Lead AI Engineer

Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years in data science, machine learning, or AI engineering delivering impactful solutions at scale.
  • Deep expertise in machine learning, statistics, NLP, and LLMs including generative AI.
  • Proven ability to build, deploy, and scale production AI systems from architecture to delivery.
  • Strong programming skills in Python, including experience with Docker and Kubernetes.
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in a quantitative field like Computer Science, Statistics, or Engineering.

Responsibilities

  • Architect and lead end-to-end AI solutions for enterprise use cases from ideation to deployment.
  • Design and conduct rigorous evaluations of AI system performance and technical decisions.
  • Drive innovation by identifying emerging technologies and improving AI development practices.
  • Build rapid prototypes to validate AI approaches and deliver production-grade applications.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to establish robust AI pipelines and APIs.
  • Influence senior leadership by aligning AI initiatives with enterprise strategy and communicating effectively.
  • Mentor junior talent to foster technical excellence and continuous learning.

Benefits

  • Regular team meetings and one-on-one sessions with managers for focused discussions.
  • Networking opportunities with diverse Business Resource Groups.
  • Access to learning resources and content on various platforms.
  • Valued ethics and integrity within a stable ethical business environment.
Full Job Description
The Opportunity

MassMutual's AI & Data Science team is seeking an impact-driven Lead AI Engineer to join our high-performing, cross-functional team. In this role, you will lead the design, deployment, and production scaling of advanced AI solutions that solve complex, high-value problems across the enterprise. You'll architect and deliver generative AI, agentic AI, and LLM-based systems by applying rigorous scientific methods, writing high-quality production code, and communicating results to senior leadership.

The Team

This is a unique opportunity to work alongside experts in applied AI, statistics, and computer science. The team operates at the intersection of cutting-edge research and enterprise delivery, building AI solutions that shape the future of MassMutual and the life insurance industry at large. We partner closely with technology and business stakeholders across the organization, and we invest in growth through a culture of peer learning, candid feedback, and shared technical standards. This team is defined by a shared commitment to scientific and engineering excellence, meaningful work, and the kind of collaboration that makes challenging problems tractable.

The Impact
  • Architect, build, and lead end-to-end AI solutions supporting a range of enterprise use cases-from ideation through production deployment and monitoring-using LLMs, agentic AI, machine learning, and probabilistic modeling, with accountability for reliability, performance, and maintainability.
  • Design and conduct rigorous evaluations of AI system performance, including experimentation, benchmarking across foundation models, and quantitative analysis, to validate approaches and inform technical decisions.
  • Drive innovation by identifying emerging technologies, translating cutting-edge research into practical applications, and establishing team-wide best practices in AI development and responsible AI deployment.
  • Build rapid prototypes to test and validate AI approaches and deliver production-grade AI-powered applications (e.g., intelligent interfaces, dashboards, automated workflows) when solutions prove viable.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to build robust, production-grade AI pipelines and APIs that integrate into the broader enterprise technology ecosystem.
  • Influence senior leadership by aligning AI initiatives with enterprise strategy and communicating complex technical concepts and findings in clear, actionable terms.
  • Mentor and develop junior talent, fostering a culture of technical excellence, scientific rigor, and continuous learning across the team.

The Minimum Qualifications
  • 3+ years of experience in data science, machine learning, or AI engineering, with a track record of delivering impactful AI/ML solutions at scale.
  • Deep expertise in machine learning, statistics, NLP, and LLMs, including generative AI, agentic architectures, prompt engineering, and LLM evaluation across a variety of foundation models and benchmarks.
  • Demonstrated ability to build, deploy, and scale production AI systems from architecture planning through orchestration, monitoring, and end-user delivery.
  • Strong programming skills in Python, with the ability to write clean, well-tested, production-quality code, including familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, and other orchestration and deployment frameworks.
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related quantitative field.

The Ideal Qualifications
  • Familiarity with agentic AI tooling ecosystems, such as Bedrock AgentCore, AWS Strands, Azure, and MCP/A2A protocols.
  • Experience developing and evaluating AI systems in a regulated industry, with a strong understanding of compliance and privacy standards.
  • Breadth across AI and data science methods-including classical ML, causal inference, optimization, and Bayesian approaches-with comfort moving across techniques as problems demand.
  • Proficiency in SQL and database design; familiarity with cloud-native data platforms, vector databases, and semantic search.
  • Exceptional ability to translate complex AI concepts and quantitative findings into clear insights for non-technical stakeholders and senior leadership.
  • Exceptional research credentials, such as published work, significant open-source contributions, or a strong record of scientific rigor applied in industry.

What to Expect as Part of MassMutual and the Team
  • Regular meetings with the AI & Data Science team
  • Focused one-on-one meetings with your manager
  • Networking opportunities including access to Asian, Hispanic/Latinx, African American, women, LGBTQIA+, veteran and disability-focused Business Resource Groups
  • Access to learning content on Degreed and other informational platforms
  • Your ethics and integrity will be valued by a company with a strong and stable ethical business with industry leading pay and benefits


#LI-MC

Salary Range:
$172,000-$225,700

At MassMutual, we focus on ensuring fair equitable pay, by providing competitive salaries, along with incentive and bonus opportunities for all employees. Your total compensation package includes either a bonus target or in a sales-focused role a Variable Incentive Compensation component.

About Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual)

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) Careers

Joining the team at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) offers more than just a job; it opens the door to a world of job opportunities where professional growth and personal development are encouraged and nurtured. Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) stands as a beacon of innovation, leadership, and diversity in the insurance industry.

Explore Career Opportunities

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) is actively hiring and offers a variety of positions that cater to different skills and career aspirations. From entry-level roles to leadership positions, the company seeks passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Explore the numerous job opportunities at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) to find a position that matches your skills and interests.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual)'s internship programs. These opportunities provide invaluable industry experience, networking prospects, and a chance to work on real projects that impact the company and its clients. Internships at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) are a stepping stone to full-time employment and offer a deep dive into the culture and operations of a leading insurance provider.

Employee Benefits and Culture

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) is committed to supporting its team members not only in their professional lives but also in their personal growth. The company offers comprehensive benefits designed to nurture the well-being of its employees and their families. The culture at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and diversity, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Professional Development and Growth

Career growth at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) is propelled by continuous learning and development opportunities. The company invests in diversity training, leadership programs, and innovation workshops to ensure that every team member has the resources to advance their career. Employees are encouraged to expand their knowledge base and acquire new skills through various training and development programs.

Networking and Innovation

At Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), networking and innovation go hand in hand. Employees are encouraged to connect with colleagues and industry professionals, enhancing their career prospects and contributing to the company's leadership in the market. The collaborative environment ensures that innovative ideas are shared and celebrated.

Join the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) Team

Search open positions that align with your career goals at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). Prepare your resume, hone your interview skills, and get ready to join a team that values leadership and professional growth. Discover how Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) can transform your career aspirations into reality.

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