Sr Software Engineer (AI & ML Technical Lead)

National Information Solutions Cooperative, Inc.; Mission (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a passionate AI/ML Technical Lead to drive innovation in AI software development. This role involves leading a team to design and implement cutting-edge AI solutions that enhance efficiency for rural utilities and broadband providers. With a focus on real-world applications, you'll leverage advanced technologies, including large language models and agentic architectures, to deliver impactful results. If you're an innovator eager to make a difference in the cooperative business model, this opportunity is perfect for you to shape the future of technology in rural America.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Flexible Work Hours

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• 10+ years in software development with 5+ years in AI/ML.
• Strong experience with LLMs and agentic architectures.
• Proficiency in Python and cloud-based ML solutions.

Responsibilities

• Architect and deploy AI/ML solutions in production environments.
• Guide a team in AI/ML development and best practices.
• Ensure AI solutions align with cooperative needs.

Skills

AI/ML Software Development

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

LLMs

Agentic Architectures

Problem-Solving

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Master's Degree in Artificial Intelligence

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

Sr Software Engineer (AI & ML Technical Lead)

For more than 50 years, NISC has worked to develop technology solutions for our customers, who we call our “Members”. Those Members are comprised primarily of 960+ utilities and broadbands across North America. Our mission is to deliver technology solutions and services that are Member-focused, quality driven and valued priced.

NISC exists to serve our Members and help them serve their communities through our innovative software products, services and outstanding customer support.

Primary Responsibilities:

We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate AI/ML Technical Lead to drive innovation and technical excellence in AI/ML software development. In this role, you will guide a team of software engineers in designing, developing, and implementing AI-powered solutions within our enterprise software platform. You will play a pivotal role in shaping our AI/ML strategy, leveraging the latest advancements in large language models (LLMs), agentic architectures, and machine learning techniques to deliver cutting-edge applications.

This position requires proven, real-world experience in delivering AI/ML applications that provide tangible business value. We are looking for builders, not just theorists—candidates who have successfully deployed AI solutions in production environments and can demonstrate a track record of innovation and impact.

Additionally, we are looking for candidates who are passionate about the cooperative business model and excited about using AI to support the utilities and broadband providers that power and connect rural communities. Our mission is to empower cooperatives with AI-driven tools that enhance efficiency, improve member service, and drive innovation in the industries that sustain rural America.

Essential Functions:

• AI Execution: Architect, develop, and deploy real-world AI/ML solutions that are actively used in production environments.
• Technical Leadership: Provide guidance and expertise in AI/ML development, ensuring best practices in software engineering and model deployment.
• AI Strategy & Innovation: Stay at the forefront of AI advancements, evaluating and integrating emerging technologies to enhance our AI capabilities.
• LLM Development & Agentic Architectures: Lead the design and implementation of AI applications leveraging LLMs and agent-based AI systems.
• Model Training & Optimization: Develop and fine-tune ML models to improve efficiency, scalability, and business impact.
• Collaboration: Work closely with software engineers, data scientists, and business stakeholders to drive AI-driven product enhancements.
• Cooperative Mission Alignment: Ensure AI/ML solutions align with the needs of cooperatives and their members, enhancing the ability of rural utilities and broadband providers to serve their communities.
• Code & Architecture Review: Ensure high-quality, maintainable, and scalable AI/ML solutions.
• Follow all established software development methodologies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Desired Experience & Skills:

• 10+ years' experience in software development, preferably with at least 5+ years in AI/ML software development.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Strong experience with LLMs (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic, Mistral, or custom-trained models).
  • Proven ability to design and implement agentic architectures.
  • Experience training, fine-tuning, and deploying ML models.
  • Proficiency in Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and cloud-based ML solutions (AWS, Azure, GCP).
  • Strong software engineering background, including scalable system design and API development.
• AI Passion & Practicality: A deep enthusiasm for AI and ML, coupled with a proven ability to deliver functional AI applications beyond prototypes or research projects.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to translate complex AI concepts into practical, high-impact applications.
• Mission-Driven Mindset: Passion for the cooperative business model and improving technology for rural utilities and broadband providers.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Experience guiding teams and working cross-functionally with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience with vector databases, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), or multi-agent AI systems.
• Familiarity with reinforcement learning, AI safety, and ethical AI considerations.
• Open-source AI contributions or research experience.
• A portfolio or case study showcasing real-world AI deployments and their impact.
• Experience working with utilities, broadband providers, or cooperatives.
• Commitment to NISC’s Statement of Shared Values.

Desired Education:

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in a Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field and/or equivalent experience. Master's Degree in Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning preferred.

Minimum Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees must be able to see, speak, and hear, to operate computer keyboards or office equipment, and are required to stand, walk, and sit.

Disclaimer:

Management may modify this job description by assigning or reassigning duties and responsibilities at any time.