Engineering Village Jobs in Central Kansas

Recruiter/Sourcer- Engineering

Contract: 6+ Months

Pay rate: W2 hourly with medical benefits

Onsite 5 days/week- Overland Park, KS

Manager Notes:

I am looking for an experienced sourcer or recruiter with a passion for sourcing and experience recruiting and/or sourcing hard-to-fill niche roles. Someone with experience working on engineering roles is a plus.

Skills sourcing outside of LinkedIn and developing sourcing strategies is highly preferred. We want someone who can get creative. We will be giving them a LI recruiter seat.

We are looking for someone with a sales and marketing mindset who can "sell" career opportunities to passive candidates via email, phone, and various social media platforms.

I am looking for someone who stays up to date on sourcing techniques and enjoys continuous learning in this space.

Key Responsibilities:

Consult and conduct recruitment strategy meetings with talent acquisition partners to understand gaps in recruiting efforts and needs

Build long term relationships with top talent for current and future career opportunities

Implement and execute strategic recruitment techniques for high volume, aged and hard to fill positions

Use innovative sourcing techniques and leverage technology to find active and passive candidates

Build strong partnerships with recruiters to develop plans for key staffing initiatives

Post and maintain quality job descriptions and advertisements for open positions, ensuring consistency across all postings

Source candidates through creative social media tools and developing robust networking avenues

Initiate contact with passive candidates for openings and maintaining candidate pipelines

Utilize internal applicant tracking system to review applications and maintain candidate progress

Recognize and assist with any situation within our business that can be assisted with HR support

Researching market conditions and industry trends as they relate to our competitors to assist in decision-making and marketing positions.

Using industry knowledge, social media sources, Technical Operations, and mission-focused knowledge to seek out potential candidates that may be currently employed at peer/competitor companies, and successfully identify candidates

Skills: Preferred Qualifications:

Comfortable monitoring key metrics and making data driven decisions in respect to adjusting recruitment or sourcing strategies

Extensive data mining of various social media to identify candidate profiles.

Utilizing professional networks to source candidates

Bachelor's Degree is preferred

Recruiting experience, preferably in engineering or technical roles but open to other experiences also

Full Life Cycle Recruiting, managing hiring manager relationships

Keywords:

Education: Minimum Qualifications:

3+ years of talent sourcing and/or full-cycle recruiting experience, preferably specializing in the recruitment of engineers within the domains of water, wastewater treatment plants, utilities, power generation, storage, transmission, and/or distribution. Candidates with a background in technical recruitment or other recruitment specializations may also be considered. Agency recruitment background is a plus.

Ability to quickly learn candidate profiles and identify and source candidates outside of job boards and LinkedIn using boolean techniques including X-ray searching in a fast-paced changing environment. Experience designing recruiting strategies a plus

Ability to identify and source candidates outside of job boards and LinkedIn using boolean techniques including X-ray searching preferred.

All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations

Applied AI Engineer

Compensation:

• Up to $150,000 base salary (direct hire w2 only, no c2c, no 1099), (flexibility on base salary for exceptional experience)

Location:

• Hybrid / Onsite - Greater Kansas City Metro Area
• 3 days per week onsite, 2 days remote
• Candidates must currently reside in the KC metro area or be willing to relocate within a reasonable timeframe
• Fully remote candidates cannot be considered

Work Authorization:

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• No current or future visa sponsorship available

Engagement Type:

• Full time, direct hire only
• No third-party agencies, consulting firms, C2C, or 1099 arrangements

About the Opportunity

Vaco Highspring is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a global enterprise organization with a strong technology footprint, including a proprietary SaaS platform and a technology?enabled services business.

The organization is making a focused investment in artificial intelligence to improve internal efficiency, modernize workflows, and embed intelligent capabilities into its software platform. This role offers meaningful ownership and visibility, with a mandate to build and deploy AI systems that have real, production level impact.

The Role

As an Applied AI Engineer, you will play a key role in integrating AI across internal systems and a customer facing SaaS platform. You will work hands on with large language models (LLMs) and modern AI tooling to automate processes, build internal tools, and deliver intelligent product features.

This is a production focused role operating at the intersection of engineering, product, and business operations, with close collaboration across teams in a hybrid/onsite environment. (3-days per week onsite in Greater Kansas City Metro Area, 2-days remote work.)

