AI Engineer Lead

Key Skills

Aartificial intelligence, Azure, Data science techniques, HuggingFace, Large Language Models - LLMs, Leadership Skill, Machine learning techniques, Natural Language Toolkit - NLTK, Python Programming, SQL

Job Description

As a Lead AI Engineer, you will be pivotal in driving the evolution of our AI-powered products and solutions, shaping the future of education through innovative technology. This position will lead the design, development and deployment of scalable solutions using Generative AI and Machine Learning foundational models. As a hands-on technical lead, you will guide the team in solving complex AI problems, architecting solutions for AI projects, and contributing to the successful implementation of AI strategy at Ascend. The Lead AI Engineer position will report to the Director of AI/ML and will work with the agile data science/AI team, and coordinate with other teams that have a stake in the development process.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

This position will work a hybrid schedule from our Leawood, KS office location.

HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIME

• Lead the deployment of Generative AI models into production, ensuring scalability and reliability
• Lead the team in building scalable, high-performance LLMOps pipelines.
• Design and co-own the Generative AI/ML system and project architecture, frameworks, tools, and processes
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and hands-on coding throughout the implementation phase, ensuring seamless integration of AI features
• Experience designing and implementing AI/ML models with feedback loops and automated re-training and fine-tuning pipelines
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product teams, data scientists, and data engineers, software engineers to integrate AI capabilities into existing and new products
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to team members, fostering a culture of growth and innovation
• Take ownership of defining project milestones, timelines, and ensuring successful delivery within specified deadlines
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of coding standards, best practices, and documentation
• Stay up to date with the latest AI Developments and trends

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Bachelor’ degree preferred in Computer Science/Artificial Intelligence or closely related field. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered
• 6+ years of progressive work experience in data and analytics, big data related positions with at least 3 years in developing and implementing Analytical applications
• Experience building and deploying LLM models, prompt engineering, context management, and embedding techniques using MS Azure cloud services
• Experience using analytics/ML tools such as Python, NLTK, HuggingFace, SQL, or Snowflake
• Proven ability to translate innovative ideas into practical, scalable solutions
• Intrinsic motivation with a strong desire to make a positive impact on the organization
• Excellent problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, and an aptitude for innovation
• Demonstrate leadership experience and lead a team of junior AI engineers
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
• Aspirations for professional development and growth opportunities
• Impact-oriented and user-focused, team-first mindset

BENEFITS

• Flexible and generous paid time off
• Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 401(k) employer matching program
• Parental leave
• Wellness resources
• Charitable matching program
• Hybrid work
• On-site workout facilities (Leawood, Gilbert, Burlington)
• Community outreach groups
• Tuition reimbursement

Fostering A Sense of Belonging

We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued and be their authentic selves. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging.

About Ascend Learning

As a tech-enabled services company, Ascend Learning is a national leader in developing and delivering data-driven online educational content, software, assessments, analytics, and simulations serving institutions, students and employers across healthcare, fitness and wellness, public and workplace safety, skilled trades, insurance, financial services, cybersecurity, and higher education. We're committed to accelerating the learning pathways that can move people into careers where they have the knowledge and skills to have an impact and help change lives in the communities they serve. Headquartered in Burlington, MA with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America's 2023 Greatest Workplaces for Diversity.