TN · On-site

$54.25 - $72.50/hr

Build and maintain infrastructure for Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines and vector databases * Configure GPU-enabled node pools and optimize resource allocation for AI/ML workloads

Technical Program Manager

Memphis, TN

$125K - $162K/yr

... vector databases, and LLM-based retrieval systems is highly desirable Program Leadership Lead end-to-end execution of search platform initiatives from concept through production Drive alignment ...

Preferred Qualifications Exposure to popular proprietary or open-source CMS systems such as Wordpress, Drupal, Joomla, Magento 1+ years experience with one or more vector databases (e.g., TurboPuffer ...

... vector databases and orchestration tools like LangChain - Translating complex business problems into software-engineered AI solutions - Deploying on cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, Azure ...

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Vector Databases information

What are vector databases?

Vector databases are specialized databases designed to store, manage, and search high-dimensional vector data, which is commonly generated from machine learning models, such as embeddings from natural language processing or image recognition. They enable efficient similarity search operations, such as finding the most similar items to a given query vector, which is essential for applications like recommendation systems, semantic search, and AI-powered search engines. Unlike traditional databases that handle structured or unstructured data, vector databases are optimized for fast and scalable similarity searches on large datasets of vectors.

What are some common challenges faced when working with vector databases, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working with vector databases often encounter challenges such as efficiently scaling to handle large datasets, ensuring low-latency similarity searches, and integrating the database with machine learning pipelines. To address these, teams typically implement distributed architectures, fine-tune indexing strategies, and collaborate closely with data engineers and machine learning specialists. Staying updated with the latest developments in vector database technologies and maintaining clear communication with cross-functional teams are also key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Vector Databases vs Data Engineers?

AspectVector DatabasesData Engineers
Required SkillsDatabase management, data modeling, query optimizationData pipeline development, ETL processes, programming
Work EnvironmentData storage systems, AI/ML projects, cloud platformsData infrastructure, cloud environments, big data tools
Industry UsageAI, machine learning, recommendation systemsData integration, analytics, data architecture

While Vector Databases focus on storing and querying high-dimensional vector data for AI applications, Data Engineers build and maintain data pipelines and infrastructure to support data analysis and machine learning workflows. Both roles are essential in data-driven industries but serve different functions within the data ecosystem.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Vector Database Engineer, and why are they important?

Success as a Vector Database Engineer requires a strong background in computer science, database management, and experience with machine learning or AI-driven data systems. Familiarity with vector database platforms (such as Pinecone, Milvus, or Weaviate), cloud infrastructure, and proficiency in languages like Python are typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to work cross-functionally help engineers stand out. These competencies are vital to efficiently design, deploy, and maintain scalable vector search solutions that power modern AI applications.
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Vector Databases jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Vector Databases job openings:
Senior Research Software Engineer

Senior Research Software Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16564
Overview:
We are seeking a Senior Research Software Engineer to join the Incident Modeling and Computational Sciences (IMCS) Group in the National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). IMCS develops and maintains state-of-the-art modeling and simulation tools supporting nuclear forensics, nuclear weapon effects, and radiological consequence management for DOE, DOD, and DHS sponsors. In this role, you will serve as a senior technical leader responsible for the architecture, development, and sustained operation of enterprise AI and data infrastructure, including Docker-based microservices, large language model (LLM) inference servers on GPU clusters, vector database and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines, and observability stacks that advance AI capabilities across the laboratory. The successful candidate will work independently and lead collaboratively, driving technical decisions, mentoring junior staff, and partnering with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, data engineers, and system administrators to deliver reliable, secure, and high-performance AI services to ORNL researchers.
Basic Qualifications:
  • A PhD in computer science, software engineering, or a related technical field and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, or an MS in these areas with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated experience designing, deploying, and operating complex software systems or AI/ML infrastructure in a research, national security, or comparable production environment.
  • Experience leading or making significant technical contributions to multi-component software projects, including ownership of architecture decisions and delivery of results to stakeholders.
  • Experience deploying and managing containerized applications using Docker and Docker Compose or equivalent technologies in multi-service environments.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Python and at least one additional language (e.g., JavaScript, Bash, C++).
  • Experience with Linux shell scripting and working in HPC or GPU cluster environments.
  • Experience presenting technical work to diverse audiences, including both technical peers and non-specialist stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Deep expertise deploying and operating LLM inference infrastructure, including serving frameworks such as vLLM, Ollama, or comparable tools, and model routing or proxy solutions such as LiteLLM.
  • Experience architecting or administering vector database and RAG pipelines (e.g., Milvus, ChromaDB, or similar) at scale.
  • Expertise in reverse proxy and web infrastructure, including Nginx configuration, TLS/mTLS certificate management, WebSocket proxying, and authentication subrequest patterns.
  • Experience designing and operating observability stacks using OpenTelemetry, Prometheus, Grafana, Loki, Tempo, or equivalent tooling.
  • Experience maintaining security-sensitive forks of open-source projects, including upstream merge management, CVE triage, patch backporting, and coordinated disclosure workflows.
  • Familiarity with JavaScript or TypeScript and component-based frontend frameworks such as Svelte or React.
  • Demonstrated experience mentoring junior engineers or leading multidisciplinary technical teams.
  • Experience contributing to research proposals, white papers, or program development activities with federal sponsors or comparable R&D organizations.
  • Experience working with DOE National Laboratories or other federal research institutions.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs.

Special Requirements:
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

About ORNL
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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