Lead Developer - Data, AI, & Wealth Tech Platforms - Chicago, IL

From Complexity to ClaritySavant is growing fast—and with growth comes complexity.We’re hiring a Lead Developer for our Data, AI, and Wealth Tech. Platforms to help turn a fragmented ecosystem of systems into a single, trusted platform—one that supports scale, enables AI, and fundamentally improves the advisor experience. This role is about taking something messy and complex and building data infrastructure that actually works.Behind the scenes, wealth management is weighed down by a problem every advisor knows too well: too many tools, too much friction, and not enough time spent with clients. Advisors are forced to navigate dozens of systems just to do their jobs—and that complexity compounds as the firm grows.That’s where you come in.We’re building a unified advisor platform that brings client data, portfolio insights, tax planning, compliance, and AI‑powered intelligence into one place. This is not a proof of concept or a side project. It’s a core platform, directly tied to Savant’s long‑term growth strategy—and the data foundation you build will be part of it from day one.If you’re an experienced data engineer who wants to build real systems, see your work used in the real world, and help shape how an organization operates at scale, this is a role where you can truly leave your mark.What You’ll Be BuildingAs our Lead Developer – Data, you’ll own the design, build, and reliability of enterprise‑grade data pipelines that connect Savant’s wealth technology ecosystem into our Microsoft Azure / Fabric data platform—fueling analytics, advisor dashboards, and AI use cases at scale.This is a hands‑on, senior role for someone who can step in, make architectural decisions, and execute with confidence.You’ll be working on things like:Production data pipelines integrating wealth platforms (Tamarac, eMoney, Salesforce FSC, tax tools, AI notetaking tools, and more)API‑based and file‑based ingestion patterns (REST, SFTP, vendor extracts, near‑real‑time feeds)Curated, analytics‑ready datasets (dimensional and/or Data Vault-style)Data quality, reconciliation, monitoring, SLAs, and alertingSecure, compliant data movement and governance (lineage, access controls, retention)Preparing structured and unstructured data to support:AI & ML initiativesVectorized content pipelinesRetrieval‑Augmented Generation (RAG) workflowsThis role sits at the intersection of data engineering, AI enablement, and real business impact.How You’ll WorkTeam: You’ll be part of the Data Science & AI team, reporting directly to the Director.Collaboration: You’ll work closely with partners across BI, Wealth, Compliance, Platform, and Analytics to deliver shared outcomes.Work Model: Hybrid, Chicago‑area based. Expect ~1 day per week in the office, with flexibility beyond that.Schedule: Flexible overall, but this role supports offshore teams, so occasional early mornings or late evenings may be required to collaborate across time zones.Leadership & Ownership: There are no direct reports (yet), but mentorship and technical leadership are expected.You’ll have autonomy, support, and visibility—without micromanagement. We trust senior engineers to own outcomes, make decisions, and raise the bar.How Success Is MeasuredYou’ll know you’re winning when:Data pipelines are reliable, monitored, and hitting SLAsNew platforms integrate faster and cleaner than beforeAdvisors spend less time navigating systems—and more time with clientsAI and analytics teams can move faster because the data just worksThe platform you helped build becomes something the business depends onWho We’re Looking For (Non‑Negotiables)This is a senior role. We’re very intentional about what “qualified” means here. You must have:7+ years of hands‑on data engineering experience1.5–2+ years of applied AI / advanced analytics engineeringNot workshops. Not demos. Real implementationsBachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).Deep Microsoft Azure experience (required — not AWS‑only, not GCP‑only)Proven experience building production data pipelines that integrate complex enterprise platforms — ideally across tools like Tamarac, eMoney, Salesforce FSC, tax planning software, and AI notetaking tools (plus other vendor and internal feeds)Strong SQL & Python skills (Spark / PySpark experience highly valued)Experience with RAG, Prompt engineering, Multi-agent architectures, Memory patterns, Re-ranking, Semantic search / vector retrieval, Context augmentation, Human-in-the-loop patterns, Workflow routing or model routing, Chunking strategies for retrieval pipelines.Experience with Agentic Frameworks like CrewAI, Microsoft Agent Framework, LangGraphReal, production experience building and supporting data pipelines end‑to‑end in Microsoft FabricExperience designing for reliability, scale, and operational ownershipNice to have, but not required:Wealth management or financial services data experienceDealbreakers:This role has a few non‑negotiables, and we