KeyBank

Lead AI Engineer

KeyBank • $96K — $181K *
US-Anywhere
+ 9 other locationsRemote
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 4+ years of software engineering experience, including at least 2 years in a lead or senior technical role
  • Hands-on experience in building and deploying AI applications
  • Proficient in Node.js and TypeScript programming languages
  • Experience in designing cloud-native solutions, specifically on Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
  • Familiarity with conversational AI technologies and LLM integration
  • Solid understanding of microservices architecture and distributed systems
  • Hands-on Kubernetes experience and managing GKE clusters

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop IVR and voice bot solutions using conversational AI frameworks
  • Lead the architecture and engineering design for AI-based customer experience projects
  • Build microservices aligned to cloud-native and low-latency requirements
  • Manage end-to-end delivery of AI features from design to production
  • Utilize emerging AI frameworks to improve conversational experiences
  • Develop and optimize AI prompts and orchestration strategies
  • Collaborate across technology teams to enhance call routing and agent handoff

Benefits

  • Flexible work options with a focus on in-office presence
  • Comprehensive benefits package available
  • Opportunity for performance-based incentives
  • Collaborative work environment that promotes cross-team engagement
  • Potential for professional development and technical mentorship opportunities
Full Job Description

Location:

4910 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn Ohio

Department: Contact Center Technology
Experience: 4+ years

About the Role

KeyBank is seeking a Lead AI Engineer to design, build, and modernize AI-powered conversational experiences, IVR platforms, and Voice Bot solutions within the Contact Center Technology organization. This role serves as a senior hands-on engineer responsible for architecting, developing, and delivering AI-driven solutions that enhance customer self-service and agent experiences.

Unlike a traditional technical lead role, this position is deeply focused on hands-on AI engineering and solution delivery. The Lead AI Engineer will spend the majority of their time designing, building, coding, integrating, and optimizing AI-powered applications while providing technical guidance across initiatives.

The Lead AI Engineer partners closely with product, platform, voice, and operations teams to deliver secure, scalable, and highly reliable conversational AI solutions on Google Cloud Platform (GCP). This is a senior individual contributor role with delivery accountability, but no people management responsibility.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop AI-powered IVR and voice bot solutions leveraging modern conversational AI frameworks.
  • Lead the technical architecture, engineering design, and implementation of AI-driven customer experience initiatives.
  • Build and develop Node.js / TypeScript microservices aligned to cloud-native and low-latency voice requirements.
  • Own end-to-end delivery of complex AI features, from concept and design through deployment and production support.
  • Apply agentic AI patterns utilizing Gemini, LangGraph, LangChain, and emerging AI frameworks to enhance conversational experiences.
  • Develop, test, evaluate, and optimize prompts, workflows, and AI orchestration strategies.
  • Collaborate across the contact center technology ecosystem to support call routing, self-service, and agent handoff scenarios.
  • Provide technical mentorship and code review support while contributing directly to development efforts.
  • Establish engineering best practices for AI solution development, testing, deployment, and observability.
  • Apply SRE principles to ensure resiliency, scalability, monitoring, and production readiness.
  • Ensure solutions comply with security and regulatory requirements (PII / PCI).

Required Skills & Qualifications
  • 4+ years of software engineering experience, including 2+ years as a Lead AI Engineer, Lead Engineer, Principal Engineer, or comparable senior technical contributor role.
  • Strong hands-on experience building and deploying AI-powered applications and services.
  • Strong, hands-on experience with Node.js / TypeScript.
  • Proven experience designing and delivering cloud-native solutions on GCP.
  • Experience implementing and integrating LLMs, conversational AI platforms, and agentic AI frameworks.
  • Solid understanding of microservices architecture, APIs, and distributed systems.
  • Hands-on Kubernetes experience, including GKE cluster setup and platform operations.
  • Experience with IVR, voice bots, conversational AI, or contact center technologies.
  • Strong collaboration skills across engineering, product, and operations teams.
  • Excellent technical judgment, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with conversational AI and agentic frameworks (Gemini, LangGraph, LangChain).
  • Experience developing AI agents, orchestration workflows, and multi-agent solutions.
  • Knowledge of voice flows, call routing, containment, and agent escalation.
  • Experience working in regulated or financial services environments.
  • Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, containerization, and Infrastructure as Code.
  • Experience working in Agile delivery models at enterprise scale.
  • Demonstrated experience with Agentic "Vibe Coding" — rapid prototyping and iterative development using AI-assisted coding tools, prompts, and agent-driven workflows.

