AI SOLUTIONS DEVELOPER (RALEIGH, NC)

AI SOLUTIONS DEVELOPER (RALEIGH, NC)FuntoNetwork IT ConsultingEmpowering Businesses with Innovative IT SolutionsPosition: AI Solutions DeveloperDepartment: Innovation & Advanced TechnologyLocation: Raleigh, North Carolina (Hybrid: 3 days in office, 2 days remote)Type: Full-Time, ExemptReports To: Chief Technology OfficerOffice Location: Raleigh-Durham Research Triangle AreaAbout FuntoNetworkAt FuntoNetwork, we believe that artificial intelligence represents the next frontier of business innovation, and we're strategically planting our AI practice in the heart of North Carolina's technology corridor. Based in Charlotte with our new AI division in Raleigh, we're positioned to leverage the Research Triangle's world-class talent pool, academic partnerships, and vibrant tech ecosystem. We develop custom AI solutions, intelligent automation, and machine learning applications that transform how businesses in the Southeast and beyond operate, compete, and grow.Position Overview: Join Our Raleigh AI Innovation HubWe are establishing our AI Development Center in Raleigh and seeking a foundational AI Solutions Developer to lead this initiative. This is more than a job—it's an opportunity to build something significant in one of America's premier tech regions. You will be our first Raleigh-based AI specialist, responsible for designing, developing, and deploying cutting-edge AI/ML solutions while helping us establish partnerships with local universities (NC State, Duke, UNC), research institutions, and tech companies. You'll work on diverse AI challenges across industries while being embedded in the Research Triangle's innovative community.Why Raleigh for AI Development?Academic Powerhouse: Direct access to NC State's AI/ML programs, Duke's AI research, and UNC's data science initiativesIndustry Ecosystem: Located in the #1 best place for tech jobs in the Southeast, surrounded by IBM, Red Hat, SAS Institute, Cisco, and growing AI startupsCost Advantage: Compared to Silicon Valley or NYC, Raleigh offers exceptional talent at competitive rates with lower operational costsQuality of Life: Consistently ranked among best places to live, work, and innovate with exceptional schools, parks, and cultural amenitiesKey ResponsibilitiesAI Solution Development: Design, build, and deploy custom AI/ML models and applications for clients across healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and biotech sectors prevalent in the Research Triangle region.Research Triangle Integration: Establish and maintain relationships with local academic institutions for talent pipeline, research collaboration, and staying current with emerging AI technologies developed in the region.End-to-End ML Pipeline: Develop complete machine learning pipelines using Microsoft Azure AI Services and AWS SageMaker, with particular focus on solutions relevant to regional industries (healthcare analytics, supply chain optimization, predictive maintenance).Client Engagement: Work with Southeastern US clients to identify AI opportunities, develop solution architectures, and deliver measurable business value through intelligent automation and predictive analytics.Local Tech Community Leadership: Represent FuntoNetwork at Raleigh-Durham tech meetups, AI conferences, and university career events. Build our brand as an AI innovator in the local ecosystem.Solution Integration: Create AI solutions that integrate with clients' existing Microsoft ecosystems (common in corporate environments throughout NC/SC/VA/TN).AI Ethics & Governance: Implement responsible AI frameworks suitable for regulated industries common in the region (healthcare, finance, pharmaceuticals).Required Qualifications & SkillsExperience: 3-5 years of professional AI/ML development experience, preferably with exposure to Research Triangle companies or academic collaborations.Technical Mastery (Raleigh-Ready):Core: Advanced Python, scikit-learn, TensorFlow/PyTorchCloud Platforms: Microsoft Azure AI/ML (strongly preferred) or AWS SageMakerSpecialization: Experience in one or more areas relevant to Triangle industries: Healthcare/NLP, Predictive Analytics, Computer Vision, or Time Series AnalysisDeployment: Production deployment experience using containers, APIs, and MLOps practicesLocal Network Advantage: Existing connections within Raleigh-Durham tech community, university AI labs, or local tech organizations is a significant plus.Educational Background: Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Computer Science, Statistics, or related field from a Research Triangle institution (NC State, Duke, UNC) is preferred but not required.Communication Skills: Ability to explain complex AI concepts to both technical and business audiences, with experience presenting at tech meetups or conferences.Certifications (Valued): Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102), AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty, or credentials from local training programs.What We Offer in RaleighFoundational Role: Be employee #1 in our Raleigh AI Center with autonomy to shape our local presence, hire additional team members, and establish our AI practice in the Research Triangle.Strategic Location: Office in the Raleigh-Durham Research Triangle with easy access to:NC State University's Centennial CampusResearch Triangle ParkDowntown Raleigh innovation districtDurham's American Tobacco CampusCompetitive Raleigh Compensation:Salary range: $130,000 - $170,000 (adjusted for Raleigh market rates)Relocation assistance available for exceptional candidatesEquity/profit-sharing potential for this foundational rolePerformance bonuses tied to practice growthBenefits Package:Comprehensive health, dental, vision (Blue Cross NC options)401(k) with 4% company matchGenerous annual training budget ($5,000 for conferences, courses, certifications)Latest high-performance development hardwareFlexible hybrid schedule (3 days office, 2 days remote)Paid parking or transit allowance in RaleighProfessional Development:Company-paid attendance at local AI conferences (All Things Open, Raleigh Data Science Summit)Membership in Research Triangle AI/ML professional organizationsOpportunities to guest lecture or collaborate with local universitiesApplication ProcessWe are specifically seeking candidates interested in building something significant in Raleigh.To apply, please submit:Your resume highlighting AI/ML projects and any Raleigh/Research Triangle connectionsA cover letter addressing: "Why are you interested in building an AI practice in Raleigh, and what specific connections or experience do you bring to help establish our presence in the Research Triangle ecosystem?"Links to GitHub, portfolio, or publicationsOptional: A brief (1-page) proposal for how FuntoNetwork should engage with Raleigh's AI communitySubmit to our Raleigh hiring lead:Samuel Andoh | Account ManagerEmail: samuel.andoh@funtonetwork.comSubject Line: "Raleigh AI Developer Application - [Your Name]"Interview Process:Initial screening (virtual)Technical assessment (practical AI problem-solving)On-site interview in Raleigh (we'll fly you in if needed)Meet with local tech community advisor (optional)Raleigh-Specific AI Focus AreasThe successful candidate will likely work on solutions for:Healthcare Analytics: Partnering with Triangle healthcare systems and biotech firmsSupply Chain Optimization: For manufacturing and logistics companies in the SoutheastFinancial Technology: AI solutions for Charlotte's banking sector with Raleigh developmentAgricultural Technology: Leveraging NC's agricultural industry with smart farming solutionsAcademic Research Translation: Converting university research into commercial applicationsStrategic Rationale for Samuel:Talent Access: Raleigh produces 8,000 tech graduates annually from local universitiesCost Efficiency: 30-40% lower salary costs compared to Silicon Valley for equivalent AI talentIndustry Alignment: Research Triangle has concentrations in healthcare, biotech, and tech—perfect for applied AICharlotte-Raleigh Synergy: 2.5-hour drive between offices enables collaboration while accessing different talent poolsCompetitive Advantage: Few MSPs have dedicated AI practices in the SoutheastBusiness Development: Raleigh presence opens doors to RTP companies (SAS, IBM, Red Hat) as potential clients or partnersTimeframe: Expect 4-6 weeks to find the right candidate in Raleigh's competitive but rich talent market.FuntoNetwork is proud to expand our North Carolina presence and contribute to the Research Triangle's growing reputation as an AI innovation hub. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary : $96,500 - $132,600