Staff AI Data Platform Engineer
Job description
About the role
Ridgeline is seeking a skilled engineer to join our team and contribute to the development of our AI data platform. This position involves hands-on engineering work that will have a significant impact on our business by enhancing how we manage and utilize data. You will play a key role in shaping the architecture that supports secure integrations and AI functionalities.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Develop and implement secure Model Context Protocols (MCPs) and API integrations that link Ridgeline's data sources to essential business functions.
- Transition the team's focus from merely connecting systems to owning the architecture for data storage, persistence, and connectivity, thereby influencing Ridgeline's overall data strategy.
- Advance the AI platform by contributing to the development of model provider gateways, RAG pipelines, and vector database solutions that maintain Ridgeline's competitive edge.
- Elevate team standards by bringing your expertise to the table, mentoring colleagues, and helping to establish higher technical benchmarks as the team grows.
Requirements
- Over 7 years of experience in senior-level engineering roles, demonstrating a history of managing projects from inception to resolution.
- Proven ability in designing and scaling distributed systems, with a solid understanding of the balance between consistency, availability, and performance.
- Direct experience in building secure API integrations, with the capability to extend this knowledge to newer protocols such as MCPs, including familiarity with security practices like OAuth 2.0 and SSO.
- Strong understanding of AI technologies, with practical experience using AI coding tools in your workflow and a deep knowledge of AI applications.
- Proficient with modern data platforms beyond traditional relational databases, including technologies like Snowflake and vector databases such as Pinecone and Weaviate.
- Knowledge of data lineage, access control, and data quality practices, particularly in the context of the investment management sector.
- A collaborative mindset, valuing teamwork and mutual support over individual brilliance.
- Fundamental skills in cloud engineering (AWS), infrastructure-as-code (Terraform or similar), and the ability to write high-quality code in Python or a similar language.
Nice to have
- Familiarity with RAG pipelines, large language models (LLMs), and vector database implementations in a production environment.
- Experience with model provider gateways or local/open-source model routing, understanding their applications and contexts.
- Engagement in personal AI projects, such as running local models or developing agent-to-agent workflows.
- Background in mentoring or enhancing the skills of junior and mid-level engineers.
The Team You're Joining
You will be part of a small, high-performing group of three engineers. Collaboration will extend across various teams, including security and platform engineering, allowing you the freedom to innovate and create modern solutions rather than simply following directives. You will be expected to maintain an engineering-first approach, staying updated with industry trends while enjoying the autonomy to tackle challenging problems.
Compensation and Benefits
The expected salary range for this position is $138,500 to $173,000. Compensation is influenced by various factors, including your experience and expertise, and may differ from the stated range.
At Ridgeline, you will have numerous opportunities for career advancement and the chance to make a significant impact on our products. In addition to your base salary, you will have access to our Company Stock Plan, subject to the relevant agreements. We also provide comprehensive benefits that reflect our commitment to our employees, including unlimited vacation, educational and wellness reimbursements, and zero-cost employee insurance plans. For a detailed overview of our benefits, please visit our Careers page.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
Ridgeline is committed to a workplace that is free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.
We take pride in fostering a community-minded and discrimination-free environment. Your application information will be processed in accordance with the Ridgeline Applicant Privacy Statement, which outlines our privacy practices. Please review this statement to understand how we handle your information and reach out with any questions.
About the company
Long narrow elevated forms define our work, with steep sides falling from a narrow crest. Height above surroundings ranges minimally to great spans. Origins vary, formed by deposit, erosion, or tectonics, using bedrock, sediment, lava, or ice. Ridges stand alone or link within larger systems. Smaller elements often branch from these features. Understanding these variables guides our approach. Site conditions, structure, and material shape each project. Clients gain precise mapping and clear analysis. Current needs drive solutions that respect natural layout and scale, supporting decisions with clear, factual terrain interpretation.