Associate AI Engineer

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

The Associate AI Engineer is an entry-level role responsible for supporting the development and implementation of Ascend's AI-powered products and solutions under supervision. The Associate AI Engineer assists mid-and-senior level team members in building, testing, and maintaining AI components, gains hands-on experience with Generative AI technologies, and progressively takes on more complex tasks as skills develop. This role emphasizes learning, growth, and building a strong foundation in AI engineering practices while contributing meaningful work to the team's objectives. The Associate AI Engineer works closely with other AI engineers (including on-shore and off-shore contractors) and cross-functional teams to deliver quality AI solutions.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

This position will work a hybrid schedule from our Leawood, KS or Burlington, MA office location. 

HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIME

• Develop and deploy Generative AI products/models into production under supervision, focusing on code quality and functionality
• Support the development of AI systems within established architecture
• Help gather requirements and understand use cases by participating in stakeholder meetings with senior engineers
• Actively participate in code review 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
• Complete assigned development tasks and meet project deadlines
• Maintain and update technical documentation for implemented features and processes
• Stay current with the latest AI technologies and methodologies through continuous learning

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering or closely related field or equivalent experience preferred
• Working knowledge of Large Language Models, prompt engineering, context management, and embedding techniques
• Experience in Python
• Familiarity with REST APIs and web services concepts
• Basic understanding of cloud computing concepts (Azure knowledge is a plus)
• Awareness of containerization concepts (Docker)

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high 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
• Curious nature with the ability to ask questions and seek help when needed

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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