Lead AI Engineer

Location: New York; USAWork type: RemoteSeniority: LeadPrimary skill: Advanced Software EngineeringPosted: 2026-10-09We are looking for a Lead Software Engineer (7+ years of experience) to join a high-caliber product team building a next-generation AI-powered financial assistant platform. In this role, you will work closely with sophisticated global institutional clients and business users to rapidly test, refine, and deploy chat interfaces, reporting systems, and bespoke tools into their core investment workflows.You will be part of a small, elite team of hands-on engineers where everyone is exceptionally competent in their respective areas. If you thrive in an autonomous, low-formality startup environment with zero legacy code and a chance to directly shape and influence a cutting-edge product, this is the place for you.Req# 1103687514ResponsibilitiesArchitect and build next-generation AI-powered financial assistance workflows and bespoke chat/reporting interfacesTake high-level problem definitions, gather low-level requirements, anticipate edge cases, produce system designs, and deliver production implementations independentlyIntegrate and optimize AI applications across quality, latency, reliability, and costEnsure high standards for software quality, reliability, security, maintainability, and data privacyLeverage AI-assisted programming methods and coding agents while critically reviewing, testing, and validating AI-generated codeHandle AI evaluation and quality engineering, including automated evaluations, test datasets, regression testing, failure analysis, and production monitoringNavigate AI security and production controls, including access control, prompt-injection risks, guardrails, and auditabilityRapidly learn and adopt new technologies as the AI ecosystem evolvesRequirementsExperience: 7+ years of overall software engineering experience, with a proven track record of senior/lead autonomyCore Tech Stack: Strong proficiency in Python and/or React (TypeScript)Note: If your primary background is not Python, a strong desire and readiness to learn and master it quickly is requiredCloud & Infrastructure: Experience with FastAPI (strongly desired), AWS, Kubernetes, and TerraformFrontend Knowledge (Big Plus): Experience with frontend development (TypeScript/JavaScript, React, Next.js, or Node)Proficiency with AI-assisted software development tools and coding agentsExperience with AI evaluation, automated testing, regression testing, failure analysis, and production monitoringStrong understanding of AI security, data privacy, guardrails, and safe handling of sensitive informationAbility to optimize applications for quality, latency, reliability, and costMindset: High autonomy, strong product judgment, and a low-formality, startup-ready attitudeWe offerMedical, Dental and Vision Insurance (Subsidized)Health Savings AccountFlexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter)Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (Company Provided)Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided)Employee Assistance ProgramUnlimited access to LinkedIn learning solutionsMatched 401(k) Retirement Savings PlanPaid Time Off – the employee will be eligible to accrue 15-25 paid days, depending on specific level and tenure with EPAM (accrual eligibility may change over time)Paid Holidays - nine (9) total per yearLegal Plan and Identity Theft ProtectionAccident InsuranceEmployee DiscountsPet InsuranceEmployee Stock Purchase ProgramIf otherwise eligible, participation in the discretionary annual bonus programIf otherwise eligible and hired into a qualifying level, participation in the discretionary Long-Term Incentive (LTI) Program