AI Developer: Tickle College of Engineering, Data Analytics & Technology - UTK

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

6d•$85,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Data Analytics & Technology Transformation, the AI Developer independently analyzes and solves complex technical problems and plays a key role in the design, development, deployment and maintenance of AI-driven solutions to support the Tickle College of Engineering (TCE). Working closely with the TCE Academic, Finance, and Research Data Analysts, college leadership, and faculty stakeholders, this position develops and implements projects and applications leveraging machine learning models, large language models (LLMs), APIs and database solutions that satisfy a variety of user needs — improving academic program efficiency, streamlining college business operations and supporting research initiatives across the college. The position works directly with stakeholders across the college to identify opportunity areas where AI and advanced analytics can add value, and to translate those needs into practical, well-scoped solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field.
2 years of relevant experience developing and deploying AI/ML models in a professional setting, or 6 years of equivalent combination of education, training and experience in data science aligned with AI/ML models, software engineering, computer engineering, or other information technology fields
Experience with database design and management using relational and/or graph databases
Experience with API development and system integration
Experience working with stakeholders to gather requirements and translate needs into technical solutions
Knowledge of AI/ML concepts, model development methodologies and deployment best practices
Knowledge of large language models (LLMs), generative AI concepts and practical application frameworks
Knowledge of database design and management using both graph and relational database platforms
Knowledge of API development, management and system integration best practices
Skills in programming languages relevant to AI/ML development, including Python
Skills in independently analyzing complex technical problems and formulating effective solutions
Skills in troubleshooting and debugging complex technical issues across applications and AI models
Skills in written and oral communications, including conveying technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
Skills in organization and multi-tasking across multiple concurrent projects
Ability to analyze problems, develop innovative AI-driven solutions and modify solutions when competing policies are present
Ability to provide excellent customer service and support to college stakeholders
Ability to develop and deliver training on AI tools, applications and best practices
Ability to learn and understand new AI systems, technologies and frameworks and apply them to real-world academic and operational challenges
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence or a related field.
AI/ML platform certifications (e.g., Azure AI, AWS ML).
4 or more years of progressively responsible experience in AI/ML development with demonstrated growth in complexity and scope of work with AI/ML models in a professional setting, or 10 years of equivalent combination of education, training and experience in data science aligned with AI/ML models, software engineering, computer engineering, or other information technology fields
Experience working in an academic, research, or higher education environment
Experience with large language models, generative AI or retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines in a production setting
Experience serving as a technical resource to non-technical stakeholders to identify needs and translate them into AI-driven solutions
Knowledge of machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch
Knowledge of vector databases (e.g., Pinecone, Weaviate, Chroma) for use with LLM and generative AI applications
Knowledge of agentic AI frameworks and multi-step autonomous AI workflows (e.g., LangChain, AutoGen)
Knowledge of cloud infrastructure platforms such as Azure or AWS
Skills in version control systems such as Git
Ability to work effectively in an academic or research environment with evolving and ambiguous requirements

Responsibilities

Develops and maintains AI-driven applications and tools using Python and other relevant programming languages to support TCE academic, operational and research needs
Designs, implements and manages APIs to facilitate seamless integration between systems and platforms across the college
Designs and implements database solutions using both graph (e.g., Neo4j) and relational databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL) to support AI application data requirements
Trains, fine-tunes and deploys AI/ML models, including large language models (LLMs) and generative AI solutions, to address college-identified needs in academics, business operations and research
Develops and implements retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines and prompt engineering strategies to support practical LLM applications across the college
Maintains, deploys, designs and tests medium to large scope projects under the direction of senior staff and college leadership
Develops and maintains application code in alignment with established coding standards, security practices and best practices
Manages licenses for purchased AI/ML products and software platforms
Manages and maintains cloud infrastructure to support scalable and resilient AI applications
Works with vendors and campus project partners to help define needs and integrate products and solutions that meet college requirements
Collaborates with the TCE Data Analytics Analysts to identify and develop AI-driven solutions that support college academic program needs and improve instructional efficiencies
Works with the Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration to identify and develop AI-driven solutions that reduce inefficient and repetitive business processes across the college
Collaborates with the Associate Dean for Research and Facilities to identify and support key Principal Investigators utilizing AI in their research activities
Consults with college stakeholders to gather requirements, determine technology needs and design cost-effective AI solutions tailored to TCE priorities
Develops, implements and supports projects that satisfy a variety of user needs across the college enterprise
Communicates technical concepts, project status and solution recommendations effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders including college leadership
Collaborates with the Office of Information & Technology (OIT) for guidance on compliance with policies, standards, and best practices related to the use and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Provides regular updates to the Director of Data Analytics & Technology Transformation on project status and the progression of AI-driven solution
Conducts code reviews to ensure high standards of code quality and adherence to best practices
Independently troubleshoots and resolves complex technical issues with deployed applications and AI models promptly
Uses innovative solutions to solve problems and modifies solutions when competing policies or requirements are present
Stays current on emerging AI technologies, industry trends, and best practices through ongoing training and professional development
Evaluates and recommends new AI tools, frameworks, and platforms for potential college adoption
Creates and maintains technical design documents, API specifications, database schemas and public-facing user documentation
Creates documentation of processes for quality control and continuity of AI model development and deployment procedures
Develops and conducts training for college stakeholders on AI tools, applications and best practices to support adoption and effective use
Provides post-implementation support for deployed AI applications and solutions