Lead AI Engineer (contract)

Title: Lead AI Engineer

Location: 1525 W W T Harris Blvd Charlotte, NC
Duration: 6 months

Work Engagement: W2

Work Schedule: 3 days in office/2 days remote

Benefits on offer for this contract position: Health Insurance, Life insurance, 401K and Voluntary Benefits

Summary:

Wells Fargo is seeking a Lead AI Engineer to join the Technology & Chief Operating Office (TCOO), supporting the Wholesale Operations Technology (WOT) team. This role focuses on designing and delivering cutting-edge artificial intelligence solutions powered by large language models (LLMs), agent-based frameworks, and modern AI technologies.

The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in Python, Google Agent Development Kit (ADK), and enterprise-scale application development, with hands-on experience in prompt engineering, fine-tuning models, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and agentic systems.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and deploy AI-driven applications leveraging LLMs, agent frameworks, and emerging AI technologies

• Integrate AI/LLM solutions into existing WOT platforms and enterprise systems

• Build and maintain scalable applications using Python, Java, OpenShift containers, and related technologies

• Lead development of tools for model simulation, monitoring, drift detection, and analytics

• Apply prompt engineering, fine-tuning, and RAG methodologies to optimize AI performance

• Troubleshoot complex application and model-related issues in production environments

• Monitor system performance to improve operational efficiency and mitigate risk

• Lead design, development, testing, and implementation of advanced software components and AI models

• Resolve high-complexity coding, testing, and platform issues

• Ensure compliance with risk management and governance requirements

• Collaborate with stakeholders across all organizational levels, including senior leadership

• Mentor and guide junior engineers; contribute to technical leadership across teams

• Stay current on advancements in AI, LLMs, and agentic frameworks and apply innovations to enterprise solutions

Qualifications:

• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

• Proficiency in Python, Java, OpenShift containers, and related technologies

• Hands-on experience designing and deploying LLM-based applications

• Knowledge of AI/ML concepts, including deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision

• Familiarity with SDLC and Agile tools such as JIRA, GitHub, Jenkins, and Confluence

• Experience with LangChain, LangGraph, or Google Agent Development Kit (ADK) (with real-world implementation)

• Strong knowledge of Prompt Engineering techniques

• Experience working with OpenShift containers

• Hands-on experience designing and implementing Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) solutions

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or related field

• Knowledge of chatbots, GPT-based solutions, or Copilot technologies

• Experience monitoring model performance, drift, and reliability in production environments

• Familiarity with context management, memory handling, and AI safety guardrails

• Experience with JavaScript, React, or other front-end technologies

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, artificial intelligence or a related field (preferred)