Applied AI ML Director - Data Platform

Location: Palo Alto, CA, United States

Job Family: Predictive Science

About the Role

At JP Morgan Chase, we are at the forefront of reimagining the future of financial services through technology, and our Applied AI ML Director - Data Platform role in Predictive Science is pivotal to this mission. Based in our innovative Palo Alto, CA hub, you will set the strategic direction for AI/ML across the firm, driving critical programs that leverage data platforms to power tech-driven innovations in banking, investment, and asset management. As a leader in this role, you will spearhead the integration of advanced machine learning models into our global operations, enhancing capabilities in areas like real-time fraud detection, predictive risk modeling, and personalized client experiences. Your work will directly contribute to JP Morgan's commitment to ethical AI, ensuring our solutions are robust, compliant with financial regulations, and deliver tangible value to our clients and stakeholders worldwide. In this director-level position, you will lead a high-performing team of AI engineers, data scientists, and platform architects, fostering a culture of innovation within our Data Platform organization. Responsibilities include architecting scalable infrastructure for AI workloads, collaborating with cross-functional partners to align on business priorities, and championing the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like generative AI and federated learning tailored to the financial sector's unique demands. You will navigate complex challenges such as data sovereignty, model explainability, and high-frequency trading requirements, all while optimizing for performance and cost in a cloud-hybrid environment. This role offers the opportunity to influence firm-wide strategies, working alongside C-suite leaders to shape JP Morgan's AI roadmap and drive competitive advantages in a rapidly evolving fintech landscape. We seek a visionary leader passionate about applied AI in finance, with a proven ability to translate technical expertise into strategic business outcomes. Join JP Morgan Chase to be part of a collaborative, inclusive culture that values diversity and empowers you to make a lasting impact on global finance. This position not only challenges you to push the boundaries of predictive science but also provides unparalleled resources for professional growth in one of the world's leading financial institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the strategic vision for Applied AI/ML within JP Morgan Chase's Data Platform, aligning with firm-wide technology goals in predictive science
• Lead the development and deployment of scalable AI/ML models for financial applications, including predictive analytics for market trends and risk assessment
• Oversee cross-functional teams to build robust data pipelines and platforms that support AI-driven innovations in trading, compliance, and customer insights
• Drive critical programs to integrate AI/ML into core banking operations, ensuring seamless scalability and performance in a global financial ecosystem
• Collaborate with senior executives to identify high-impact AI opportunities, such as fraud detection systems or personalized financial advisory tools
• Champion ethical AI practices and regulatory compliance, mitigating risks in model deployment across JP Morgan's diverse portfolio
• Foster innovation by mentoring talent and partnering with external research entities to advance JP Morgan's leadership in fintech AI
• Monitor and optimize AI/ML infrastructure for cost-efficiency and reliability, leveraging cloud-native technologies in a secure financial environment
• Report on program progress and ROI to C-suite stakeholders, influencing firm-wide tech investments in data platforms

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field
• 10+ years of experience in AI/ML leadership roles, with at least 5 years in a director-level position within a large-scale enterprise environment
• Proven track record of leading AI/ML initiatives in the financial services industry, including risk modeling, fraud detection, or algorithmic trading
• Deep expertise in building and scaling data platforms for AI/ML workloads, with hands-on experience in cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance in finance, such as GDPR, CCPA, and SEC requirements for AI systems
• Experience managing cross-functional teams of data scientists, engineers, and product managers in a high-stakes, fast-paced setting
• Demonstrated ability to drive strategic AI innovations that deliver measurable business impact, such as cost savings or revenue growth

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience at a major financial institution like JP Morgan Chase or similar, leading AI/ML for data platforms
• Publications or contributions to AI/ML conferences/journals, particularly in applied predictive science for finance
• Expertise in ethical AI practices, including bias mitigation and explainable AI in regulated environments
• Familiarity with JP Morgan's internal tools and frameworks for data governance and ML operations (MLOps)
• MBA or business acumen in fintech, with experience translating technical strategies into business outcomes

Required Skills

• Expertise in machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn
• Proficiency in big data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, and Kafka for data platform management
• Strong knowledge of cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) for AI/ML deployment
• Experience with MLOps tools like Kubeflow, MLflow, or Airflow for model lifecycle management
• Advanced Python/R programming skills for data analysis and model development
• Understanding of financial modeling, including time-series forecasting and NLP for market sentiment analysis
• Leadership and team management in agile environments
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving for complex business challenges
• Communication skills for presenting technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Knowledge of data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, SOX) in financial services
• Experience with vector databases and generative AI for predictive applications
• Project management using methodologies like Scrum or SAFe
• Analytical mindset for optimizing AI performance metrics
• Collaboration across engineering, data science, and business teams
• Innovation in applying AI to fintech use cases like algorithmic trading

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonuses tied to firm and individual contributions
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans with employer contributions
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with generous company matching up to 6% of eligible compensation
• Paid time off including vacation, sick days, and parental leave policies
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees and AI/ML certifications
• Employee stock purchase plan and access to JP Morgan's internal learning platforms
• Wellness programs with gym memberships, mental health support, and financial wellness counseling
• Relocation assistance for moves to Palo Alto, CA, including housing support and visa sponsorship if applicable

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.