want to be transparent upfront so everyone’s time is well spent.If you don’t have hands‑on Microsoft Azure experience, or your AI background is theoretical only (courses, workshops, proofs‑of‑concept without production work), this won’t be the right fit—and that’s okay.Location matters for this role. You must currently reside within 50 miles of a Savant office in the Chicago, IL area.Preferred office locations include Lincolnshire, IL, our Downtown Chicago (Loop) office, and Rockford, IL.This is a hybrid role and requires in‑office presence once per week for connection, collaboration, and relationship‑building.We’re intentionally looking for someone who can be embedded with the team and actively participate in both technical build work and in‑person collaboration.Why Join Us?For nearly 40 years, Savant Wealth Management has served as a trusted advisor to established individuals, families, and businesses seeking clarity and confidence in their financial lives. Our name, rooted in the Latin word sapere—“to be wise”—reflects our commitment to evidence-based investing and the power of decision-making based on deep knowledge. We are a fee-only, independent, fiduciary wealth management firm providing comprehensive guidance on investments, financial planning, tax and business consulting, estate planning, trust services, and family office support. At the heart of our firm is a culture of lifelong learning—one that values curiosity, continuous improvement, and helps clients pursue their ideal future with purpose and discipline.Our Vision: Transform personal and financial dreams into goals and goals into reality.Our Mission: To build one million ideal futures for our clients, our team, and the communities we serve.Our Values: Excellence, Integrity, Lifelong Learning, Respect, Growth, Servant LeadershipThe Perks:At Savant, we are committed to supporting our employees as well as investing in their well-being and growth. We take a market-based approach to compensation. The expected base salary range for this role for the Chicago market is $125,000 - 175,000. However, final base pay will be carefully determined based on several factors, including responsibilities, skills, relevant experience, geographic location, and market conditions. Additionally, this role may be eligible for other forms of compensation.We also offer a benefits package designed to enhance both your personal and professional life. Below is an overview of our total rewards offering. The benefits available for this role can be discussed in detail during the hiring process.Benefit Eligibility on Day One: Enjoy immediate access to a robust benefits package starting on your first day of employment.Choice of Medical Plans: Select from two medical plans tailored to fit your needs.Health & Wellness Accounts: Opt for a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to manage your healthcare expenses.Flexible Dental Coverage: Choose between two dental plan options for optimal oral health.Vision Insurance: Keep your eyes healthy with our vision insurance plan.Company-Paid Life & AD&D Insurance: Feel secure with fully covered basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment benefits.Company-Paid Disability Coverage: Rest easy knowing you’re covered with both short-term and long-term disability plans.401(k) with Company Match: Invest in your future with both Roth and Traditional 401(k) plans, featuring a per pay period company match.Generous Paid Time Off: Benefit from PTO that increases with your years of service, at least 11 paid holidays each year, a paid day each year for your Savantiversary, and enjoy shorter work weeks with our Summer Hours.Additional Leave and Time Off Benefits: Personal leave, parental leave, professional development paid time, and bereavement pay are just a few examples of how you will be supported with time off and other benefits during life's most critical momentsDress Code: Enjoy a “Dress for Your Day” approach to your style. We offer wardrobe flexibility based on office culture, client expectations, and your daily schedule.Employee Recognition: Enjoy monetary awards through our recognition program.Team Incentive Plans: Participate in our team incentive plan for additional earning opportunities.Employee Assistance Program: Access support through our Employee Assistance Program whenever you need it.Exclusive Discounts: Take advantage of various discount programs for additional savings.Wellness Reimbursements: Get reimbursed for gym memberships and other wellness programs to stay fit and healthy.Additional Perks: Get reimbursed for your warehouse club memberships and receive an allowance for Savant Swag.Take your career to new heights, apply today!All applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting.The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the incumbent in this position. Any combination of equivalent education and work experience will be considered.Savant Capital LLC, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr