Lead Conversational AI Developer

Lead Conversational AI Developer

Full‑time, Exempt, Pay Grade 4.2. Hybrid work location (Occasional onsite presence required in Adelphi, MD).

• Drive the full lifecycle development — from design to deployment — of scalable chatbots and virtual assistants using Microsoft Bot Framework, Kore.ai, or similar CAI technologies.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (product managers, designers, UX/UI specialists) to gather requirements, design conversational flows, and implement user stories.
• Integrate NLP and NLU techniques to enable chatbots to understand user intent and respond accurately.
• Leverage generative AI services to enhance chatbot responses with creativity and personalization.
• Develop chatbots for deployment across multiple channels (web, mobile apps, messaging platforms) ensuring a seamless user experience.
• Conduct thorough testing and debugging to ensure high performance and accuracy of conversational AI solutions.
• Monitor and analyze user interactions and chatbot performance to identify areas for improvement and optimization.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in Conversational AI technologies and best practices.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• 5+ years of software development experience, preferably with a focus on conversational AI or chatbots.
• Deep expertise in Azure Bot Framework v4, specifically utilizing Adaptive Dialogs, Waterfall Dialogs, and middleware customization.
• Strong backend development skills with advanced proficiency in C#, .NET, JavaScript, CSS, HTML for custom bot logic.
• Hands‑on experience with Azure Integration Services, using Azure Functions and Logic Apps to orchestrate workflows between the bot and external systems.
• Proven experience with Salesforce API integrations (REST/SOAP), specifically for managing Live Agent handoffs, knowledge‑base retrieval, and case creation.
• Experience configuring Azure Cosmos DB for storing conversation state, user data, and telemetry logs.
• Experience implementing hybrid AI strategies, bridging classical NLU services (Azure CLU) with generative AI models (Azure OpenAI/GPT) for fallback handling or content generation.
• Middleware familiarity, with exposure to Mule Soft or similar ESB platforms for enterprise‑grade data exchange.
• Data‑driven optimization skills, utilizing Power BI to analyze conversation logs, identify drop‑off points, and drive NLU accuracy improvements.
• SDLC leadership experience, including defining CI/CD pipelines for bot deployment across multiple environments (Dev/Test/Prod).
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Passion for innovation and a strong desire to push the boundaries of Conversational AI technology.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. UMGC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, ancestry, political affiliation, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

The University of Maryland Global Campus is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive working environment for people of all abilities. UMGC is dedicated to the principle that no qualified individual with a disability shall, based on disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination.

For information about UMGC’s reasonable workplace accommodation policy or to request an accommodation, applicants/candidates can contact Employee Accommodations via email at employee‑accommodations.

• Paid vacation: 22 days; sick leave: 15 days; personal days: 3; paid holidays: 16 (17 during general election years).
• Comprehensive health coverage for individuals and families.
• Term life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and long‑term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Retirement plans:
  Optional Retirement Program (ORP) or Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS).
• Supplemental retirement plans: 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and various Roth options.
• Tuition remission for regular exempt staff; spouses and dependent children eligible after two years of service.
• Hiring range: $ - $.