Applied Researcher II (AI Foundations, LLM Core and Agentic AI)

Capital One is hiring an Applied Researcher II specializing in AI Foundations, LLM Core and Agentic AI, based in Prince, Manhattan, US. This role offers a competitive salary of $313,730.62 and focuses on building trustworthy, reliable AI systems for banking.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop large‑language model (LLM) architectures and agentic AI frameworks that power real‑time banking services.
• Conduct applied research to improve model safety, interpretability, and robustness across Capital One’s AI product portfolio.
• Collaborate with data scientists, engineers, and product teams to integrate research outcomes into production pipelines.
• Publish findings in internal and external venues, contributing to the broader AI community.
• Mentor junior researchers and foster a culture of scientific rigor and ethical AI development.

Required Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Machine Learning, AI, or a related field.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience with large‑scale language models, reinforcement learning, or agentic AI.
• Strong publication record in top AI conferences or journals.
• Proficiency in Python, PyTorch/TensorFlow, and cloud‑based ML platforms.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to translate research into scalable production solutions.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with AI safety, bias mitigation, and model governance.
• Background in financial services or fintech applications.
• Familiarity with MLOps, CI/CD for ML, and distributed training.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary: $313,730.62 annually. Capital One provides comprehensive health, dental, vision plans, 401(k) matching, generous paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for continuous learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of AI research will I work on at Capital One?

You will focus on large‑language models, agentic AI, and AI safety to create trustworthy banking solutions.

Is a PhD required for this position?

A PhD in a relevant field or equivalent industry experience is required.

What benefits does Capital One offer?

Capital One provides health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and continuous learning programs.