Automation Engineer

The I&O Automation Engineer is a lead contributor responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting AI-enabled automation solutions grounded in a detailed understanding of Dechert’s IT Infrastructure & Operations processes and services. The role focuses on building internal tools and automations that increase productivity, reduce manual effort, and improve reliability across I&O, while ensuring solutions are secure, supportable, and aligned with firm objectives. This role supports firm strategy by leading AI-enabled automation that advances I&O service quality and efficiency, and by contributing technical insight to operational planning and innovation priorities. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Develop and maintain internal tools and systems that automate existing work and increase productivity using AI, with a primary focus on I&O use cases. Work with IT Infrastructure & Operations to design, implement, analyze, and modify automation for operational processes; perform analysis, write specifications, and develop automation solutions. Rapidly prototype AI-enabled utilities/automations and deploy them into production with appropriate operational guardrails (e.g., monitoring, documentation, support readiness). Integrate automation solutions with enterprise platforms and systems using programmatic interfaces (including REST APIs) and strong scripting/programming fundamentals. Serve as the primary technical point of contact for I&O AI automation solutions; troubleshoot and resolve automation issues and recommend preventive actions to reduce repeat incidents. Act as a high-trust owner of systems that may handle sensitive data or business-critical logic; ensure appropriate controls and secure handling practices are built into solutions. Supervise and validate AI-assisted technical choices (architecture, libraries, technologies) and debug complex systems when automation/AI cannot. Partner with teams across I&O to identify high-impact automation opportunities, understand pain points, and ensure solutions are adopted and deliver measurable value. Perform analysis to apply automation to resolve problems and proactively prevent outages, reducing operational toil across I&O teams. Communicate system issues, resolution plans, and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Provide documentation, knowledge transfer, and mentoring to drive consistent patterns and reusable automation practices across I&O. Must actively manage compute, model, licensing, integration, and operational risk costs to ensure AI automation delivers net value rather than becoming an uncontrolled source of operational expense. Additional Responsibilities Continue personal and professional development Perform other duties as assigned by management QUALIFICATIONS / KSAS Experience Desired Experience designing, implementing, and supporting automation solutions within enterprise IT environments. Experience in one or more I&O domains (e.g., Systems, Networking, Desktop Engineering, Operations) to effectively automate end-to-end operational workflows. Experience building integrations and automations using APIs (including REST). Experience owning or operating automation platforms/tools used in enterprise environments (e.g., vRO or equivalent). Experience delivering internal tools that improve productivity and process outcomes using AI (including rapid prototyping and production deployment). Technical / Professional Skills Strong background in programming concepts and strong scripting skills. Strong troubleshooting abilities; ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively. Ability to work independently and collaborate as a strong team player across multiple I&O functions. Ability to work cross-functionally to ensure tools are adopted and deliver obvious value. Knowledge, Certifications, Licenses Or Registrations Desired Relevant cloud certification(s) or equivalent experience supporting cloud integration (as applicable to enterprise automation). Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, or work experience. Substantial relevant experience in enterprise IT automation and/or I&O domains. PHYSICAL EFFORT / WORK CONDITIONS This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment; may require extended hours including evenings and weekends as needed for operational support. At the time of this posting, the salary range for this position in New York, Boston and Washington, DC is $170,000 - $200,000 annually. Actual compensation is commensurate with job related knowledge, skills, experience, and location of the position. Dechert LLP is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination. The Firm prohibits unlawful discrimination in any term or condition of employment against any employee or applicant for employment because of the individual’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, membership or service in the armed forces, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr