AI Integrations Specialist

University of Dayton•Dayton, OH

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Join the University of Dayton’s innovative UDit team as an AI Integration Specialist to bridge the gap between data and intelligence. This role involves building Model Context Protocols (MCPs) and APIs to power the future of AI on campus, enhancing the learning experience for over 11,000 students and advancing the university's academic mission. The specialist will be at the forefront of implementing cutting-edge artificial intelligence solutions. Primary responsibilities include developing, deploying, and supporting APIs, MCP servers, and integrations that enable AI agents to access required data sources and systems. The role emphasizes leveraging Python and technologies like FastAPI and FastMCP to create robust, secure middleware solutions for seamless interactions between AI agents and the University's data environments and web services. Additionally, the position involves maintaining and optimizing agent performance, implementing security hardening measures (e.g., input/output filtering), collaborating on requirements gathering, designing agent architectures, and occasionally fine-tuning large language models (LLMs). This mid-level position requires solid programming experience, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to continuous learning. The AI Integrations Specialist is a member of the AI Applications and Services team in UDit, reporting to the Director, and is crucial for delivering innovative, efficient, and reliable AI-driven solutions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
At least 2 years of experience in programming or software development
Hands-on experience developing and deploying APIs, preferably using FastAPI or similar Python frameworks
Understanding of RESTful API principles and protocol-based architectures (e.g., MCP)
Familiarity with large language models (LLMs) and their integration into software applications or agents
Knowledge of AI security best practices, including mitigating risks like prompt injection or data leakage
Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related technical field
3 or more years of professional experience in Python-based backend development
Proven experience building and deploying MCP servers and defining structured tool schemas for AI agents
Familiarity with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and its alternatives for providing context to LLMs
Practical experience with AI agent hardening, including rate limiting, audit logging, and output verification
Experience in higher education technology environments
Proficiency with containerization and deployment technologies such as Docker or Kubernetes
Ability to promote inclusive excellence in the workplace

Responsibilities

Developing, deploying, and supporting APIs, Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers, and integrations that enable AI agents to effectively access required data sources and systems
Leveraging Python and technologies such as FastAPI and FastMCP to create robust, secure middleware solutions that facilitate seamless interactions between AI agents and the University of Dayton's internal and external data environments and web services
Maintaining and optimizing agent performance
Implementing security hardening measures, such as input/output filtering
Collaborating on requirements gathering
Designing agent architectures
Occasionally fine-tuning large language models (LLMs)