Senior Applied AI Engineer (Software Engineering)

Description

Position at loanDepot Position Summary:Responsible for serving as a senior technical leader driving the design, development, and deployment of advanced AI solutions that address complex business challenges. Provides deep expertise across domains such as computer vision, natural language processing, recommendation systems, and predictive analytics, while setting strategic direction, establishing best practices, and influencing cross-functional teams to maximize the impact of AI initiatives. The role is on a hybrid-basis, candidates must be within a commutable distance to the Irvine, CA Area or Plano, TX Area.Responsibilities:

• Designs, develops, and delivers solutions that meet business line and enterprise requirements.
• Serves as a recognized authority and internal expert in applied AI, shaping the organization’s technical direction and strategy.
• Oversees large, complex and transformative initiatives directly influencing functional and/or enterprise initiatives. Works under consultative direction to achieve objectives.
• Partners with cross-functional leaders to identify high-impact opportunities for AI integration and defines solution approaches to achieve measurable results.
• Guides the development and deployment of machine learning models into production, ensuring alignment with business and product requirements.
• Optimizes model performance, scalability, and reliability to meet enterprise-grade standards.
• Translates cutting-edge AI research and experimental methods into deployable, value-driven solutions.
• Establishes robust pipelines for data preparation, training, evaluation, deployment, and ongoing monitoring.
• Champions responsible AI practices by embedding fairness, transparency, and security into all solutions.
• Monitors emerging AI trends, frameworks, and tools to inform strategy and maintain a competitive edge.
• Performs other duties and projects assigned.

Requirements:

• Minimum five (5) + years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python; C# experience preferred.
• Two (2) + years’ experience in Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow, or other machine learning frameworks.
• Proven experience applying large language models (LLMs), generative AI, or OSS agent-based frameworks to business solutions.
• Demonstrated success delivering at least one large-scale ML/AI application or service on a cloud platform (Azure, AWS, or GCP).
• Strong understanding of ML algorithms, deep learning architectures, data structures, and applied optimization techniques.
• Familiarity with MLOps practices and tools (Docker, Kubernetes, MLflow, for scalable AI/ML deployments.
• Ability to translate research and experimental AI approaches into practical, enterprise-grade solutions.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment.
• Advanced degree (. or in AI, ML, Data Science, or a related field.
• Experience with transformers, edge AI, federated learning, or real-time inference systems.
• Track record of contributions to open-source AI projects, patents, or published research.

Why work for #teamloanDepot:

• Competitive compensation package based on experience, skillset and overall fit for #TeamloanDepot.
• Inclusive, diverse, and collaborative culture where people from all backgrounds can thrive
• Work with other passionate, purposeful, and customer-centric people
• Extensive internal growth and professional development opportunities including tuition reimbursement
• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical/Dental/Vision
• Wellness program to support both mental and physical health
• Generous paid time off for both exempt and non-exempt positions