Principal AI & Machine Learning Engineer - U.S. Based Remote Opportunity

Common App • Arlington, VA

3d • Remote

About The Position

Common App is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Each year we support more than 1 million students, one-third of whom are first-generation, as they apply to our more than 1100 diverse member colleges & universities using the Common App's free online application. Common App is currently searching for a Principal AI & Machine Learning Engineer. This role is the technical leader responsible for embedding artificial intelligence into enterprise workflows and analytic processes to drive measurable gains in productivity, insight generation, and decision support within the Data Analytics & Research (DAR) division. This role focuses on applied, production-ready AI/ML, driving groundbreaking initiatives that embed artificial intelligence into enterprise workflows. The Principal AI/ML Engineer partners closely with Data Engineering, Data Governance, and cross-functional business stakeholders to ensure that AI solutions are scalable, secure, compliant, and aligned with enterprise data strategy. This role operates as a senior individual contributor and technical authority, setting standards for AI development practice, mentoring teammates on applied AI techniques, and translating complex machine learning capabilities into enterprise-grade systems that deliver lasting organizational value. The Principal AI/ML Engineer is a recognized expert in the field, frequently sought out for technical guidance, mentorship, and thought leadership both within the organization and across the broader AI and higher education data community.

Requirements

• Candidates must live in the United States.
• Willing to travel to attend twice annual Common App Retreat.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a closely related quantitative or technical field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 8–10 years of progressive experience in machine learning, AI engineering, or data science, with at least 3 years focused on applied AI and production ML systems.
• Demonstrated experience integrating LLMs and generative AI into enterprise analytic or operational workflows.
• Demonstrated experience working within enterprise data governance and compliance frameworks.
• Expertise in applied machine learning and AI, including supervised and unsupervised learning, natural language processing, and large language model integration (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic, open-source LLMs via Hugging Face).
• Demonstrated experience designing and deploying production-grade AI/ML systems, including end-to-end ML pipelines covering training, evaluation, versioning, deployment, and monitoring.
• Proficiency in R and Python for machine learning and AI development; familiarity with ML frameworks such as scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow, or equivalent.
• Experience building and operationalizing LLM-powered applications, including prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and tool/agent orchestration frameworks.
• Strong SQL skills and experience working with large-scale cloud data platforms (e.g., Databricks, Snowflake, BigQuery); ability to design AI-ready data pipelines within enterprise warehouse environments.
• Knowledge of AI governance, responsible AI principles, and compliance considerations for AI systems handling sensitive or personally identifiable data.
• Proven ability to serve as a senior technical individual contributor, setting standards, making architectural decisions, and mentoring peers without formal management authority.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex AI/ML concepts into accessible language for non-technical stakeholders and executive audiences.
• Proven ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deliver high-quality AI solutions in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or doctoral degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Data Science, or a related field.
• Relevant AI/ML or cloud certifications (e.g., Databricks Certified Machine Learning Professional, AWS Machine Learning Specialty, or equivalent).
• Experience working with Agile frameworks for cross-functional, product-minded collaboration.
• Experience with agentic AI frameworks.
• Familiarity with Databricks AI features, including MLflow, Model Serving, and Genie or semantic layer integrations.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven technology contexts.
• Advanced training in statistics, causal inference, or program evaluation methods.
• A passion for higher education is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Embedding artificial intelligence into enterprise workflows and analytic processes to drive measurable gains in productivity, insight generation, and decision support within the Data Analytics & Research (DAR) division.
• Driving groundbreaking initiatives that embed artificial intelligence into enterprise workflows.
• Partnering closely with Data Engineering, Data Governance, and cross-functional business stakeholders to ensure that AI solutions are scalable, secure, compliant, and aligned with enterprise data strategy.
• Operating as a senior individual contributor and technical authority, setting standards for AI development practice, mentoring teammates on applied AI techniques, and translating complex machine learning capabilities into enterprise-grade systems that deliver lasting organizational value.
• Serving as a recognized expert in the field, frequently sought out for technical guidance, mentorship, and thought leadership both within the organization and across the broader AI and higher education data community.

Benefits

• Work-Life balance
• Virtual-first office
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Seven company-wide holidays
• Nine floating holidays
• Sick leave
• Monthly mental health day floating holidays prorated depending on start date
• Virtual-first support
• Choice of PC of MAC laptop
• May choose an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or headset
• One-time office set-up stipend
• Monthly remote work stipend
• Monthly mobile stipend
• Market-based salaries
• Performance-based bonus
• 403(b) retirement plan
• 5% company contribution
• additional 5% company match
• 3-year vesting schedule
• Participation may begin immediately
• Choice of two health insurance plans
• Health Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
• Medical Flexible Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Insurance coverage begins on the date of hire
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Maven virtual clinic for women’s and family health
• Company provided life and ad&d insurance
• Opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for self, spouse, and dependents
• Company provided short and long-term disability insurance
• Budgeted annual funds for professional development
• Growth opportunities within the company
• Mutual of Omaha Employee Assistance Program
• Mutual of Omaha will preparation services
• Mutual of Omaha travel assistance
• Payroll dedication pet insurance through PinPaws
• 1Password family account

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal