Senior Software Engineer, AI / ML

About the role:  

This is a highly technical position where the candidate will be responsible for understanding the requirements and designing solutions for machine learning models and AI algorithms to support the Blackbaud Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiative across multiple projects/business units.  The candidate must be able to articulately present expertise in data modeling and data science as well as MLOps. 

The ideal candidate will be goal-oriented, independent, motivated, self-driven, result-oriented, and act as an agent of change.  The candidate must act as an influencer, be pragmatic, function as a team player, be able to handle multiple competing priorities in a dynamic environment, and possess the highest level of integrity with proven track record of success. 

What you'll do:  

• Experience in data processing and transforming large datasets to be utilized in the training of AI models.  Identify, build, and maintain models which are being constantly augmented and revised for scale and accuracy.  Continue to optimize ML models to improve performance and elasticity.

• For assigned projects, the candidate must work with Line of Businesses to define implementation ML designs including system diagrams, data models, and business process diagrams as well as engage with enterprise architects to integrate AI solutions into the broader product offerings. 

•   Oversee the implementation of AI/ML projects to ensure the implementation is consistent with design decisions, standards, and best practices.  Experience building out AI frameworks using cloud native strategies. 

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to promulgate AI/ML model success factors. 

What you’ll bring:  

• Hands-On Experience - MUST have “hands on” experience designing and building out the AI model development with deep learning capabilities. 

• Proven experience working as an AI/ML Engineer 

• 5+ years of experience working in IT organizations, preferably in financial services organizations 

• 5+ years of experience in building enterprise AI/ML algorithms, data structures, and ML model development 

• Experience creating AI runbooks and machine learning frameworks 

• Experience creating, revising, consolidating, and improving machine learning algorithms and deep learning architectures. 

• Strong background in Big Data tools such as Kafka/Hadoop/Databricks

• ​​Expert level coding and development experience in JAVA, .NET, Node.js, Python, etc. for developing AI/ML models. 

• ​  Experience with tools such as Google AI Studio, Azure AI Studio, etc. is a must.

• Experience in successfully deploying AI/ML models using a true MLOps model 

• Innate ability to provide “extraordinary service” to end clients - as client focus is critical to your success and to the program’s overall success 

• Championed organizational changes and created an environment where people willingly participate in initiatives and programs 

• Proven project management and customer service skills, demonstrated planning and organization skills. 

• Available on a 24x7x365 basis when needed for production impacting incidents or key customer events.   

• Ability to create quality code that is secure and operable at scale.