Principal AI Engineer

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

Ascend Learning, a leading healthcare and learning technology company, 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. From testing to certification, Ascend Learning products are used by physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, allied health professionals, certified personal trainers, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers.

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 2025 Greatest Workplaces as well as America’s Best Places to work for Mental Well-Being for 2025. 

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. 

For over 37 years, National Academy of Sports Medicine® (NASM®) has set the standard in fitness and wellness credentials and certification with best-in-class, evidence-based programming. An Ascend Learning brand, NASM has delivered over 1.4 million fitness professionals in over 100 countries. From personal training to nutrition coaching, wellness to sports performance, NASM trainers and specialists work at every level to help clients set and reach their unique goals. Join us in igniting potential and making a lasting impact in the fitness and wellness industry.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

As a Principal AI Engineer, you will be pivotal in driving the evolution of our AI-powered products and solutions, shaping the future of education through innovative technology. This position will lead the design, development and deployment of scalable solutions using Generative AI and Machine Learning foundational models. As a hands-on technical lead, you will guide the team in solving complex AI problems, architecting solutions for AI projects, and contributing to the successful implementation of AI strategy at Ascend. The Principal AI Engineer position will report to the Principal Architect and will work with the Innovation, Architecture, NASM and Ascend ITS teams, and coordinate with other teams that have a stake in the development process.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

This position will work a hybrid schedule from our Gilbert, AZ office location.  Remote will be considered

HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIME

• Lead the Design, develop, and deploy innovative, scalable AI/ML solutions focusing on the full lifecycle of projects from conception to deployment, including building and optimizing AI models
• Lead the team in building scalable, high-performance LLMOps pipelines.
• Design and co-own the Generative AI/ML system and project architecture, frameworks, tools, and processes
• Remain versed on the latest advancements in the field, leading research initiatives, experimenting with new algorithms, and identifying opportunities for innovation. This can involve exploring LLMs (Large Language Models), embedding pipelines, and generative AI search/retrieval frameworks.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and hands-on coding throughout the implementation phase, ensuring seamless integration of AI features, aligning with stakeholders to define AI and Product Roadmaps which enable corporate objectives
• Manage and preprocess large datasets, design efficient data processing pipelines, and ensure data integrity and security in adherence to privacy regulations.
• Experience designing and implementing AI/ML models with feedback loops and automated re-training and fine-tuning pipelines
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product teams, data scientists, and data engineers, software engineers to integrate AI capabilities into existing and new products
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to team members, fostering a culture of growth and innovation
• Guide junior engineers in best practices for AI/ML, review their work, and offer feedback to foster their growth. Oversee and guide design review sessions across different projects, ensuring consistency and adherence to best practices.
• Ensure that AI solutions are developed and deployed ethically, considering fairness, accountability, and transparency
• Take ownership of defining project milestones, timelines, and ensuring successful delivery within specified deadlines
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of coding standards, best practices, and documentation
• Stay up to date with the latest AI Developments and trends

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Bachelor’ degree preferred in Computer Science/Artificial Intelligence or closely related field. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.  High School diploma or GED required
• 6+ years of progressive work experience in data and analytics, big data related positions with at least 3 years in developing and implementing Analytical applications
• Experience building and deploying LLM models, prompt engineering, context management, and embedding techniques using MS Azure and competitive cloud services
• Advanced understanding and practical experience in machine learning and natural language processing, especially large language models (LLMs) and their integration, optimization, and evaluation
• Experience using analytics/ML tools such as Python, NLTK, HuggingFace, SQL, and Snowflake
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes, and MLflow or similar tools for lifecycle management of machine learning models.
• Proven ability to translate innovative ideas into practical, scalable solutions
• Intrinsic motivation with a strong desire to make a positive impact on the organization
• Excellent problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, and an aptitude for innovation
• Demonstrate leadership experience and lead a team of junior AI engineers
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
• Aspirations for professional development and growth opportunities
• Impact-oriented and user-focused, team-first mindset

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
• On-site workout facilities (Leawood, Gilbert, Burlington)
• Community outreach groups
• Tuition reimbursement

Fostering A Sense of Belonging

Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers. We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and be authentic. 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. 

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.