Are you passionate about advancing AI research to solve complex real-world problems? Do you excel at evaluating large language models (LLMs) and fine-tuning strategies to optimize performance? Are you eager to shape the future of AI at Ridgeline by designing frameworks, tools, and innovative solutions that leverage cutting-edge technology?
If so, we invite you to join our innovative team.

As a Senior Staff AI Research Engineer on the AI Platform team, you will lead research initiatives to evaluate, fine-tune, and design frameworks for large-scale AI systems, with a focus on enhancing Ridgeline’s platform capabilities. Your expertise will contribute to developing retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) techniques, fine-tuning models for specific use cases, and exploring the trade-offs between language models. This role will also involve long-term projects to train proprietary models that align with Ridgeline’s vision for transforming the investment management industry.

What will you do?

• Evaluate various large language models (LLMs) to identify optimal solutions for Ridgeline’s use cases.
• Research and implement retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and related techniques to improve the accessibility and relevance of information used by AI features.
• Design, establish, and maintain scalable model evaluation practices and frameworks.
• Develop fine-tuning strategies for LLMs, tailoring them for domain-specific applications.
• Compare the performance of small language models (SLMs) with large language models (LLMs) to inform platform design decisions.
• Lead long-term projects to develop and train proprietary models, setting the foundation for future AI innovations.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate AI solutions into Ridgeline’s enterprise-grade systems.
• Stay at the forefront of AI advancements, advocating for the adoption of new tools and methodologies where appropriate.

Desired Skills and Experience

• 8+ years of experience in AI/ML research and development, focusing on language models and natural language processing.
• Deep expertise in LLM fine-tuning, RAG methods, and AI model evaluation techniques.
• Proficiency in Python and frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Familiarity with deploying machine learning models on cloud platforms like AWS (preferred), GCP, or Azure.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with experience in developing scalable, high-performance solutions.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively convey complex technical concepts.
• A degree in computer science or related technical discipline.

Bonus

• A master’s degree or PhD in AI/ML, data science, or a related field.
• Experience training proprietary AI models from scratch.
• Background in financial technology or knowledge of the investment management domain.

About Ridgeline

Ridgeline is the industry cloud platform for investment management. It was founded by visionary tech entrepreneur Dave Duffield (co-founder of both PeopleSoft and Workday) to apply his successful formula of solving operational business challenges with bold innovation and human connectivity to the unique needs of the investment management industry. 

Ridgeline started with a clean sheet of paper and a deep bench of experts bound by a set of core values and motivated to revolutionize an industry underserved by its current tech offerings. We are building a new, modern platform in the public cloud, purpose-built for the investment management industry and we are prioritizing security, agility, and usability to empower business like never before.

With a growing campus in Reno and offices in New York, Lake Tahoe, and the Bay Area, Ridgeline is proud to have built a fast-growing, people-first company that has been recognized by Fast Company as a “Best Workplace for Innovators,” by The Software Report as a “Top 100 Software Company,” and by Forbes as one of “America’s Best Startup Employers.”

Ridgeline is proud to be a community-minded, discrimination-free equal opportunity workplace.

Ridgeline processes the information you submit in connection with your application in accordance with the Ridgeline Applicant Privacy Statement. Please review the Ridgeline Applicant Privacy Statement in full to understand our privacy practices and contact us with any questions.

Compensation and Benefits 

[For New York and California Based Only]

The typical starting salary range for new hires in this role is listed below.  In select locations (including, the San Francisco Bay Area, CA, and the New York City Metro Area), an alternate range may apply as specified below. 

The typical starting salary range for this role is: $200,000-$232,500. 

The typical starting salary range for this role in the select locations listed above is: $205,000-$242,500.

Final compensation amounts are determined by multiple factors, including candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the amount listed above. 

As an employee at Ridgeline, you’ll have many opportunities for advancement in your career and can make a true impact on the product. In addition to the base salary, 100% of Ridgeline employees can participate in our Company Stock Plan subject to the applicable Stock Option Agreement. We also offer rich benefits that reflect the kind of organization we want to be: one in which our employees feel valued and are inspired to bring their best selves to work. These include unlimited vacation, educational and wellness reimbursements, and $0 cost employee insurance plans. Please check out our Careers page for a more comprehensive overview of our perks and benefits.

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