Digital & AI / ML Lead Engineer

At Franklin Templeton, we’re driving our industry forward by developing new and innovative ways to help our clients achieve their investment goals. Our dynamic and diversified firm spans asset management, wealth management, and fintech, offering many ways to help investors make progress toward their goals. Our talented teams working around the globe bring expertise that’s both broad and unique. From our welcoming, inclusive, and flexible culture to our global and diverse business, we offer opportunities not only to help you reach your potential but also to contribute to our clients’ achievements.

Come join us in delivering better outcomes for our clients around the world!

This is a Product & Solution development role that requires deep expertise in Optimization techniques, Advanced Math and requires hands-on expertise in Python programming as an Object-Oriented Programming language, a passion for Research, ability to understand underlying mathematical and stochastic models and an understanding of APIs used in SaaS Product development. The role would look at advancing the algorithm and create new investment product variants centered around usage of Dynamic Programming models and AI/ML algorithms such as Reinforcement Learning and Neural networks against a stochastic framework. The developed algorithm (code) would go into creating new capabilities for a B2B2C wealth Tech product offered via SaaS, on-premises or offline modes. Additionally, the role would also have the potential to work on Generative AI and LLM models and other AI/ML frameworks to solve for specific business problems.

What is the “Lead Digital & AI/ML Engineer” in the FTT AI & Digital Transformation group responsible for?

• The FTT AI & Digital Transformation group is a newly established team within Franklin Templeton Technologies, the Technology function within Franklin Templeton Investments. The core mandate of this role is to bring innovative digital investment products and solutions to market leveraging a patented and innovative digital wealthtech/fintech product - Goals Optimization Engine (GOE) - built with several years of academic research in mathematical optimization, probability theory and AI techniques at its core.

• The mandate also extends to leveraging cutting edge AI such as Generative AI in addition to Reactive AI to create value within various business functions within Franklin Templeton such as Investment Solutions, Portfolio Management, Sales & Distribution, Marketing, HR functions among others in a responsible and appropriate manner. The possibilities are limitless here and this would be a fantastic opportunity for self-motivated and driven professionals to make significant contributions to the organization and to themselves.

What are the ongoing responsibilities of a Lead Digital & AI/ML Engineer?

Product Design, Product Development, AI/ML Engineering (60%)

Core:

• Ability to contribute independently towards developing various code modules of a SaaS product brought to market via various deployment modes.

• Ability to learn quickly concepts in advanced mathematical finance and be able to contribute effectively.

• Adhere to product development best practices and to Object Oriented Programming methodology.

• Expertise in Python as a programming language (not for its libraries)

• Understanding of Dynamic Programming methodology and Reinforcement learning techniques including Deep learning, Q learning and neural networks are a definite plus.

• A good understanding of working with APIs, constructing request and response payloads and working with json files in general.

• Familiarity with working on cloud platforms such as Amazon AWS and Data platforms such as Databricks and SnowFlake

Tactical:

• Ability to work effectively under supervision and develop product modules exactly to design specifications.

• Ability to lead multiple project modules and operate seamlessly with cross functional teams to gather business requirements and design solutions

• Ability to guide junior team members and provide mentorship.

• Ability to design, develop, test and document the product features or capabilities developed to standards.

• Being able to provide rapid fixes to any bugs/issues identified in the product or deployments.

• Ability to design complex algorithmic elements that is required to work in tandem with other code modules.

• Demonstrate structured thinking and exceptional problem-solving abilities.

• Develop and maintain software documentation, including design specifications, user guides and manuals.

Release Management, Presentations, Continuous improvement, Contributing to research: (40%)

• Actively participate in Release discussions, prioritizations, status reporting

• Ability to create well-articulated presentations to explain the work

• Help and collaborate with the research team with ideas, algorithmic inputs, back-testing, proof of concepts and pseudo code where necessary.

What ideal qualifications, skills and experience would help someone to be successful? 

• Bachelor’s and master's degree in engineering/technology/mathematics/Statistics/related disciplines from Tier 1 universities/institutes in India or abroad.

• Relevant industry certifications such as CFA, CQF will be looked at favorably

Experience Core Skills:

• 5-8 years of experience in product development or core programming roles.

• Should have worked in SaaS products using Python as a programming language

• Exceptionally good mathematical skills.

• Excellent Team player and demonstrate the ability to work in ambiguity and thrive in chaos.

• Self-motivated and driven with a heightened sense of ownership and accountability

Experience Soft Skills:

• Proven ability to take initiative and work under pressure in a changing/growing environment.

• A passion to keep oneself abreast of the latest technological advancements and suggest ways to improve ways of working.

• Exceptional decision-making skills: Ability to prioritize across needs given limited resources

• Thrives in a startup like environment: loves dealing with fast pace and changing needs

• Ability to create relationships both inside and outside of the Product organization

• Excellent story telling/articulation skills along with the capacity to dive into minute details.

• Superlative communication and consensus building skills.

Job Level - Individual Contributor

Work Shift Timings - 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM IST