Principal AI Engineer

's Summary

Ascend Learning is hiring a Principal AI Engineer to lead the design, development, and deployment of scalable AI and machine learning solutions using Generative AI and foundational models. This role involves providing technical leadership, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating across teams to integrate AI capabilities and drive innovation within the organization.

• Lead design, develop, and deploy scalable AI/ML solutions and LLMOps pipelines.
• Architect Generative AI/ML systems, frameworks, and tools.
• Conduct research and apply latest AI advancements including large language models and generative AI frameworks.
• Provide technical leadership and hands‑on coding; define AI and product roadmaps.
• Manage large datasets, build data pipelines, and ensure compliance with privacy regulations.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including product, data scientists, and software engineers.
• Mentor and guide junior AI engineers, overseeing design reviews and best practices.
• Proficiency with MS Azure, Python, NLTK, Hugging Face, SQL, Snowflake, Docker, Kubernetes, and ML lifecycle tools like MLflow.
• Minimum of 6 years experience in data analytics, with 3 years focused on analytical application development.
• Bachelor's degree preferred in Computer Science or related field; leadership experience and strong communication skills required.

Category: AI

Req : 761

Date: May 9, 2026

Location: Gilbert, AZ, US, 85297 Remote, US

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.

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. Remote will be considered.

• Lead the Design, develop, and deploy innovative, scalable AI/ML solutions focusing on the full lifecycle of projects from conception…