Key Responsibilities

• Design and build scalable AI powered services and tools to streamline internal workflows across multiple teams (e.g., operations, content, sales, support).
• Develop and deliver intelligent features within a proprietary SaaS platform.
• Integrate, manage, and optimize multiple LLMs and AI APIs (e.g., OpenAI style, Anthropic style, or comparable providers).
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to other engineers, including guidance on architecture, best practices, and performance.
• Build and maintain backend systems and APIs that support AI functionality across products and services.
• Design infrastructure for model serving, orchestration, monitoring, and lifecycle management.
• Implement fallback strategies, model routing, and cost performance optimization.
• Partner cross functionally with engineering, product, and business stakeholders to identify high impact AI opportunities.
• Apply best practices related to data privacy, security, compliance, and responsible AI use.
• Stay current with advancements in AI, LLMs, and MLOps, introducing new approaches where appropriate.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of engineering experience with multiple years of experience in a production environment deploying AI/ML applications or infrastructure.
• Proven experience applying LLMs or similar AI models to real business or product challenges.
• Strong backend engineering skills (Python and/or TypeScript preferred).
• Experience with AI/ML orchestration and deployment tools (e.g., LangGraph style frameworks, Airflow like systems, Kubeflow, Ray, or workflow automation tools).
• Hands on experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Front end development experience in areas like React, Node.js, Web Development, front end web product design
• Solid understanding of MLOps practices, including deployment, monitoring, logging, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of data privacy, security, and ethical AI considerations.
• Experience supporting SaaS platforms or technology driven products is a plus.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams.
• Passion for applying AI in practical, high impact ways.

Why This Role

• High visibility and ownership of AI initiatives
• Opportunity to build AI systems that directly impact business outcomes
• Emphasis on production grade systems, not experimentation alone
• Collaborative, hybrid environment with close access to stakeholders

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.

Contracts Coordinator

The Contracts Coordinator is responsible for providing administrative and operational support in the preparation, review, and maintenance of mechanical service agreements. This role ensures contract compliance, accurate documentation, and efficient processing in accordance with company policies and client requirements. This role ensures contract compliance, accurate documentation, and efficient processing in accordance with company policies and client requirements. This role ensures that contracts are accurately entered, organized, and updated while supporting internal teams and customers throughout the contract lifecycle. The Contracts Specialist helps maintain compliance, improve efficiency, and provides excellent service to both internal and external partners.

Principal Duties and Accountabilities:

• Assists with the setup, renewal, and management of preventive maintenance contracts within company systems.
• Reviews contract details to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency prior to activation.
• Updates and maintains records for contract terms, rates, inspection schedules, and billing information.
• Monitors active service agreements to verify inspections, renewals, and invoicing occur on schedule.
• Maintains well-organized and current electronic and physical contract files.
• Assists with monthly preventive maintenance contract billings and related documentation.
• Prepares and distributes reports and summaries to support contract management activities.
• Communicates with internal departments and customers to clarify contract terms, resolve issues, and ensure service accuracy.
• Supports process improvements and contributes ideas to streamline contract administration and tracking.
• Provides general administrative and coordination support to the contracts and service operations team.

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience:

• Prior experience with contract administration is preferred but not required.
• Prior experience working with a contracts administrative system preferred.
• Mechanical Service Industry experience a plus.
• Familiarity with mechanical service offerings, pricing structures, and maintenance requirements.
• Experience drafting, reviewing, and analyzing service agreements, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with customer requirements.
• Experience identifying potential contractual risks, resolving issues, and proposing necessary amendments or modifications.
• Experience with MS Access database preferred.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• In-depth understanding of contract management principles and practices, including contract administration, interpretation, and negotiation.
• Knowledge of document requirements relevant to preventive maintenance contracts.
• Meticulous attention to detail in contract review and administration to identify and rectify errors, discrepancies, or ambiguities. Ensuring accuracy and adherence to contract terms and conditions.
• Working knowledge of computer operations and experience with accounting systems and other relevant tools.
• Excellent customer service, relationship building, and professional communication skills.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and excel in a fast-paced work environment that includes frequent interruptions.
• Innovation mindset – able to identify and make recommendations regarding department efficiencies.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities to identify and resolve contract related issues, assess financial and operational implications, and propose effective solutions.
• Focus on delivering results and meeting deadlines – demonstrates sense of urgency as required.
• Proficiency in using contract management software, databases, and other relevant tools for efficient contract administration and reporting.
• Customer focused mindset with a commitment to delivering exceptional service both internally and externally.

Physical and/or travel demands:

The role of the Contracts Coordinator encompasses both physical and mental demands that contribute to the successful execution of contract administration. It requires a balance of administrative tasks, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills.

• No travel required.
• Able to work comfortably in an office environment, which may involve sitting for extended periods, utilizing computer systems, and handling paperwork.
• Work is performed in a typical office setting, which may involve sitting for extended periods at a desk. Some standing, bending, and lifting light files is required.
• Ability to operate office equipment, such as computers, printers, scanners, and telephones is essential.
• While the role is primarily sedentary, occasional mobility within the office or to other departments for collaboration purposes may be required.
• Handling physical documentation, contracts, and other paperwork may be necessary, requiring good manual dexterity.
• High level of attention to detail to review contracts thoroughly, identify potential risks, and ensure accuracy in contract administration.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple contracts concurrently is crucial to success in this role.
• The ability to manage stress and remain composed under pressure is important.
• Verbal communication skills are essential for interacting with customers, vendors, and internal teams to administer contracts, clarify terms, and resolve issues.
• Written communication skills are necessary for drafting contracts, preparing correspondence, and documenting contract-related information.

