Lead Python Engineer - AI/ML Systems

WorldQuant develops and deploys systematic financial strategies across a broad range of asset classes and global markets. We seek to produce high-quality predictive signals (alphas) through our proprietary research platform to employ financial strategies focused on market inefficiencies. Our teams work collaboratively to drive the production of alphas and financial strategies – the foundation of a balanced, global investment platform. WorldQuant is built on a culture that pairs academic sensibility with accountability for results. Employees are encouraged to think openly about problems, balancing intellectualism and practicality. Excellent ideas come from anyone, anywhere. Employees are encouraged to challenge conventional thinking and possess an attitude of continuous improvement. Our goal is to hire the best and the brightest. We value intellectual horsepower first and foremost, and people who demonstrate an outstanding talent. There is no roadmap to future success, so we need people who can help us build it. Technologists at WorldQuant research, design, code, test and deploy firmwide platforms and tooling while working collaboratively with researchers. Our environment is relaxed yet intellectually driven. We seek people who think in code and are motivated by being around like-minded people. The Role We are seeking an exceptional Lead Engineer to join a small team working on complex data pipelines, AI/ML systems, and cutting-edge software solutions. This role will be responsible for managing technical objectives, providing technical leadership, and maintaining a hands-on approach to development. The ideal candidate will work closely across teams within WorldQuant as part of our business-facing technology organization. A successful candidate will possess deep expertise in Python development, data engineering, software architecture, and design principles. They should be able to mentor junior team members, conduct code reviews, and drive architectural decisions. Experience with AI and large language models (LLMs) is highly desirable. What You'll Bring Master's degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field from a top-tier institution. 7+ years of experience as a Python developer, with a strong focus on data engineering and AI/ML systems. Expert-level knowledge of Python and its ecosystem, including experience with data processing libraries like Pandas, NumPy, and PySpark. Proficiency in designing and implementing scalable, maintainable, and efficient data pipelines. Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes). Expertise in version control systems (Git), CI/CD practices, and agile methodologies. Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Proven track record of mentoring junior engineers and fostering a collaborative team environment. Experience in the finance industry is a plus but not required. Experience with AI/ML frameworks such as PyTorch, or scikit-learn, LLM, agents or systems of agents is a significant plus. By submitting this application, you acknowledge and consent to terms of the WorldQuant Privacy Policy. The privacy policy offers an explanation of how and why your data will be collected, how it will be used and disclosed, how it will be retained and secured, and what legal rights are associated with that data (including the rights of access, correction, and deletion). The policy also describes legal and contractual limitations on these rights. The specific rights and obligations of individuals living and working in different areas may vary by jurisdiction. Copyright © 2025 WorldQuant, LLC. All Rights Reserved. WorldQuant is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation or preference, age, marital status, citizenship, national origin, disability, military status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other protected characteristic as established by applicable law.