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)