AI Academic Software Engineer - Grant-Funded, LLM Systems

Davenport University; Grand Rapids, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Davenport University in Grand Rapids is seeking a STAR AI/Academic Software Developer to design, develop, integrate and maintain AI applications that support student success. You will lead technical efforts for on‑prem LLM infrastructure and integrate academic and student support systems within Blackboard Learn and other enterprise tools.

The role requires collaborating with faculty, ensuring security and FERPA compliance, and delivering scalable, sustainable solutions for the STAR project.

Qualifications

• Requires degree in CS/AI and relevant experience.
• Experience with AI-enabled software and LLMs.
• Strong knowledge of RESTful APIs and data integrations.
• Familiarity with FERPA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with faculty / instructional designers to translate academic needs into responsible, usable, sustainable AI-supported tools.
• Document technical workflows, system integrations, development decisions, user guidance, and maintenance procedures to support sustainability beyond the grant period.
• Develop and support AI-enhanced assessments and learning activities connected to Blackboard Learn.
• Work with Information Technology Services to ensure that applications and integrations meet university standards for cybersecurity, accessibility, privacy, identity management, and system performance.
• Ensure that AI applications involving student information are developed and used in accordance with FERPA, university data governance standards, and responsible AI practices.
• Develop and maintain AI solutions that integrate data and systems from DU’s virtual library, Tutor.com,, and Blackboard.
• Configure, customize, and support curriculum-specific AI tools that address academic needs, learning activities, course materials, practice exercises, student engagement tools, and career-readiness simulations.
• Integrate custom solutions with enterprise systems such as Blackboard Learn,, Monday.com, custom MCP, and LTI systems
• Develop and deploy custom assessments utilizing LLMs within Blackboard learning management system
• Develop curriculum-embedded simulations for career-readiness
• Support the Project Director and grant personnel through effective communication, coordination, and technical expertise.
• Facilitate communication between project staff, partners, consultants, evaluators, DU teams, and district leaders.
• Provide technical documentation, usage data, and system information needed to support project evaluation and reporting; and
• Complete grant duties as needed to facilitate full implementation.
• Understand and abide by all external and internal regulations and policies. This includes NCAA, GLIAC, and national affiliations associated with athletics or other role-specific regulations.
• Provides GREAT customer service, anticipating and exceeding the needs of our customers.
• Demonstrate and promote the University's Cultural Values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

AI software development

RESTful APIs

SQL & data integration

Cloud architecture basics

Documentation

Communication

FERPA compliance knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in CS/AI-related field

Tools

LLMs

AI frameworks

MCPs (Model Context Protocols)

APIs

On-prem LLM infrastructure

Job description

Davenport University in Grand Rapids is seeking a STAR AI/Academic Software Developer to design, develop, integrate and maintain AI applications that support student success. You will lead technical efforts for on‑prem LLM infrastructure and integrate academic and student support systems within Blackboard Learn and other enterprise tools.

The role requires collaborating with faculty, ensuring security and FERPA compliance, and delivering scalable, sustainable solutions for the STAR project.