AI SOLUTIONS DEVELOPER (RALEIGH NC)

FuntoNetwork IT Consulting
Empowering Businesses with Innovative IT Solutions
Position: AI Solutions Developer
Department: Innovation & Advanced Technology
Location: Raleigh North Carolina (Hybrid: 3 days in office 2 days remote)
Type: Full-Time Exempt
Reports To: Chief Technology Officer
Office Location: Raleigh-Durham Research Triangle Area

About FuntoNetwork

At FuntoNetwork we believe that artificial intelligence represents the next frontier of business innovation and were strategically planting our AI practice in the heart of North Carolinas technology corridor. Based in Charlotte with our new AI division in Raleigh were positioned to leverage the Research Triangles world-class talent pool academic partnerships and vibrant tech ecosystem. We develop custom AI solutions intelligent automation and machine learning applications that transform how businesses in the Southeast and beyond operate compete and grow.

Position Overview: Join Our Raleigh AI Innovation Hub

We are establishing our AI Development Center in Raleigh and seeking a foundational AI Solutions Developer to lead this initiative. This is more than a jobits an opportunity to build something significant in one of Americas premier tech regions. You will be our first Raleigh-based AI specialist responsible for designing developing and deploying cutting-edge AI/ML solutions while helping us establish partnerships with local universities (NC State Duke UNC) research institutions and tech companies. Youll work on diverse AI challenges across industries while being embedded in the Research Triangles innovative community.

Why Raleigh for AI Development

• Academic Powerhouse: Direct access to NC States AI/ML programs Dukes AI research and UNCs data science initiatives
• Industry Ecosystem: Located in the #1 best place for tech jobs in the Southeast surrounded by IBM Red Hat SAS Institute Cisco and growing AI startups
• Cost Advantage: Compared to Silicon Valley or NYC Raleigh offers exceptional talent at competitive rates with lower operational costs
• Quality of Life: Consistently ranked among best places to live work and innovate with exceptional schools parks and cultural amenities

Key Responsibilities

• AI Solution Development: Design build and deploy custom AI/ML models and applications for clients across healthcare finance manufacturing and biotech sectors prevalent in the Research Triangle region.
• Research Triangle Integration: Establish and maintain relationships with local academic institutions for talent pipeline research collaboration and staying current with emerging AI technologies developed in the region.
• End-to-End ML Pipeline: Develop complete machine learning pipelines using Microsoft Azure AI Services and AWS SageMaker with particular focus on solutions relevant to regional industries (healthcare analytics supply chain optimization predictive maintenance).
• Client Engagement: Work with Southeastern US clients to identify AI opportunities develop solution architectures and deliver measurable business value through intelligent automation and predictive analytics.
• Local Tech Community Leadership: Represent FuntoNetwork at Raleigh-Durham tech meetups AI conferences and university career events. Build our brand as an AI innovator in the local ecosystem.
• Solution Integration: Create AI solutions that integrate with clients existing Microsoft ecosystems (common in corporate environments throughout NC/SC/VA/TN).
• AI Ethics & Governance: Implement responsible AI frameworks suitable for regulated industries common in the region (healthcare finance pharmaceuticals).

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 3-5 years of professional AI/ML development experience preferably with exposure to Research Triangle companies or academic collaborations.
• Technical Mastery (Raleigh-Ready):
  • Core: Advanced Python scikit-learn TensorFlow/PyTorch
  • Cloud Platforms: Microsoft Azure AI/ML (strongly preferred) or AWS SageMaker
  • Specialization: Experience in one or more areas relevant to Triangle industries: Healthcare/NLP Predictive Analytics Computer Vision or Time Series Analysis
  • Deployment: Production deployment experience using containers APIs and MLOps practices
• Local Network Advantage: Existing connections within Raleigh-Durham tech community university AI labs or local tech organizations is a significant plus.
• Educational Background: Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Computer Science Statistics or related field from a Research Triangle institution (NC State Duke UNC) is preferred but not required.
• Communication Skills: Ability to explain complex AI concepts to both technical and business audiences with experience presenting at tech meetups or conferences.
• Certifications (Valued): Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102) AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty or credentials from local training programs.

What We Offer in Raleigh

• Foundational Role: Be employee #1 in our Raleigh AI Center with autonomy to shape our local presence hire additional team members and establish our AI practice in the Research Triangle.
• Strategic Location: Office in the Raleigh-Durham Research Triangle with easy access to:
  • NC State Universitys Centennial Campus
  • Research Triangle Park
  • Downtown Raleigh innovation district
  • Durhams American Tobacco Campus
• Competitive Raleigh Compensation:
  • Salary range: $130000 - $170000 (adjusted for Raleigh market rates)
  • Relocation assistance available for exceptional candidates
  • Equity/profit-sharing potential for this foundational role
  • Performance bonuses tied to practice growth
• Benefits Package:
  • Comprehensive health dental vision (Blue Cross NC options)
  • 401(k) with 4% company match
  • Generous annual training budget ($5000 for conferences courses certifications)
  • Latest high-performance development hardware
  • Flexible hybrid schedule (3 days office 2 days remote)
  • Paid parking or transit allowance in Raleigh
• Professional Development:
  • Company-paid attendance at local AI conferences (All Things Open Raleigh Data Science Summit)
  • Membership in Research Triangle AI/ML professional organizations
  • Opportunities to guest lecture or collaborate with local universities

Application Process

We are specifically seeking candidates interested in building something significant in Raleigh.

To apply please submit:

1. Your resume highlighting AI/ML projects and any Raleigh/Research Triangle connections
2. A cover letter addressing: Why are you interested in building an AI practice in Raleigh and what specific connections or experience do you bring to help establish our presence in the Research Triangle ecosystem
3. Links to GitHub portfolio or publications
4. Optional: A brief (1-page) proposal for how FuntoNetwork should engage with Raleighs AI community

Submit to our Raleigh hiring lead:
Samuel Andoh Account Manager
Email:
Subject Line: Raleigh AI Developer Application - Your Name

Interview Process:

1. Initial screening (virtual)
2. Technical assessment (practical AI problem-solving)
3. On-site interview in Raleigh (well fly you in if needed)
4. Meet with local tech community advisor (optional)

Raleigh-Specific AI Focus Areas

The successful candidate will likely work on solutions for:

• Healthcare Analytics: Partnering with Triangle healthcare systems and biotech firms
• Supply Chain Optimization: For manufacturing and logistics companies in the Southeast
• Financial Technology: AI solutions for Charlottes banking sector with Raleigh development
• Agricultural Technology: Leveraging NCs agricultural industry with smart farming solutions
• Academic Research Translation: Converting university research into commercial applications

Strategic Rationale for Samuel:

1. Talent Access: Raleigh produces 8000 tech graduates annually from local universities
2. Cost Efficiency: 30-40% lower salary costs compared to Silicon Valley for equivalent AI talent
3. Industry Alignment: Research Triangle has concentrations in healthcare biotech and techperfect for applied AI
4. Charlotte-Raleigh Synergy: 2.5-hour drive between offices enables collaboration while accessing different talent pools
5. Competitive Advantage: Few MSPs have dedicated AI practices in the Southeast
6. Business Development: Raleigh presence opens doors to RTP companies (SAS IBM Red Hat) as potential clients or partners

Timeframe: Expect 4-6 weeks to find the right candidate in Raleighs competitive but rich talent market.

FuntoNetwork is proud to expand our North Carolina presence and contribute to the Research Triangles growing reputation as an AI innovation hub. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.