IT Digital Applications - Lead Conversational AI Engineer

Golden 1 Credit Union; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 124,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Golden 1 Credit Union is seeking a Lead Conversational AI Engineer to shape strategy, architecture, and governance for enterprise AI initiatives in a hybrid Sacramento environment. You will drive design, integrations, and performance optimization while mentoring a team of engineers and aligning solutions with regulatory requirements.

The role requires strong JavaScript expertise, experience with large language models, APIs, and enterprise systems, and a track record leading complex AI programs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS/IS or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5+ years in conversational AI, software engineering, platform administration, or related field
• 4+ years experience with conversational AI platforms
• 4+ years hands-on JavaScript experience
• Experience with LLMs, prompt engineering, APIs, and system integrations; leading AI implementations and mentoring teams

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of conversational AI solutions, workflows, and integrations
• Establish governance standards and governance frameworks for AI development and administration
• Define conversational AI architecture, orchestration patterns, and integration approaches
• Evaluate emerging technologies and provide adoption recommendations
• Develop and maintain roadmaps aligned with business and technology objectives

Skills

Conversational AI

JavaScript

API integration

Leadership & mentoring

Governance & compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/IS or related field

Tools

APIs

Enterprise integrations

JavaScript tooling

Job description

Job Title: Lead Conversational AI Engineer
Status: Exempt
Reports to: Manager - Solutions Engineering
Department: IT - Digital Applications
Job Code: 12107
Pay Range: $123,600.00 - $135,000.00 Annually
Location: Hybrid in Sacramento, CA (one in-office day per week)

Who We Are

Golden 1 Credit Union is among the top credit unions in the country. As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, Golden 1 is guided by the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” We are committed to empowering our members and uplifting our communities as we create a more equitable and financially inclusive California. We welcome all who embrace our Core Values.

Who You Are

You champion the responsible adoption of conversational AI by setting technical direction, establishing governance standards, and delivering solutions that align business needs, technology strategy, and regulatory requirements. You are a collaborative problem solver and trusted advisor who translates business objectives into intelligent conversational experiences, establishes best practices and governance standards, and guides teams in the successful adoption of emerging AI technologies. You lead complex AI initiatives from concept through optimization, leveraging conversational design, prompt engineering, integrations, and analytics to create scalable experiences that drive efficiency and enhance member and employee interactions.

What You’ll Do

• Conversational AI Strategy & Architecture * Lead the design and architecture of conversational AI solutions, workflows, and integrations * Establish standards, best practices, and governance frameworks for conversational AI development and administration * Define conversational AI architecture, orchestration patterns, and integration approaches * Evaluate emerging technologies, platforms, and AI capabilities and provide recommendations for adoption * Develop and maintain conversational AI roadmaps aligned with business and technology objectives
• Solution Design & Delivery * Lead the design of conversation flows, prompts, tool configurations, knowledge sources, and escalation workflows * Guide the implementation of integrations with enterprise systems using APIs and service endpoints * Utilize JavaScript to support advanced workflow automation, validation, business rules, and integrations * Review and approve solution designs, configurations, and implementation approaches * Ensure solutions meet performance, scalability, security, and usability requirements
• Governance, Compliance & Operational Excellence * Establish governance controls, guardrails, standards, and operational practices for conversational AI solutions * Ensure compliance with security, privacy, accessibility, and regulatory requirements * Oversee documentation standards, change control processes, release management, and operational readiness activities * Lead audit, risk management, and compliance-related activities for conversational AI platforms * Monitor platform health, solution effectiveness, and business outcomes
• Performance Optimization & Innovation * Define and monitor key performance indicators for conversational AI solutions * Analyze conversational data, operational metrics, and user feedback to identify improvement opportunities * Lead prompt optimization, workflow improvements, knowledge management, and AI performance tuning efforts * Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance automation, operational efficiency, and user experience
• Leadership & Collaboration * Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to conversational AI engineers and team members * Collaborate with business, product, technology, operations, security, and compliance teams to define requirements and solution strategies * Partner with vendors and platform providers to maximize platform capabilities and resolve complex issues * Communicate solution strategies, risks, recommendations, and outcomes to leadership and stakeholders * Support project planning, prioritization, estimation, and resource planning activities

Qualifications And Preferences

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience required
• 5+ years years of experience in conversational AI, software engineering, platform administration, business systems analysis, or a related field required
• 4+ years of experience working with conversational AI platforms required
• 4+ years of hands-on JavaScript experience required
• Experience with large language models (LLMs), prompt engineering, APIs, and system integrations. Experience leading conversational AI implementations or enterprise technology initiatives. Experience mentoring team members and providing technical leadership.

Why Join Us

Golden 1 Credit Union provides its employees a market-competitive and internally equitable total rewards compensation package through a variety of programs. These programs are designed to attract, motivate, and retain employees that drive and support the achievement of Our Mission, Vision, and Strategic Goals. The Credit Union is committed a total rewards philosophy built on; a comprehensive compensation package, well-being and work-life balance, career development and growth, rewards and recognition, and a commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is recognized, valued, and motivated to contribute their best.

Disclaimer/Intent And Function Of Job Descriptions

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification. Because the nature of positions and job functions can change over time, this job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all essential functions, duties, responsibilities and qualifications requirements of team members assigned to this job. Job duties may be changed or modified in the Credit Union’s discretion. Job duties may be changed or modified in the Credit Union’s discretion. The Credit Union will keep team members updated on key functions, duties, and requirements of their position by communications from the Credit Union and by updating the job description from time to time. Any team member with questions about the nature of their job duties is encouraged to consult with their supervisor.