Lead Software Engineer, Data Scientist

About the role

SEI is seeking an accomplished and visionary Lead Data Scientist to lead the next generation of AI innovation across the enterprise. This leader will define and execute SEI's AI strategy spanning traditional machine learning, Generative AI, Agentic AI, intelligent automation, and AI-powered digital experiences. The role will drive the design, development, and deployment of scalable AI solutions including enterprise copilots, RAG-based knowledge systems, AI agents, intelligent workflow automation, and advanced predictive analytics.

Working closely with business leaders, product teams, architects, cybersecurity, and engineering teams, this individual will transform emerging AI capabilities into practical business solutions while establishing scalable frameworks, governance standards, and AI best practices across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive SEI's AI strategy across Machine Learning, Generative AI, Agentic AI, and Intelligent Automation initiatives.
• Lead the design and delivery of enterprise-scale AI solutions including:
  • Generative AI applications
  • RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) platforms
  • Conversational AI and enterprise chatbots
  • AI copilots and virtual assistants
  • Multi-agent and agentic AI systems
  • Knowledge discovery and search solutions
• Architect AI systems that integrate Large Language Models (LLMs), enterprise knowledge repositories, APIs, and business workflows while ensuring scalability, security, and governance.
• Evaluate emerging AI technologies, foundation models, frameworks, orchestration platforms, and agentic architectures to determine strategic fit for SEI.
• Lead AI product development from ideation through deployment, including experimentation, prototyping, productionization, monitoring, and continuous improvement.
• Establish best practices and standards for LLMOps, AI governance, prompt engineering, model evaluation, AI safety, observability, and responsible AI.
• Partner with business stakeholders to identify high-value AI opportunities and translate business challenges into innovative AI-powered solutions.
• Design and oversee RAG pipelines, vector databases, semantic search architectures, and knowledge management solutions.
• Guide the development of AI-enabled products leveraging structured and unstructured data sources.
• Collaborate with security, privacy, legal, and risk teams to ensure AI solutions meet regulatory, governance, and compliance requirements.
• Mentor and develop data scientists, AI engineers, architects, and technical leaders while fostering a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous learning.
• Communicate AI strategy, solution architectures, business value, and technical insights to executive leadership and non-technical stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and/or equivalent relevant experience. MS, MBA, PhD, or CFA designation is a plus.
• 10+ years of experience in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience delivering enterprise-scale Generative AI and Machine Learning solutions from concept through production.
• Deep expertise in Large Language Models (LLMs), Generative AI architectures, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), prompt engineering, and AI orchestration frameworks.
• Strong experience designing AI applications using technologies such as Azure AI, OpenAI, Anthropic, LangChain, Semantic Kernel, AutoGen, CrewAI, MCP, vector databases, and related AI ecosystems.
• Strong understanding of Agentic AI patterns including planning, orchestration, memory, tool use, workflow automation, and multi-agent systems.
• Experience implementing AI governance, model evaluation, AI observability, security controls, and responsible AI frameworks.
• Strong cloud expertise in Azure, AWS, or GCP, including AI platform services and production deployment architectures.
• Advanced Python development skills and experience building scalable AI applications and APIs.
• Experience working with structured and unstructured data, knowledge repositories, search platforms, and document intelligence solutions.
• Proven ability to balance innovation with governance, risk management, security, and operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated thought leadership in Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Agentic AI, or related emerging technologies.
• Experience defining enterprise AI roadmaps, operating models, governance structures, and adoption strategies.
• Strong understanding of financial services, wealth management, or regulated industry environments.
• Exceptional communication and executive presentation skills with the ability to influence senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams consisting of AI engineers, data scientists, architects, product managers, cybersecurity professionals, and business leaders.
• Experience evaluating third-party AI platforms, vendors, and strategic partnerships.
• Strong product mindset with an ability to translate complex business challenges into scalable AI products and capabilities.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic decision-making skills.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription, wellness, EAP, FSA)
• Life and disability insurance (premiums paid for base coverage)
• 401(k) match
• Education assistance
• Commuter benefits
• Up to 11 paid holidays per year
• 21 days PTO per year (pro-rated for new hires, increases over time)
• Paid parental leave
• Back-up childcare arrangements
• Paid volunteer days
• Discounted stock purchase plan and investment options
• Access to thriving employee networks