Applications Developer ( SQL / .NET / AI Agent Developer) - Hybrid in Phoenix, AZ - Contract to Hire role - Need only local candidates in Arizona

Applications Developer – SQL / .NET / AI Agent DeveloperLocation: Arizona – Local Candidates OnlyWork Arrangement: Hybrid/Onsite as requiredEmployment Type: ContractJob OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Applications Developer – SQL / .NET / AI Agent Developer to design, develop, optimize, and support enterprise applications and data solutions. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Azure SQL, SQL Server, C#/.NET, Azure App Services, and modern AI-driven application development.This role will focus on advanced SQL development and optimization, AI agent development, application support, and the design of scalable data and software solutions. The developer will also mentor junior developers and contribute to emerging AI-driven development initiatives.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, optimize, and maintain complex Azure SQL and SQL Server databases.Lead database development and optimization projects using advanced SQL techniques and best practices.Develop and optimize stored procedures, queries, indexes, triggers, and database objects.Analyze and troubleshoot database performance, scalability, and reliability issues.Design, build, and deploy AI agents and multi-agent systems for complex business workflows.Develop autonomous, stateful, self-correcting, and tool-using AI agents capable of reasoning, planning, and executing tasks.Implement prompt engineering and simple RAG pipelines for AI-powered applications.Maintain and support Microsoft Azure App Services and C#/.NET-based applications.Develop and maintain web applications using C#, .NET, ASP.NET, and Visual Studio.Develop and integrate applications using RESTful APIs.Apply object-oriented programming principles and UI design practices.Utilize Python scripting and modern AI development tools and frameworks.Work with Microsoft OpenAI technologies and AI-assisted development tools such as Copilot and Claude.Participate in data warehousing, ETL, data analysis, and reporting initiatives.Collaborate with development, database, business, and technical teams throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).Perform application and database testing, debugging, and troubleshooting.Create and maintain technical documentation and development artifacts.Mentor junior developers and promote coding, testing, and development best practices.Evaluate and adopt emerging programming languages, APIs, platforms, and AI development technologies.Required Technical SkillsAzure SQL / Microsoft SQL ServerAdvanced SQL query development and optimizationStored procedures, indexing, triggers, and database performance tuningC# / .NET / ASP.NETVisual StudioAzure App ServicesAzure DevOpsRESTful APIsObject-Oriented Programming (OOP)Web application development and UI designData warehousing and ETLPython scriptingAI Agent DevelopmentPrompt EngineeringSimple RAG PipelinesMicrosoft OpenAI framework/technologiesAI-assisted development using Copilot / ClaudeAI-driven development / Vibe CodingSoftware Development Life Cycle (SDLC)Agile Development MethodologyAI Agent DevelopmentThe ideal candidate will have hands-on experience developing AI agents capable of:Solving complex business workflows autonomously.Reasoning, planning, and executing multi-step tasks.Using tools and interacting with external systems.Maintaining state and context across workflows.Self-correcting based on results and feedback.Collaborating with other AI agents, applications, and human users.Utilizing prompt engineering and RAG techniques to improve agent performance.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.8+ years of experience in SQL, web development, application development, and analysis, or equivalent experience.Strong understanding of SDLC and Agile development methodologies.Exceptional design, coding, testing, debugging, and problem-solving skills.Strong analytical and communication skills.Ability to quickly learn and work with new programming languages, APIs, platforms, and emerging AI technologies.Ability to interpret and analyze test results and maintain testing frameworks, databases, libraries, and test environments.Ability to build strong working relationships with technical teams and business stakeholders.Must be an Arizona resident.PreferredRelevant professional certifications in Microsoft Azure, SQL Server, .NET, AI/ML, or related technologies.Experience mentoring junior developers.Experience working with multiple programming languages, database platforms, and development environments.Experience implementing AI-driven solutions in enterprise environments.Thanks &