Lead AI Engineer

Title: Lead AI Engineer

Location: Rockville MD or Tysons VA (Hybrid)

Duration: 6 Months Contract can go long-term or Perm

Overview
AI Engineer (Technical Lead) Role Summary

• Senior-level AI Engineer (not an AI Researcher)
• Hands-on technical lead responsible for building and enhancing AI-driven systems
• Focus is on applied AI-not developing foundational LLMs from scratch
• Must be able to write production-level code

Core Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor an existing team of strong engineers
• Help elevate team capabilities through guidance code reviews and best practices
• Contribute directly to system design and development
• Support the buildout of internal AI tools for regulatory use cases
• Work across multiple concurrent AI initiatives

Domain & Project Context

• Team supports advertising regulation workflows
• Focus on reviewing broker-dealer communications (e.g. Fidelity Vanguard)
• AI tool will assist analysts in evaluating compliance with FINRA Rule 2210
• System will analyze communications to ensure they meet regulatory standards

Required Experience

• Strong background in applied AI/ML engineering
• Prior experience in financial services or compliance/regulatory environments strongly preferred
• Proven track record across multiple projects (depth of experience required-no short-term/project-only exposure)
• Ability to operate at a technical lead level (not a learner/on-the-job ramp)

Team & Environment

• Established team of capable engineers in place
• Role is focused on augmentation and leadership not building from scratch
• Highly collaborative mentorship-driven environment

Interview Process

1. Initial screen with hiring manager (30 45 minutes)
2. Follow-up interviews:
   • Architect
   • Senior Director