AI Engineer - Innovation Lab

Zions Bancorporation’s Enterprise Technology and Operations (ETO) team is transforming what it means to work for a financial institution. With a commitment to technology and innovation, we have been providing our community, clients and colleagues the best experience possible for over 150 years. Help us transform our workforce of the future, today.We are seeking a dynamic and visionary AI Engineer to join our newly established Innovation Lab. In this pivotal role, you will combine core software engineering excellence with advanced AI development to drive the creation of cutting-edge solutions. You will collaborate with cross-functional partners to deliver top-tier AI prototypes and production-ready applications, ensuring they are built on solid engineering principles. You will be responsible for comprehensive requirements analysis, stakeholder collaboration, and the design, debugging, testing, and deployment of effective, scalable software solutions. Your expertise will help us review, analyze, and improve business processes by leveraging both standard application development and advanced machine learning techniques. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within the financial sector, contributing to product design, user experience, and ongoing system enhancements.Visa Sponsorship:This AI Engineer position is currently not eligible for employment visa sponsorship (e.g., H-1B visa). This includes, for example, situations where a candidate may have temporary work authorization while enrolled in school or upon graduation (e.g., CPT, OPT) but would need H-1B visa sponsorship within a few years of employment in order to maintain employment eligibility.Responsibilities:Develop innovative AI/ML software solutions, specifically focusing on Generative AI, LLMs, and RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) architectures, while adhering to enterprise software standards.Design, build, and maintain robust, scalable RESTful APIs and microservices to expose AI capabilities to internal and external applications using Python (FastAPI/Flask) and/or Java (Spring Boot).Guide testing, configuration management, and source code/change management processes, ensuring strict adherence to Git workflows and version control best practices.Support and maintain AI pipelines and infrastructure to ensure optimal system performance, scalability, and reliability.Design, debug, test, and deploy software using Python and/or Java fundamentals, writing clean, maintainable, and efficient code.Lead and participate in code reviews, ensuring code quality, security, and testability across the team.Review, analyze, and evaluate business processes, recommending improvements and changes using both standard software automation and AI.Participate in unit testing, integration testing, feasibility assessments, and systems documentation.Execute and manage change and release processes (CI/CD), including model versioning and deployment, documenting solutions with clear, well-commented code.Build proof of concept (PoC) examples and graphical simulation software.Participate in product design reviews, offering creative and practical ideas and solutions.Collaborate with customer service, product managers, developers, and IT to enhance user experience and achieve product goals.Other duties as assigned.Qualifications:6+ years of experience in software development, database technologies, version control systems, DevOps tools, cloud computing platforms, and microservices architecture. A combination of education and relevant experience may meet qualifications.Cloud Expertise: In-depth knowledge of modern cloud architectures (GCP preferred, AWS/Azure acceptable) and infrastructure-as-code.Subject matter expert knowledge of modern programming languages—specifically Python and/or Java—and application development using various technologies, languages, databases, integrations, frameworks, and systems.Expert knowledge of software development lifecycles (SDLC), Agile/Scrum methodologies, SQL and database systems, Java/Python programming and application servers (e.g., WebSphere, Tomcat), data modeling concepts, and integrated application development methodology.Proven experience with Generative AI (prompt engineering, fine-tuning, RAG) combined with traditional software engineering skills (API design, CI/CD pipelines, Git).Exceptional debugging, problem-solving, and testing skills (unit, integration, and end-to-end testing).Exceptional analysis, judgment, and project management skills.Excellent interpersonal communication, both verbal and written, with technical and non-technical staff.Ability to analyze business requirements and map them to various programs, interpret, validate, and map business requirements to appropriate solutions.Ability to work effectively in a team environment and adapt to changing technology and priorities.Financial or banking services experience is a plus.Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent required.Work Location:This position will be a hybrid work schedule (3 days a week in office) at the new Zions Technology Center in Midvale, UT.The Zions Technology Center is a 400,000-square-foot technology campus in Midvale, Utah. Located on the former Sharon Steel Mill superfund site, the sustainably built campus is the company’s primary technology and operations center. This modern and environmentally friendly technology center enables Zions to compete for the best technology talent in the state while providing team members with an exceptional work environment with features such as:Electric vehicle charging stations and close proximity to Historic Gardner Village UTA TRAX station.At least 75% of the building is powered by on-site renewable solar energy.Access to outdoor recreation, parks, trails, shareable bikes and locker rooms.Large modern cafe with a healthy and diverse menu.Healthy indoor environment with ample natural light and fresh air.LEED-certified sustainable building that features include the use of low VOC-emitting construction materials.Benefits: Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance - START DAY ONE! Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Parental Leave and Adoption AssistanceHealth Savings (HSA), Flexible Spending (FSA) and dependent care accountsPaid Training, Paid Time Off (PTO) and 11 Paid Federal Holidays401(k) plan with company match, Profit Sharing, competitive compensation in line with work experienceMental health benefits including coaching and therapy sessionsTuition Reimbursement for qualifying employeesEmployee Ambassador preferred banking products#dice