This position is NOT eligible for employment visa sponsorship for non-U.S. citizens.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $96,000.00 - $181,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives.

Please click for a list of benefits for which this position is eligible.

Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.

Job Posting Expiration Date: 11/27/2026 #LI-Remote

About KeyBank

Shockingly, nearly 9-in-10 people who get their real estate license in America fail. We're solving that problem; And doing it while increasing profitability for the brokerage. Through technology, business automation, and a team approach we have created a system where agents focus solely on working with clients and closing deals.

KeyBank Careers

Joining KeyBank means stepping into a world of professional growth and innovation, where job opportunities abound in an environment that values leadership, diversity, and forward-thinking. As a member of our team, you will be part of a company that's committed to empowering your career journey while contributing to the financial wellness of our communities.

Work You'll Do

At KeyBank, we're not just in the business of banking; we're in the business of helping individuals and communities thrive. By joining our team, you will have the chance to be part of a culture that celebrates diversity and fosters leadership and professional development. Whether you're looking for a position in customer service, IT, finance, or management, KeyBank offers a variety of roles suited to your skills and career aspirations.

Innovate and Lead

KeyBank stands at the intersection of finance and innovation. Our employees are encouraged to lead with creativity and integrity, driving solutions that make a real difference. With a focus on digital transformation and sustainable growth, your work at KeyBank will challenge the status quo and encourage you to explore new ideas.

Grow Your Career

Career growth at KeyBank is not just a possibility—it's a priority. We are dedicated to your professional development through comprehensive training programs, leadership workshops, and continuous learning opportunities. Our commitment to your growth is matched by our dedication to inclusion, ensuring all voices are heard and valued.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our team at KeyBank is our strongest asset. We believe in using our collective skills to foster an environment of innovation and collaboration. Join us and connect with colleagues who are just as passionate and driven as you are. Through teamwork, we achieve exceptional results and push the boundaries of what's possible in the banking sector.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

For those starting their careers, KeyBank offers robust internship and employment opportunities that provide a solid foundation in the financial industry. Interns at KeyBank gain hands-on experience, beneficial networking connections, and insights into our day-to-day operations, setting the stage for a successful career.

Benefits and Culture

KeyBank is committed to offering benefits that enhance your life and well-being. From healthcare to retirement plans, and flexible working conditions, we ensure our employees are well taken care of. More than just benefits, our company culture is built on respect, integrity, and accountability—values that guide us in making a positive impact on our clients and communities.

Join Our Team

Explore the job opportunities at KeyBank and find the right fit for your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who are curious, innovative, and ready to make a difference. Prepare your resume, ace your interview, and join a team that's dedicated to your success and to transforming the landscape of banking.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest career tips, industry insights, and company news by following our careers blog. Personalize your experience by subscribing to job alert emails tailored to your preferences, and discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at KeyBank.

Search KeyBank Jobs

Ready to take the next step in your career? Search open positions at KeyBank that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players who are ready to grow and succeed in a dynamic and supportive environment.

SEARCH KEYBANK JOBS

Join KeyBank and be part of a company where your career is as important to us as it is to you. Together, let's unlock opportunities for growth, innovation, and meaningful impact in the financial world.
Learn more about KeyBank
Size
17,110 employees
Market Cap
$16 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.3 billion
Founded
1825
5 Year Trend
+5.6%
NASDAQ

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