Sr. Applied AI Engineer

loanDepot, Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 233,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

Tuition Reimbursement

Wellness Program

Generous PTO

Job summary

loanDepot is seeking an AI leader to design, develop, and deploy AI-driven solutions across computer vision, NLP, and predictive analytics. You will mentor engineers and partner with stakeholders to deliver scalable, high‑impact AI applications.

This role translates research into production, builds end‑to‑end AI pipelines, and advances enterprise AI. Requirements include Python/Java/C++, ML frameworks, MLOps tools, and cloud deployment on Azure, AWS, or GCP.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, AI, ML, or related technical field (Master’s preferred)
• 6+ years hands-on engineering experience with proficiency in one or more programming languages
• 1+ years of experience with ML frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or Scikit-learn
• Proven experience applying large language models, generative AI, or OSS agent-based frameworks
• Experience delivering ML/AI applications on cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP)
• Strong understanding of ML algorithms, deep learning, data structures, and optimization
• Familiarity with MLOps tools (Docker, Kubernetes, MLflow) for scalable deployments
• Ability to translate research into enterprise-grade solutions
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Proficiency with MS Office and collaboration tools

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and deployment of AI-driven solutions across domains
• Mentor engineering teams and partner with cross-functional stakeholders
• Architect and operationalize ML models in production
• Enhance model performance, scalability, and reliability
• Translate cutting-edge research into deployable AI solutions
• Develop end-to-end AI pipelines (data ingestion, training, validation, deployment, monitoring)
• Champion responsible AI practices (fairness, transparency, security, compliance)
• Stay updated with emerging AI frameworks and tools
• Oversee project execution and ensure alignment with business strategy
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Python

Java

C++

C#

JavaScript

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/AI/related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

MLflow

Azure

AWS

GCP

Job description

Position Summary

Responsible for leading the design, development, and deployment of AI-driven solutions that address complex business challenges across domains such as computer vision, natural language processing, recommendation systems, and predictive analytics. Oversees project execution, mentors engineering teams, and partners with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure scalable, high-impact AI applications are successfully delivered and aligned with business strategy.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a subject matter expert and strategic advisor on applied AI, guiding stakeholders on opportunities, risks, and best practices.


• Supports the delivery of large, complex and transformative functional and/or enterprise initiatives with minimal oversight.


• Collaborates with cross‑functional teams to identify opportunities for AI integration, providing input into solutions and implementation of plans.


• Evaluates business and product requirements to architect, deploy, and operationalize machine learning models in production environments.


• Enhances model performance, scalability, and reliability for real‑world applications, balancing accuracy with efficiency.


• Translates cutting‑edge research and experimental models into practical, deployable solutions that create business value.


• Develops and maintains end‑to‑end AI pipelines, including data ingestion, pre‑processing, model training, validation, deployment, and monitoring.


• Champions responsible AI practices by embedding principles of fairness, transparency, security, and compliance into solutions.


• Continuously researches and applies emerging AI frameworks, tools, and techniques to advance enterprise AI capabilities.


• Performs other duties and projects assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or related technical field (Master’s preferred or equivalent industry experience).


• Minimum six (6) + years of hands‑on engineering experience with proficiency in one or more programming languages (Python, Java, C++, C#, or JavaScript).


• One (1) + years of experience with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or Scikit-learn, including deployment of models to production.


• 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.


• Proficiency with productivity tools such as Microsoft Office and collaboration platforms (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).

Preferred Requirements

• 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.

Why work for #teamloanDepot

• Work with other passionate, purposeful, and customer‑centric team members.


• Inclusive, diverse, and collaborative culture where people from all backgrounds can thrive.


• 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 options to support work‑life balance.

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, as the nation’s second largest non‑bank retail mortgage lender, 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 role 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.