R&D Engineer

About Company

Samaritan Ministries is a Biblical solution to health care. It is not insurance. We deliver authentic, compassionate, and personal service in the name of Christ to enable and inspire members to provide for one another’s medical needs through prayer, encouragement, and financial support.

From demonstrating Christ-centered compassion to modeling best practices in health care sharing, Samaritan Ministries is committed to keeping Jesus at the center of everything we do. The way we interact with our colleagues and engage with our members is a testament that we are ultimately serving Christ and His Kingdom.

Summary

To serve the members of Samaritan Ministries International (SMI) by developing and implementing innovative technology solutions using emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and machine learning. The R&D Engineer works closely with the R&D Manager and cross-functional teams to prototype, test, and refine new solutions that enhance ministry operations and member experience. This role focuses on hands-on development of experimental systems and proof-of-concept applications to evaluate the viability of new technologies for ministry use.

Competencies

• Acting with Integrity, Empathy, and Compassion
• Collaborating with Others
• Neighbor Focus
• Pursuing Excellence
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Problem Solving
• Creativity and Innovation
• Presentation
• Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop prototypes using AI, machine learning, and other emerging technologies to address ministry operational needs
• Build proof-of-concept applications and experimental systems to validate new technological approaches
• Implement AI-powered solutions for various ministry departments including Program, Marketing, Member Services, and IT
• Conduct technical research on emerging technologies and evaluate their potential applications within the ministry context
• Develop and maintain technical documentation for prototypes, experiments, and research findings
• Analyze experimental data and provide insights to guide technology adoption decisions
• Participate in knowledge sharing activities including technical presentations and collaborative sessions with ministry staff
• Support cross-functional teams in understanding and leveraging new technologies Write clean, maintainable code for prototypes and experimental systems
• Assist in testing and quality assurance of developed solutions
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of R&D processes and methodologies
• Stay current with advancements in AI, machine learning, and relevant technology domains

Qualifications and Experience

• Four-year degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related field from an accredited university, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2-4 years of professional experience in AI/ML implementation, software development, data science, or related technical field
• Previous experience in R&D or innovation-focused roles
• Background in healthcare, insurance, or related industry
• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or related field preferred
• Proficiency in Python programming with experience in data science libraries
• Strong SQL skills for database querying and data manipulation
• Experience with machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn) and AI platforms (OpenAI, Azure AI, AWS AI services)
• Solid understanding of ML algorithms including neural networks, transformers, regression, and classification models
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and databases (MS SQL Server, MySQL, or PostgreSQL)
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau)
• Working knowledge of version control systems (Git) and agile development methodologies
• Strong Statistical Analysis and data science methodology knowledge
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on complex technical challenges
• Proven track record of quickly learning and applying new technologies
• Full-stack development experience including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (preferred)
• Expertise in API design, development, and integration (preferred)
• Hands-on experience with natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision applications (preferred)
• Experience with big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop, Databricks) Background in Healthcare, insurance, or related industry Previous experience in R&D or innovation-focused roles(preferred)
• Experience with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) (preferred)
• Knowledge of MLOps and model deployment practices (preferred)

Additional Information

• Tasks are normally conducted in a regular office environment, requiring use of computer and mouse and other standard office equipment. Staff usually remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Staff will observe safety principles while performing the duties of the position
• Staff may be required to travel and have a valid driver's license
• This position requires an active commitment to the mission and values of SMI. In the course of performing job duties, the employee will act in a manner that is Christ-honoring as well as Christ-like, demonstrating a personal Christian faith and witness in all interpersonal interactions.