Engineering Manager, AI Applications
WFA Digital Insight
As the fintech industry undergoes a significant shift towards AI-powered solutions, the demand for skilled engineering managers with expertise in AI applications has grown exponentially. With the rise of AI in finance, companies like Plaid are at the forefront, empowering the transformation. According to recent trends, the demand for AI specialists in fintech has increased by over 25% in the past year. In this context, Plaid's unique position in the fintech ecosystem makes it an exciting place to work, with a vast network of 12,000 financial institutions across the US, Canada, UK, and Europe. As a candidate, you should be aware of the cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions being developed in the industry and be prepared to drive the AI-first transformation in a fast-paced environment.
Job Description
About the Role
The Engineering Manager, AI Applications, will play a pivotal role in driving Plaid's transformation into an AI-first company. As the leader of a newly formed team, you will be responsible for developing and executing the long-term strategy for AI applications, in close partnership with technical and product leaders across the organization. With a strong focus on innovation and customer experience, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the company's future.The AI Applications Team is dedicated to rapidly scaling successful bets and growing with the team to accelerate Plaid's transformation. As the team lead, you will be responsible for coaching, feedback, and goal setting for a team of 4 engineers, ranging from junior to staff. You will have a front-row seat to the latest industry developments and the opportunity to become an influential voice in defining the future of AI in fintech.
What You Will Do
- Lead the development of AI-powered customer experiences, including conversational AI interfaces and natural language processing
- Define and drive the long-term strategy for AI applications, in close partnership with technical and product leaders
- Develop and evolve the preferred integration pattern for Plaid with AI providers, including API adaptations and building official Plaid MCP Servers
- Architect the trust layer for the future, including identity verification and financial fraud prevention
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive business growth and customer adoption
- Lead projects that enable and scale business with largest AI customers and partners, starting with personal finance use cases and expanding into many others
- Develop and manage the technical roadmap for AI applications, including resource allocation and prioritization
- Foster a culture of innovation and experimentation, encouraging the team to explore new technologies and solutions
- Work closely with product leaders to define and prioritize product requirements
What We Are Looking For
- 5+ years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on AI and machine learning
- 2+ years of experience in leadership roles, with a proven track record of coaching and developing high-performing teams
- Strong technical skills in AI, machine learning, and software development, including proficiency in languages such as Python, Java, or C++
- Experience with cloud-based technologies, including AWS or Google Cloud
- Strong understanding of fintech industry trends and developments, including regulatory requirements and industry standards
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions
- Experience with agile development methodologies, including Scrum or Kanban
Nice to Have
- Experience with natural language processing and conversational AI interfaces
- Knowledge of fintech industry standards, including PCI-DSS and GDPR
- Experience with containerization and orchestration, including Docker and Kubernetes
- Strong understanding of data security and compliance, including data encryption and access controls
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and equity package
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
- Flexible remote work arrangements, including stipend for home office setup
- Access to cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions
- Opportunities for professional growth and development, including training and education programs
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment, with a team of experienced professionals
How to Stand Out
- Develop a strong understanding of AI and machine learning fundamentals, including supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning, and natural language processing.
- Build a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your expertise in AI applications, including conversational AI interfaces and financial data analysis.
- Prepare to discuss your experience with cloud-based technologies, including AWS or Google Cloud, and your understanding of fintech industry trends and developments.
- Highlight your leadership skills, including coaching and developing high-performing teams, and your ability to drive business growth and customer adoption.
- Be prepared to negotiate your salary and equity package, and don't be afraid to ask about benefits and perks, including remote work arrangements and professional development opportunities.
- Research the company culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how you align with Plaid's mission and vision.
- Don't underestimate the importance of data security and compliance in the fintech industry, and be prepared to discuss your experience with data encryption and access controls.
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