Principal AI Engineer, Payments

Job Summary

GoodLeap is seeking a Principal AI Engineer, Payments to lead the design and implementation of cutting‑edge artificial intelligence solutions for its payment platforms. This senior technical role is based in Irvine, Orange County, US, with a competitive salary of $124,707 per year.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect, develop, and deploy AI/ML models that optimize payment processing, fraud detection, and risk management.
• Lead a cross‑functional team of data scientists, engineers, and product managers to deliver end‑to‑end AI solutions.
• Collaborate with the Payments and Finance departments to translate business requirements into scalable technical designs.
• Establish best practices for model monitoring, performance tuning, and continuous improvement.
• Stay current with emerging AI technologies and drive innovation across the payments ecosystem.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Statistics, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in AI/ML engineering, with a proven track record of leading large‑scale projects.
• Deep expertise in payment systems, financial services, or fintech environments.
• Proficiency in Python, TensorFlow/PyTorch, and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure).
• Strong knowledge of data pipelines, big‑data tools, and API integration.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

What GoodLeap Offers

• Competitive salary of $124,707 per year.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous 401(k) matching and equity participation.
• Flexible remote‑hybrid work environment.
• Opportunity to impact sustainable energy financing at scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of AI projects will I work on at GoodLeap?

You will develop and deploy machine learning models for payment optimization, fraud detection, risk scoring, and predictive analytics across GoodLeap’s financing platforms.

Is remote work possible for this role?

GoodLeap offers a flexible hybrid model, allowing you to work from the Irvine office and remotely as needed.

What qualifications are essential for this position?

An advanced degree in a quantitative field, 10+ years of AI/ML engineering experience, expertise in payment systems, and strong leadership abilities are required.