Automation Engineer I at redwoodcu

Redwood Credit Union is seeking an Automation Engineer, who will design, build, and scale AI-powered automation systems that embed intelligence directly into enterprise workflows. Which includes applying large language models (LLMs), machine learning services, and applied AI techniques to automate complex decisions, interpret unstructured data, and augment human judgment improving operational efficiency, reducing risk, and enhancing both Member and team member experiences. This role is explicitly AI-first, rather than treating AI as an enhancement to traditional RPA, you will architect automation where intelligence is a core capability, using AI to reason, classify, extract insight, and drive outcomes across end-to-end processes. This is an ideal role for an engineer who enjoys hands-on development, cross-functional collaboration, and platform enablement building reusable AI patterns, scalable automation frameworks, and best practices that allow teams to operationalize AI safely and effectively across the enterprise. Key Responsibilities Intelligent Automation Delivery: o Build and maintain automations using appropriate tools and patterns (RPA, workflow, API-based orchestration, event-driven automation). o Develop AI-assisted automations (e.g., document understanding, classification, summarization, intelligent routing, and knowledge search) with robust evaluation and monitoring. o Integrate automations with enterprise systems (e.g., CRM, service management, document management, data platforms) using secure APIs and service accounts. o Implement guardrails for secure and responsible AI usage (data handling, access control, logging, redaction, and human-in-the-loop controls). o Define and measure automation outcomes (cycle time reduction, error rate reduction, SLA improvement, cost avoidance, customer/team satisfaction). Computer Operations: o Build observability: telemetry, dashboards, alerting, and runbooks for automation health and performance. o Establish CI/CD and release practices for automation workflows (version control, testing, approvals, rollback). o Troubleshoot and resolve issues; perform root-cause analysis; drive continuous improvement. o Support production releases and participate in change management processes. Technology Support: o  Facilitate discovery workshops to identify high-value automation opportunities and document requirements o Partner with Risk/Compliance and InfoSec to ensure automations meet auditability, privacy, and security requirements. o Assist with AI pilot programs and proof of concept initiatives, including testing and user feedback. o Contribute to an automation center-of-excellence approach: intake, prioritization, standards, documentation, and training. Join us and discover why you'll love working at Redwood Credit Union! ABOUT REDWOOD CREDIT UNION (RCU): At Redwood Credit Union, our mission is to passionately serve the best interests of our Members and communities. Since 1950, we have been dedicated to supporting the financial well-being of our Members through better rates, low or no fees, and best-in-class customer service. Our purpose is to inspire hope and elevate the financial well-being of our communities one person at a time, through good times and bad.   As a not-for-profit financial institution, we are committed to a people-first approach, which is reflected not only in how we serve our Members, but also in how we treat our employees. Our leadership team is deeply focused on fostering a culture of heart and empathy, integrity, passion, inclusion, meaningful relationships, excellence, and ensuring financial well-being for all.    Why work for Redwood Credit Union? •   27th largest credit union in the U.S. and the largest financial institution based in the North Bay •   Awarded a 5-Star Rating based on 6/30/24 financial data by Bauer Financial • Recognized by Newsweek as one of "America's Greatest Midsize Workplaces 2025" •   Recognized by Newsweek as one of "America's Best Credit Unions 2026" •   Top Corporate Philanthropists (#24) - San Francisco Business Times •   Voted Best Places to Work in the North Bay 20 years in a row •   World-class Employee Engagement scores •   Rated Superior in Service by more than 90% of Members, surveyed by SF Gate •   Industry leading Net Promoter Scores across the U.S.                                                       Minimum Qualification: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities • Strong proficiency in AI-friendly programming languages such as Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, C#, or PowerShell, with hands-on experience building services that orchestrate AI models, agents, and APIs. • Hands-on experience integrating AI/ML services or LLM platforms into production systems, including prompt orchestration, embeddings, vector search, document processing, or retrieval-augmented generation (RAG). • Experience designing AI-centric system integration patterns, including REST APIs, event-driven architectures, message queues, webhooks, and secure authentication mechanisms (OAuth, SSO, managed identities, service principals). • Solid understanding of data foundations for AI systems, including SQL, data pipelines (ETL/ELT), data quality, and working with structured and unstructured data (documents, text, logs). • Familiarity with AI governance, risk, and compliance concepts, such as model validation, data privacy, auditability, explainability, human-in-the-loop design, and responsible AI principles. • Experience applying software engineering best practices to AI systems, including Git-based version control, code reviews, testing strategies for AI workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and environment promotion. • Proven ability to translate business problems into AI-enabled solutions, clearly articulate trade-offs, and guide stakeholders on when AI is appropriate versus traditional deterministic automation. • Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to partner across technical and non-technical teams to drive adoption of safe, scalable, and explainable AI automation. Preferred Qualifications • Experience with AI/ML-enabled automation (LLMs, OCR/document AI, NLP, vector search/embeddings, chat/agent patterns). • Experience with automation platforms (e.g., Microsoft Power Automate/Power Platform, UiPath, Automation Anywhere) and/or cloud services (Azure/AWS/ GCP). • Knowledge of governance patterns for AI and automation in regulated environments (audit logs, model/prompt evaluation, PII controls). • Experience in financial services, fintech, or other regulated industries. • Exposure to IT service management practices (incident/problem/change, SLAs). The ideal candidate has a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in computer science or closely related field and a minimum of five years of experience designing and delivering automation solutions with a strong emphasis on applied-AI, intelligent decisioning, or AI-enhanced workflows (e.g. LLM-driven processes, document intelligence, conversational automation, or decision automation). Compensation: Base starting range: $115,037 to $151,561 annually commensurate with experience. Our base salary starting range is based on scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal peer equity. We offer a competitive total rewards package including a wide range of medical, dental, vision, financial, and other benefits. Redwood Credit Union offers a robust benefits package to our eligible employees including: •  Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance, mental health offerings •  Employee performance incentive plan • Salary Advancement– Merit increase based on performance • 401(k) program with employer match • Time Off- Competitive PTO accrual plus 11 paid company holidays and your birthday off! RCU Discounts and Perks: • RCU employees are eligible for a .75% discount off RCU standard collateral auto loans • RCU employees are eligible for a 1% discount on all recreational or boat loan products • 2% discount off Visas and LOC Loans through RCU • 0% interest loan to support employees with various immigration related expenses such as visa application fees and relocation costs. Loan amount up to $1,000. • 0% interest loan to support employees with expenses associated with the naturalization process. Loan amount up to $15,000. • 0% interest on garment, fitness, or home office equipment loan of up to $500 • 100% financing for employee purchased homes!   Physical Requirements: • Ability to stand, bend, stoop, sit, walk, twist, and turn. • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally. • Ability to use a computer keyboard and calculator. • Work environment is indoors; majority of the time is spent sitting at a desk. *Redwood Credit Union is not offering Visa transfers and/or sponsorships for this position.  Internal Team Members: If you are a current Team Member, please apply through the internal careers page located in RCUNET.                                                                                                       We are an Equal Opportunity Employer