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.

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, etc.) 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 (M.S. or Ph.D.) 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.
• Employees located within a commutable distance of our hub offices (Irvine, Scottsdale, Chandler, Southfield, or Plano) are expected to work on-site four days per week.

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

About loanDepot:

loanDepot (NYSE: LDI) is a digital commerce company committed to serving its customers throughout the home ownership journey. Since its launch in 2010, loanDepot has revolutionized the mortgage industry with a digital-first approach that makes it easier, faster, and less stressful to purchase or refinance a home. Today, loanDepot enables customers to achieve the American dream of homeownership through a broad suite of lending and real estate services that simplify one of life's most complex transactions. With headquarters in Southern California and offices nationwide, loanDepot is committed to serving the communities in which its team lives and works through a variety of local, regional, and national philanthropic efforts.

Base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay for this roles is between $170,000 and $233,000. Your base pay will depend on multiple individualized factors, including your job-related knowledge/skills, qualifications, experience, and market location. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.