Benefits and Compensation:

• The range for this position has been established at $24 to $34 per hour and is U.S. Engineering - Service's good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of the posting. The compensation offered to the finalist selected for this role will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training. Compensation for this role includes a base salary complemented by commission opportunities based on the Account Manager’s individual sales performance and attainment of sales targets
• Your total compensation will go beyond the number on your paycheck. Team members are eligible for a year-end bonus based on company and/or individual performance as well as paid time off. An industry-leading benefits package, including health, dental, and vision plans, matching retirement contributions, and matching 529 contributions all add to your bottom line.

This position will be posted until April, 30th 2026. To apply, please visit must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without requiring future sponsorship for employment visa status.

U.S. Engineering- Service is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and shall provide equal employment opportunities to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

U.S. Engineering - Service is compliant with the Drug Free Workplace Act, and all offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and job specifications required of employees so classified. U.S. Engineering reserves the right to revise as needed. The job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Director of HR Operations & Total Rewards

The Director of HR Operations & Total Rewards serves as a strategic and operational leader responsible for optimizing the organization’s HR infrastructure and advancing a comprehensive, competitive total rewards philosophy. This role directs all aspects of HR operations, including compensation, benefits, HRIS, analytics, and policy administration, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, compliance standards, and a culture of equity, engagement, and excellence.

Principal Duties and Accountabilities:

• Develop and execute the HR operations and total rewards strategy to align with organizational goals and drive a consistent, high-quality team member experience.
• Design, implement, and govern compensation programs and pay structures that are equitable, performance-based, and market-competitive.
• Lead the administration and continuous improvement of employee benefits programs that enhance well-being, engagement, and retention while balancing cost and competitiveness.
• Oversee HR technology systems; partner with Information Technology, Finance, and Payroll to ensure integration, automation, data accuracy, and ease of use across HRIS and related platforms.
• Establish and maintain robust HR analytics, dashboards, and reporting tools that inform leadership decisions and measure organizational health and people outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations by developing and maintaining policies, procedures, and audit practices that mitigate risk and promote consistency.
• In partnership with the HR leadership team, oversee the preparation, submission and maintenance of EEO-1 and Affirmative Action plan reporting.
• Oversee leave of absence programs and other regulatory processes to ensure legal compliance, operational efficiency, and a supportive team member experience.
• Evaluate, select, and manage relationships with vendors, brokers, and consultants to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Lead process improvement initiatives that streamline HR operations, leverage technology, and advance standardization and scalability across the enterprise.
• Develop and implement communication and change management strategies that promote understanding and engagement in HR programs and initiatives.
• Participates in the development of departmental budgets and is accountable to budgetary expectations.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration (MBA), Organizational Development, or a related discipline preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in Human Resources, including at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing HR operations, compensation, benefits, or HR systems.
• Demonstrated experience designing and managing total rewards programs (compensation, benefits, recognition, and wellness).
• Proven success implementing or optimizing HR information systems and leveraging HR analytics for business insight.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws, compliance, and HR governance practices.
• Experience leading cross-functional HR projects and driving process optimization or automation initiatives.
• Professional certification(s) such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CCP (Certified Compensation Professional), or CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) preferred.
• Industry experience within construction or manufacturing industries helpful.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Extensive and comprehensive knowledge of Human Resources principles, best practices, and regulatory requirements, with particular depth in total rewards, HR operations, and compliance.
• Proven expertise in the design, implementation, and administration of total rewards programs—including compensation frameworks, incentive plans, and benefits strategies—that align with organizational goals.
• Advanced proficiency in HR Information Systems (HRIS), data analytics, and reporting, with the ability to leverage technology and insights to drive strategic and operational decisions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to frame complex issues, interpret data, and develop practical, high-impact solutions.
• Demonstrated strength in project management—planning, resourcing, and executing concurrent initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes on time and within budget.
• Effective leadership capability, fostering high-performing teams through coaching, accountability, and continuous professional development.
• Exceptional relationship-building and collaboration skills, with the ability to partner effectively across business functions and influence at all organizational levels.
• Strategic agility and adaptability; able to navigate organizational change, manage competing priorities, and sustain performance through periods of transformation.
• Strong business and financial acumen with a continuous improvement mindset and commitment to operational excellence.
• Influential change leader who drives innovation, champions inclusion and equity, and enhances the team member experience through HR operational excellence.

Physical and/or Travel demands:

• Infrequent travel between company regional offices, and to other potential project sites, will be required.
• Requires frequent sitting, keyboarding, use of monitor and telephone.

Benefits and Compensation:

• The range for this position has been established at $142,000 to $200,000 per year and is U.S. Engineering’s good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of the posting. The compensation offered to the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
• Your total compensation will go beyond the number on your paycheck. Team members are eligible for a year-end bonus based on company and/or individual performance as well as paid time off. An industry-leading benefits package including health, dental, and vision plans, matching retirement contributions, and matching 529 contributions all add to your bottom line.

This position will be posted until April 30th, 2026. To apply, please visit must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without requiring future sponsorship for employment visa status.

U.S. Engineering is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and shall provide equal employment opportunities to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

U.S. Engineering is compliant with the Drug Free Workplace Act, and all offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and job specifications required of employees so classified. U.S. Engineering Service reserves the right to revise as needed. The job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.