Data Engineer, AI & Automation

Sound Income Strategies is seeking a Data Engineer, AI & Automation to modernize operational data infrastructure, reporting, and business workflows. This role is a hands-on owner of backend data engineering and applied AI automation, reporting to the Chief Technology Officer.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain backend data pipelines, integrations, and data models in Snowflake to support accurate, accessible operational data.
• Work within the existing data aggregation architecture and integrate and reconcile information from custodians such as Schwab, trading platforms such as Orion, portfolio reporting systems such as Black Diamond, and supplemental sources.
• Analyze source data, investigate discrepancies, and implement validation, reconciliation, and quality checks to ensure reporting and downstream applications use complete, accurate information.
• Translate complex data into business outputs and partner with internal stakeholders and front-end contributors to validate dashboards, reports, and application functionality.
• Meet with Operations and other SIS teams to understand manual processes, define requirements, and prioritize improvements with the CTO.
• Build and deploy backend services, internal tools, and automations that improve operational efficiency and reduce repetitive manual work.
• Develop and deploy production AI functionality using Anthropic Claude, including document retrieval, text extraction, document understanding, and multi-step workflows.
• Implement and maintain Model Context Protocol (MCP) integrations connecting AI applications to approved tools and data sources, including appropriate permissions and human review.
• Use managed model platforms such as Snowflake Cortex, Amazon Bedrock, Google Vertex AI, or comparable services to support practical business applications.
• Own solutions from requirements and design through testing, deployment, documentation, user adoption, and ongoing support.
• Monitor data pipelines and AI workflows, troubleshoot failures, evaluate output accuracy, and improve reliability, performance, and operating costs.
• Implement access controls, logging, and appropriate safeguards for sensitive client and financial data in collaboration with the CTO and Compliance.
• Participate in vendor and platform implementation meetings to learn existing systems and coordinate technical dependencies across internal teams and external partners.
• Maintain clear technical documentation and user guidance, communicating priorities, progress, risks, and results to technical and nontechnical stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of software engineering experience in backend, data-intensive, or workflow automation systems, including independent ability to build, deploy, and maintain production solutions.
• Strong hands-on proficiency in Snowflake, SQL, and a backend programming language such as Python, including experience with data modeling, APIs, and data pipelines.
• Hands-on experience integrating Claude into production business applications, including document retrieval, text extraction, and document understanding.
• Practical experience implementing MCP integrations and working with a managed model platform such as Snowflake Cortex, Amazon Bedrock, Google Vertex AI, or a comparable service.
• Demonstrated ownership of production LLM-powered functionality or agentic workflows, including output evaluation, failure handling, cost management, and appropriate human review.
• Experience handling sensitive data in a regulated or high-trust environment, with strong analytical, troubleshooting, and data quality skills.
• A track record of translating operational needs into practical, maintainable tools, with strong communication, documentation, collaboration, and prioritization skills.

Technologies

• Snowflake
• SQL
• Python
• Anthropic Claude
• Model Context Protocol (MCP)
• Snowflake Cortex
• Amazon Bedrock
• Google Vertex AI
• Schwab
• Orion
• Black Diamond

Benefits

• 100% employer-covered medical benefits and an HRA account
• Dental & vision plans
• PTO plus 10 NYSE company holidays per year
• 401K with a company match program
• Free onsite parking
• Company-provided laptop and required technology
• Access to an on-site gym (free of charge)
• Weekly car wash available at an additional cost

Location, Hours, and Classification

• Location: Fort Lauderdale HQ | On-site
• Work style: Full-time onsite; remote candidates are not being considered
• Hours: Full-time
• FLSA classification: Exempt
• Department: Sound Income Strategies

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work for extended periods at a desk using a computer
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds if/when necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in financial services preferred but not required
• Familiarity with RIA operations, custodian data, trading systems, or portfolio reporting platforms
• Experience with cloud-based data aggregation platforms and vendor-supported application environments
• Ability to contribute across the application stack when a business solution requires it