Principal AI Engineer

Ascend Learning • Gilbert, AZ

118d • Remote

About The Position

Ascend Learning is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning. Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers. We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more. For over 35 years, National Academy of Sports Medicine® (NASM®) has set the standard in fitness education with best-in-class evidence-based programs. We have educated over 1.4 million fitness professionals in over 100 countries, creating a global space for optimal well-being and fitness. From personal training to nutrition coaching, wellness to sports performance, NASM trainers and specialists work at every level to help all clients set and reach their own unique goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Computer Science/Artificial Intelligence or closely related field. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
• High School diploma or GED required.
• 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 and competitive cloud services.
• Advanced understanding and practical experience in machine learning and natural language processing, especially large language models (LLMs) and their integration, optimization, and evaluation.
• Experience using analytics/ML tools such as Python, NLTK, HuggingFace, SQL, and Snowflake.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes, and MLflow or similar tools for lifecycle management of machine learning models.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of innovative, scalable AI/ML solutions focusing on the full lifecycle of projects from conception to deployment, including building and optimizing AI models.
• 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.
• Remain versed on the latest advancements in the field, leading research initiatives, experimenting with new algorithms, and identifying opportunities for innovation.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and hands-on coding throughout the implementation phase, ensuring seamless integration of AI features.
• Align with stakeholders to define AI and Product Roadmaps which enable corporate objectives.
• Manage and preprocess large datasets, design efficient data processing pipelines, and ensure data integrity and security in adherence to privacy regulations.
• 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.
• Guide junior engineers in best practices for AI/ML, review their work, and offer feedback to foster their growth.
• Oversee and guide design review sessions across different projects, ensuring consistency and adherence to best practices.
• Ensure that AI solutions are developed and deployed ethically, considering fairness, accountability, and transparency.
• 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.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Management of Companies and Enterprises
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree