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Ritul K. Soni

AI / ML Engineer | Gen AI Researcher
Country Financial

As a recent graduate with a Master's in Computer Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, I specialize in Generative AI research, focusing on Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), particularly the ReAct RAG framework integrated with Agentic AI. Currently, I am preparing my first academic publication in these areas, driven by my passion for innovation and advancing AI capabilities.
In my role as a Software Engineer, I actively develop and optimize production-level ReAct RAG systems, train Machine Learning Models, and research novel Gen AI / ML methods. My responsibilities include fine-tuning system components, optimizing large language models, integrating breakthrough research insights, and ensuring highly accurate, contextually relevant responses in real-world applications to serve thousands of users daily.
I thrive at the intersection of cutting-edge research and practical implementation, continually learning and applying my expertise to tackle challenging problems and drive meaningful advancements in AI technology.
Currently, an AI/ML Engineer @ Country Financial


This is what I am doing right now


I am a continous learner and am always researching new technologies. I am currently researching reinforcement learning for data retrieval agents. I am actively on the hunt for AI / ML roles anywhere in the United States.


I am highly supportive of startups and actively participate in open source projects as well. I am eager to collaborate with fresh ideas and individuals. If you have any topics you'd like to discuss, feel free to contact me via Mail


Here you can see what I use on daily basis


Experience

AI/ML Engineer  @  Country Financial
Jul 2024 - Present
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Deployed the first generative AI application in production at Country Financial, serving hundreds of agents
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Built an Agentic RAG system integrating multiple multimodal data sources to resolve complex agent queries in seconds instead of hours
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Trained a neural network document classification model to automatically process and index thousands of documents daily, enabling scalable AI-driven knowledge retrieval and automation across internal workflows
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Software Engineer Intern  @  Country Financial
Aug 2023 - Jul 2024
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Migrated applications to Azure Web Apps using PHP & JavaScript, enhancing the EA and Cloud Platforms team's expertise in cloud deployment, monitoring, and logging
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Refactored and migrated actuarial research code from SAS to Python documented and transition process
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Enhanced skills in cloud infrastructure with a focus on Microsoft Azure, and honed expertise in CI/CD processes utilizing GitLab and pipelines
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Generative AI Researcher  @  New York University
May 2024 - Sep 2024
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Contributed to a large-scale RAG research project (96% accuracy, 0.87 correlation) analyzing 5,800+ U.S. zoning codes to measure regulatory complexity and housing impacts
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Increased retrieval contextual accuracy by ~50pts through prompt chaining and reasoning, reduced p95 latency (~20ms)
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Applied LLM-based performance checks (RAGAS and Judge by LLM evaluators) to ensure high-quality research outputs
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Full Stack Mobile App Developer  @  Carle Illinois College of Medicine
Feb 2023 - May 2023
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Led development of I-Heart, an innovative mobile app for congenital heart conditions using Flutter, Google Firebase, and 3D graphics libraries
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Created an interactive platform to improve communication and understanding around cardiac abnormalities
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Designed a user-friendly and accessible experience for patients and families, enabling physicians to better communicate cardiac conditions and treatment options
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Project Manager CS222  @  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Jan 2023 - Jan 2024
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Guided students through challenging semester-long Machine Learning projects as a seasoned Project Manager and Mentor
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Implemented effective code reviews and scrub boarding processes, ensuring student and project success
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Provided mentorship and technical guidance to help students develop advanced ML skills and complete complex projects
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Project Manager CS124 Honors  @  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Jan 2022 - Jan 2024
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Led small teams of developers to create meaningful software and learn various tech stacks including Flask, Python, Pygame, and HTML/CSS
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Taught Git Version Control and implemented Scrum Project Management methodologies
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Managed multiple teams ensuring timely completion of project deliverables while mentoring students in software development best practices
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Course Assistant CS124  @  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Jan 2022 - Jun 2022
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Served as Course Assistant for CS124, providing support to students learning fundamental programming concepts
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Assisted with Java programming instruction and software development fundamentals
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Helped students understand core computer science concepts and debugging techniques
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