Principal AI Engineer

Ascend Learning 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.

Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers.

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 35 years, National Academy of Sports Medicine®(NASM®) has set the standard in fitness education with best-in-class evidence-based programs. We have educated over 1.4 million fitness professionals in over 100 countries, creating a global space for optimal well-being and fitness. From personal training to nutrition coaching, wellness to sports performance, NASM trainers and specialists work at every level to help all clients set and reach their own unique goals.

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  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.

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

• 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
• Ta…