Senior Learning Systems Engineer- Salt Lake City, Utah

Western Governors University • Salt Lake City, UT

2d • $82,700 - $124,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for designing, building, and scaling AI-powered learning systems that enable high-quality, scalable learning experiences across WGU Academy. This role operates at the intersection of applied AI, learning systems, front-end engineering, and automation to translate learning intent into functional, reusable, and intelligent systems.

This role will play a key part in shaping how AI transforms learning at WGU Academy—enabling scalable, personalized education experiences that help students progress efficiently and successfully complete their courses.

Combines hands-on development with strategic thinking to define AI-driven workflows, reusable components, and platform-level solutions that improve speed, quality, and scalability across the learning ecosystem.

Requirements

• Strong hands-on experience building applications with large language models (LLMs)
• Deep understanding of prompt engineering, evaluation techniques, and AI workflows
• Experience designing and implementing Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems
• Familiarity with orchestration approaches such as Model Context Protocol (MCP) or similar frameworks
• Strong proficiency in front-end development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
• Experience building reusable component systems and scalable front-end architectures
• Experience working with APIs, integrations, and third-party tools
• Strong debugging, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
• Understanding of learning science and how instructional intent translates into interaction design
• Ability to balance technical constraints with user experience and learning effectiveness
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across technical and non-technical teams
• Ability to operate in ambiguous, fast-evolving environments
• Systems thinking with the ability to design for scale, reuse, and long-term sustainability
• Portfolio Requirement: A portfolio or samples of relevant work must be submitted at the time of application to be considered for this position.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Instructional Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 5 years of experience in software engineering, applied AI, or learning systems development
• Experience in EdTech, LMS platforms, or learning systems
• Hands-on experience building and deploying AI/LLM-based applications
• Experience designing scalable systems or workflows
• Experience working on cross-functional teams delivering complex digital products

Nice To Haves

• Experience implementing Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems in production
• Experience with AI orchestration frameworks or agent-based systems
• Familiarity with LLM providers such as Anthropic, OpenAI, or Google
• Experience with AI-assisted development tools (e.g., Kiro, GitHub Copilot)
• Experience defining standards, playbooks, or technical strategy
• Experience mentoring or leading technical initiatives

Responsibilities

• Leads the design and development of AI-powered learning systems and workflows for course creation, transformation, and evaluation
• Builds and integrates AI-driven workflows using large language models and modern AI platforms
• Designs and implements Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems to ground AI outputs in trusted course content and knowledge sources
• Leverages orchestration frameworks (e.g., Model Context Protocol or similar) to connect tools, context, and workflows
• Uses AI-assisted development tools (e.g., Kiro, GitHub Copilot) to rapidly prototype and iterate on solutions
• Architects reusable AI components, templates, and workflows that scale across products and teams
• Partners with Learning Product Owners and Multimedia Developers to translate instructional designs into intelligent, user-centered experiences
• Leads efforts to standardize patterns, reduce redundancy, and increase efficiency across the portfolio
• Continuously identifies opportunities to improve speed, quality, and cost of production through AI and automation
• Evaluates emerging AI tools and technologies, recommending adoption based on impact, scalability, and cost
• Ensures solutions are maintainable, extensible, and aligned with long-term platform strategy
• Leads testing, debugging, and optimization to ensure reliable and consistent user experiences
• Identifies and mitigates risks that may impact quality or delivery timelines
• Mentors team members and promotes best practices in applied AI and learning systems development

Benefits

• bonuses
• medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare
• health savings account and flexible spending account
• basic and voluntary life insurance
• disability coverage
• accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages
• legal and identity theft coverage
• retirement savings plan
• wellbeing program
• discounted WGU tuition
• flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual
• flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual
• 11 paid holidays
• other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave

What This Job Offers

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