Lead AI Engineer

Company Description

Aspida is a tech‑driven, nimble insurance carrier backed by Ares Management Corporation, a leading global alternative asset manager. We offer simple and secure retirement solutions and annuity products with speed and precision, focusing on secure, stable retirement solutions with attractive features and downside protection. A subsidiary of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) serves as the dedicated investment manager, capital solutions and corporate development partner to Aspida.

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Aspida is launching the Emerging Intelligence Group (EIG) — a cross‑functional team dedicated to embedding AI into the core of how we operate. The Lead AI Engineer will serve as both architect and hands‑on builder, shaping the roadmap, developing prototypes, and deploying AI solutions that transform business operations and customer experiences. This role also includes mentoring and upskilling Aspida’s engineering teams to expand our AI capabilities.

Ideal for a technically strong, product‑minded engineer who thrives in fast‑moving environments and wants to help design the AI foundation of a modern insurer. This role reports to the Chief Technology Officer and is required to be onsite 3 days a week at our Durham, NC headquarters.

• Partner with the CTO to launch and scale the Emerging Intelligence Group — define mission, priorities, and deliver early wins.
• Deliver AI‑driven features across web, mobile, and enterprise platforms.
• Build and deploy LLM‑powered applications, RAG pipelines, and scalable APIs connecting model intelligence with real‑world user experiences.
• Collaborate with Product Engineering to integrate AI into employee and client‑facing systems.
• Serve as a technical liaison between data engineering, software engineering, and product management.
• Partner with Cybersecurity, Legal, and Infrastructure to establish AI governance, ethics, and transparency standards.
• Identify skill gaps, mentor engineers, and foster AI fluency across Aspida’s tech organization.
• Serve as Aspida’s resident AI expert and trusted advisor to business leaders.

• Salaried, DOE
• Full‑Time
• Full Benefits Package Available

Not sure if you meet every qualification? We still encourage you to apply! We value inclusivity and welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds, including non‑traditional paths. Unique experiences enrich our team, and the willingness to dream big makes you an exceptional candidate!

• 5+ years in software engineering or AI product development (financial services, insurance, or fintech preferred).
• Proven success delivering production‑grade AI projects.
• Hands‑on experience with:
  • Designing and deploying Generative AI / LLM solutions (e.g., GPT, Claude, Llama).
  • Frameworks such as Lang Chain, Hugging Face, and Llama Index.
  • RAG architectures, integrating external data sources and building vector databases.
• Strong proficiency in:
  • AWS (Bedrock, Lambda, S3, etc.)
  • Full‑stack development (React, Node.js, Python, or similar).
  • SQL / No
    
    SQL data platforms.
  • RESTful API design and development.
• Familiarity with:
  • Conversational UX and generative AI design principles.
  • MLOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Responsible AI principles.
• Excellent communicator — able to translate technical outcomes into business value.
• Entrepreneurial mindset; thrives in a “startup‑within‑an‑enterprise” environment.
• BS in Computer Science or related field.

At Aspida Financial Services, LLC, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Aspida does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.