Fast Facts

Join Ascend Learning as an AI Engineer, where you will develop and implement AI-powered educational solutions in a people-first culture focused on innovation and collaboration.

Responsibilities: You will design and deploy scalable AI models, engage with stakeholders to enhance AI features, participate in code reviews, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to project management and documentation.

Skills: Required skills include experience with Large Language Models, Python, REST API development, Azure cloud infrastructure, containerization, and strong problem-solving capabilities.

Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field is preferred along with 3+ years of experience in AI or software engineering; Microsoft Azure AI Engineer certification is a plus.

Location: This position is hybrid, preferably working from either Leawood, KS or Burlington, MA, with potential for remote work within the United States.

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $100,000 - $140,000.

We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture

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.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

As an AI Engineer, you will be instrumental in developing and implementing Ascend's AI-powered products and solutions, contributing to the transformation of education through innovative technology. This role builds, tests, and deploys scalable solutions using Generative AI and Machine Learning (ML) foundational models. The AI Engineer is a hands-on technical contributor who implements AI features, collaborates on solution design, and supports the execution of AI initiatives at Ascend. This role works closely with other AI engineers (including on-shore and off-shore contractors) and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality AI solutions while continuously developing technical expertise in the field.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

This position will work a hybrid schedule from either our Leawood, KS or Burlington, MA office locations preferred. Remote will be considered within the United States.

HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIME

• Develop and deploy distributed systems and backend services that integrate LLMs / ML Models into real-world educational products
• Contribute to the design and development of Generative AI/ML system within established architecture
• Engage with stakeholders to understand business needs and help implement AI-powered features
• Participate in code review ands and technical discussions to continuously improve solution quality
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product teams, data scientists, data engineers, and software engineers to develop AI capabilities into existing and new products
• Take ownership of defining project milestones, timelines, and ensuring successful delivery within specified deadlines
• Maintain and update technical documentations for implemented features and processes
• Support team members through knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving
• Research and evaluate new tools and techniques 
• Stay current with the latest AI technologies and methodologies through continuous learning

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Computer Science/Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering or closely related field or equivalent experience.  High school diploma or GED required
• 3+ years of progressive work experience in AI or software engineering roles
• Microsoft Azure AI Engineer certification preferred
• Working knowledge of Large Language Models, prompt engineering, context management, and embedding techniques
• Experience in Python, REST API development (FastAPI)
• Experience with cloud infrastructure (Azure) preferred
• Experience with containerization (Docker), orchestration (Kubernetes), CI/CD and basic DevOps practices
• Strong product sense with the ability to understand user needs and contribute to building intuitive, impactful AI experience
• Experience with event-driven architectures and distributed messaging systems such as Apache Kafka or similar technologies
• Knowledge or experience with modern web development frameworks such as Angular or React preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Aspirations for professional development and growth opportunities
• Team-oriented mindset with ability to work independently on assigned tasks

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

Fostering A Sense of Belonging

We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued and be their authentic selves. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging.

About Ascend Learning

As a tech-enabled services company, Ascend Learning is a national leader in developing and delivering data-driven online educational content, software, assessments, analytics, and simulations serving institutions, students and employers across healthcare, fitness and wellness, public and workplace safety, skilled trades, insurance, financial services, cybersecurity, and higher education. We're committed to accelerating the learning pathways that can move people into careers where they have the knowledge and skills to have an impact and help change lives in the communities they serve. Headquartered in Burlington, MA with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America's 2023 Greatest Workplaces for Diversity.

Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S. based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

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