Automation & Innovation Manager

MiQ • Chicago, IL

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

MiQ is seeking a hands-on AI builder to lead the design and development of AI-powered applications, internal tools, and automation solutions across the company. This technical people-manager role combines architecture and application development with team leadership; it is not a pure project-management or research position. The manager will remain close to technical details while building applications, mentoring team members, and helping the business understand the possibilities of modern AI technologies.

The role partners with stakeholders across MiQ to identify opportunities for AI-enabled improvement, deliver scalable solutions, and shape the company’s long-term AI innovation approach. It includes providing technical direction, prioritization, coaching, and career support to the existing Automation & Innovation team member.

The position is listed in New York, NY and Chicago, IL. MiQ describes its work environment as hybrid. For individuals hired to work in New York City, the stated base compensation range is $140,000 to $180,000; the range may differ outside NYC and excludes bonus or commission structures.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in software engineering, solutions architecture, AI/ML engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience designing and building production software applications.
• Strong understanding of software architecture, APIs, cloud infrastructure, and system design.
• Hands-on programming experience with Python and modern development frameworks.
• Experience working with AWS and modern data platforms such as Databricks.
• Experience integrating third-party systems and services through APIs.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to evaluate technical trade-offs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience mentoring developers or providing technical leadership.

Nice To Haves

• Experience building AI-powered applications using LLMs and modern AI frameworks.
• Experience with agentic AI architectures and workflow orchestration.
• Experience with Retool or similar internal application development platforms.
• AdTech, MarTech, media, analytics, or programmatic advertising experience.
• Familiarity with MLOps and production AI deployment practices.
• Experience managing or developing technical team members.

Responsibilities

• Build and deploy AI-powered applications that improve productivity, decision-making, and operational efficiency.
• Develop solutions using large language models, retrieval systems, agentic workflows, automation platforms, and modern AI frameworks.
• Prototype ideas and turn successful proofs of concept into production-ready applications.
• Partner with business stakeholders to solve operational challenges through technology.
• Define architecture and technical approaches for AI and automation initiatives.
• Evaluate platforms, tools, and technologies to identify appropriate solutions for use cases.
• Collaborate with internal and offshore development teams to ensure solutions are scalable, reliable, secure, and maintainable.
• Establish best practices for application development, deployment, documentation, and governance.
• Provide technical leadership, prioritization, coaching, and development for the existing Automation & Innovation team member.
• Mentor teammates and improve the quality, consistency, and delivery of solutions.
• Build a collaborative team culture focused on experimentation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Support hiring, onboarding, performance development, and capability building as the function grows.
• Identify opportunities to apply AI across MiQ’s workflows and operations.
• Stay current on emerging AI technologies and assess their potential business impact.
• Help shape the roadmap for internal AI products and capabilities.
• Champion experimentation, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
• Work with Product, Analytics, Trading, Operations, and Commercial teams.
• Translate business needs into technical requirements and solution designs.
• Communicate technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Support adoption through training, documentation, and change management.

Benefits

• Hybrid work environment.
• New-hire orientation with job-specific onboarding and training.
• Internal and global mobility opportunities.
• Competitive healthcare benefits.
• Bonus and performance incentives.
• Generous annual PTO and paid parental leave.
• Two additional paid days to acknowledge holidays, cultural events, or inclusion initiatives.
• Employee resource groups that connect people across MiQ regions, drive action, and support communities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed