Associate AI Engineer

About the Opportunity

The Associate AI Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing AI systems and data pipelines that enhance and automate university operations across multiple departments. Transforms manual processes into AI-driven solutions, focusing on building robust data pipelines, creating efficient machine learning models, and integrating AI capabilities into existing systems to improve efficiency, accuracy, and service quality while reducing operational costs, utilizing expertise in machine learning, natural language processing, data engineering, and AI system integration with existing enterprise infrastructure.

Knowledge and skills required for this position are normally obtained through a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics, Computational Linguistics, Computer Science, or related field; with four to six years of experience working with AI or machine learning , with demonstrated success in enterprise applications. Experience in higher education or similar complex organizational environments preferred.

Other necessary skills:

• LLM Expertise: Deep understanding of large language model capabilities, limitations, and optimal interaction patterns, with demonstrated experience designing effective prompts for enterprise applications.​
• AI/ML Development Expertise: Strong proficiency in developing and deploying machine learning models and AI systems in production environments, with deep knowledge of contemporary AI frameworks, tools, and best practices.
• Software Engineering: Excellent software development skills with proficiency in Python, TensorFlow/PyTorch, and experience with containerized deployments and MLOps practices.
• Data Pipeline Engineering: Extensive experience with end-to-end data pipelines, data warehousing solutions , processing frameworks, and container technologies, with proficiency in Python, SQL, and version control/CI/CD practices.
• Machine Learning Engineering: Demonstrated experience in the full ML lifecycle including data preparation, feature engineering, model training, validation, deployment, and monitoring in production.
• Natural Language Processing: Advanced knowledge of NLP techniques and large language models (LLMs), including prompt engineering, context management, and implementation strategies for enterprise applications.
• Cloud Computing: Experience deploying and scaling AI systems in cloud environments, with knowledge of cloud-native AI services.
• Solution Architecture: Ability to design scalable, secure, and efficient AI system architectures that meet enterprise requirements and performance standards.
• System Integration: Ability to integrate AI solutions with existing enterprise systems, APIs, databases, and authentication services to create cohesive user experiences.
• Performance Optimization: Experience optimizing AI models for both accuracy and computational efficiency in resource-constrained environments.
• Security Awareness: Knowledge of security best practices for AI systems, including data protection, model security, and prevention of adversarial attacks.
• Data Science: Strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, statistical analysis, and data visualization techniques relevant to AI applications.

• AI Ethics and Governance: Understanding of ethical considerations in AI development, including bias mitigation, fairness, transparency, and compliance with relevant regulations.

AI System Design and Development

Design, develop, and implement AI solutions to automate and enhance university operations, including service desk automation, administrative task processing, and QA testing systems. Create robust, scalable architectures that integrate with existing university systems and accommodate future growth.

Data Pipeline Development and Management

Design and implement end-to-end data pipelines that efficiently collect, process, and prepare data for AI systems. Build robust ETL processes using tools like Apache Airflow, cloud services, and data warehousing solutions to ensure reliable data flow between source systems and AI applications. Implement data quality checks, monitoring, and governance practices throughout the pipeline.

Machine Learning Implementation and Fine-tuning

Develop and fine-tune machine learning models for specific university use cases, including customizing large language models through prompt engineering, transfer learning, and domain adaptation. Create efficient training pipelines and establish systematic evaluation protocols.

System Integration and Deployment

Integrate AI systems with existing university infrastructure, including identity management, knowledge bases, ticketing systems, and communication platforms. Deploy models to production environments following established MLOPs practices and ensuring appropriate monitoring.

Performance Monitoring and Optimization 

Monitor AI system and data pipeline performance, detect and address drift or degradation, optimize resource utilization, and continuously improve model accuracy and efficiency based on real-world usage patterns and feedback.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.