Lead AI Engineer

lwtsquad; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 137,000 - 218,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology company is seeking a Lead AI Engineer in Arlington, Virginia, to develop AI-powered platforms and collaborate with engineers and data scientists. The role requires strong experience with Python, backend frameworks, and AI/ML concepts. This position offers a competitive salary and the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience and understanding of AI/ML concepts.
• Experience with Python and backend frameworks.
• Knowledge of REST APIs and cloud platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance AI agents and backend systems for the AI platform.
• Evaluate LLMs and identify innovation opportunities.
• Design and optimize prompts for LLMs.

Skills

AI/ML concepts

Python

Backend frameworks (FastAPI, Flask, Node.js)

REST APIs

Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Analytical skills

Prompt engineering

AI safety

Job description

Lead AI Engineer

About Mastercard

Our Purpose

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

The Role

At Mastercard, we’re building next‑generation AI‑powered platforms to drive innovation and impact. As a Lead AI Engineer, you’ll work with cutting‑edge tools, large language models (LLMs), and emerging frameworks to develop intelligent systems. You’ll collaborate with senior engineers, data scientists, and product teams—gaining hands‑on experience while contributing to real‑world AI solutions.

You’ll help implement Agentic AI systems, develop backend services, and explore new AI capabilities. Your focus will include prompt engineering, guardrail design, and experimentation to ensure safe, scalable, and effective AI applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance AI agents and backend systems for Mastercard’s AI platform
• Evaluate LLMs and emerging technologies to identify innovation opportunities
• Design and optimize prompts for LLMs
• Implement safeguards to ensure secure, ethical AI responses
• Build APIs, microservices, and data integrations for AI features
• Write clean, maintainable code following industry best practicesStay current with advancements in AI and software engineering

All About You

• Strong hands‑on experience and understanding of AI/ML concepts and enthusiasm for generative AI
• Experience with Python and backend frameworks (e.g., FastAPI, Flask, Node.js)
• Knowledge of REST APIs and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Strong analytical skills and curiosity for exploring new AI capabilities
• Collaborative mindset and openness to feedback and mentorship
• Interest in prompt engineering, AI safety, and scalable deployment

Why Join Us?

At Mastercard, you’ll help shape the future of AI in global commerce—solving complex challenges at scale, driving financial inclusion, and reinforcing the trust and security that define our brand. You’ll work with world‑class talent, cutting‑edge technologies, and will make a lasting impact.

#AI1 Mastercard is a merit‑based, inclusive, equal opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We hire the most qualified candidate for the role. In the US or Canada, if you require accommodations or assistance to complete the online application process or during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] and identify the type of accommodation or assistance you are requesting. Do not include any medical or health information in this email. The Reasonable Accommodations team will respond to your email promptly.

Corporate Security Responsibility

• Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices;
• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;
• Report any suspected information security violation or breach;
• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.

Pay Ranges

Arlington, Virginia: $137,000 - $218,000 USD
Fallon, Missouri: $119,000 - $190,000 USD
Purchase, New York: $137,000 - $219,000 USD
San Francisco, California: $143,000 - $228,000 USD

We are the global technology company behind the world’s fastest payments processing network. We are a vehicle for commerce, a connection to financial systems for the previously excluded, a technology innovation lab, and the home of Priceless®. We ensure every employee has the opportunity to be a part of something bigger and to change lives. We believe as our company grows, so should you. We believe in connecting everyone to endless, priceless possibilities.