Lead AI Platform Engineer

Role SummaryThe Lead AI Platform Engineer is a hands‑on technical contributor responsible for designing, developing, and integrating Generative AI–enabled capabilities within M&T Bank’s secure, governed enterprise environment. This role combines strong software engineering fundamentals with applied GenAI experience and partners closely with product, architecture, and engineering teams to deliver scalable, reliable, and responsible AI solutions.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and support GenAI‑enabled features including AI‑assisted coding, documentation, testing, analysis, and workflow automationImplement and maintain retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG) solutions, including data ingestion, embeddings, vector stores, and search pipelinesDesign and build agent‑based and tool‑invoking GenAI workflows, including multi‑step LLM interactions using approved enterprise platformsDevelop and integrate APIs and backend services connecting LLMs to internal systems and approved third‑party toolsLead prompt design, testing, and iteration to improve output quality, relevance, and safetyParticipate in model testing, evaluation, and performance analysis using established enterprise frameworksContribute hands‑on development using modern languages and frameworks (e.g., Java, Python, C#)Collaborate with Product Managers, Architects, and Engineers to translate requirements into technical solutionsProvide technical guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineersFollow and promote M&T Bank SDLC, security, and responsible AI standardsRequired QualificationsAssociate’s degree and a minimum of 7 years’ systems analysis and/or application development work experience or Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5 years' systems analysis and/or application development work experience. In lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 9 year’s education and/or relevant work experience, including a minimum of 5 years’ system analysis and/or application development work experience.Strong foundation in software engineering principles, data structures, and algorithmsHands‑on experience with Java, Python, or C# in production environmentsExperience with RESTful APIs, API‑driven development, and Git‑based version controlWorking knowledge of machine learning and large language model (LLM) fundamentalsExperience working within enterprise SDLC, security, and compliance standardsPreferred QualificationsExperience implementing Generative AI solutions in enterprise or regulated environmentsHands‑on experience with RAG architectures, embeddings, and vector databasesFamiliarity with Transformer‑based models, attention mechanisms, and tokenizationExperience with Microsoft Azure, including Azure‑based AI services and GenAI platformsExposure to CI/CD pipelines, DevOps tooling, and automated testingUnderstanding of responsible AI, data privacy, and model governance principlesM&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $116,400.00 - $194,000.00 Annual (USD). The successful candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.LocationBuffalo, New York, United States of AmericaSummaryLocation: Buffalo, NYType: Full time