Data Engineer

IFG - International Financial Group is seeking an AI/ML Data Engineering Leader to architect, build, and operate enterprise-scale AI data platforms. The role focuses on vector databases, semantic search, Retrieval-Augmented Generation, agentic workflows, data governance, traceability, and production-grade AI capabilities in high-security environments.

Responsibilities:

• Platform Architecture: Architect and evolve cloud-native, distributed AI data platforms optimized for scale, performance, security, and cost
• Governance & Traceability: Implement controls for data quality, lineage, source attribution, prompt + context auditability, and AI output explainability
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner with Data Science, ML Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Enterprise Architecture teams to translate complex AI requirements into production capabilities
• Engineering Standards: Lead architectural design reviews, elevate CI/CD and MLOps practices, and mentor senior engineering talent
• Technology Evaluation: Continuously evaluate and integrate emerging AI tech stacks (vector DBs, retrieval frameworks, evaluation toolkits)

Requirements:

• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph (Strictly required)
• Must currently reside in the United States
• 20+ years of deep experience in software engineering, data engineering, distributed systems, or cloud/AI platform development
• Proven delivery of enterprise-scale AI/ML, GenAI, or agentic systems in complex, high-security, or regulated environments
• Expert proficiency in Python, SQL, Cloud Platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP), Vector DBs, RAG, embeddings, CI/CD, IaC, and observability
• Strong ability to influence senior stakeholders and communicate technical trade-offs to business and mission leadership