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University of Kentucky

AI Developer Lead

🇺🇸 Lexington, KY 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $82K - $139K 💻 Information Technology 🗓️ April 23rd, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

University of Kentucky is hiring an AI Developer Lead. This role involves leading the design, development, deployment, and optimization of advanced AI-powered solutions using Microsoft Azure AI platforms. The AI Developer Lead drives technical innovation, solves complex problems, sets strategic direction, and mentors other developers while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Highlights
  • Design, develop, deploy, and optimize AI solutions using Microsoft Azure AI services.
  • Provide high-impact technical leadership and strategic innovation in AI engineering.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor other developers.
  • Require a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, or related field; Master's or PhD preferred.
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in AI/ML engineering or data science, focusing on generative models, LLMs, or computer vision.
  • Proven experience with large-scale AI solution deployment in enterprise environments.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft AI tools such as Azure AI, Copilot Studio, and Power Platform AI Builder.
  • Knowledge of GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, or similar tools is required.
  • Salary range $81,640 to $138,798 per year.
  • Employment under ITS Enterprise Systems department; full-time staff position.

AI Developer Lead Full Description

AI Developer Lead
 Posting Details 
Job Title  | AI Developer Lead
Requisition Number  | RE54015
Working Title  |
Department Name  | 3L400:ITS Enterprise Systems
Work Location  | Lexington, KY
Grade Level  | 50
Salary Range  | $81,640-138,798/year
Type of Position  | Staff
Position Time Status  | Full-Time
Required Education  | BS
Click here for more information about equivalencies:  | https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience  | 7 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification  | None
Physical Requirements  | Lifting, pushing or pulling of objects up to 50 lbs, sitting for long period of time
Shift  | Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm; possibility of excess of 40 hours per week or weekend hours, depending on workload

Job Summary 
The AI Developer Lead is a senior technical expert responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing advanced AI-powered solutions. This role is focused on high-impact technical leadership, innovation, and hands-on development of complex AI systems. The AI Developer Lead sets technical direction, solves challenging problems, and drives excellence in AI engineering across projects. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and mentoring of other developers are key aspects, but the primary focus is on technical mastery and strategic innovation. This position includes, but is not limited to, the design, development, deployment, and hosting of AI solutions using Microsoft Azure–based AI platforms and services.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities 
Proven track record of developing and deploying large-scale AI solutions in enterprise environments. Experience mentoring and guiding technical teams. Familiarity with manufacturing, supply chain, or similar industries is a plus. Must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder (for ITAR compliance, if applicable).

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?  | No
Preferred Education/Experience  | Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, AI, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related field (Master’s or PhD preferred). 7+ years of experience in AI/ML engineering, data science, or related roles, with a focus on generative models, LLMs, or computer vision.

Deadline to Apply  | 04/29/2026
Our University Community  | We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
  1. * Provide a brief example of your experience working with end users/customers on systems/applications that you have supported. 
    (Open Ended Question)
  2. * Please indicate the number of years of paid work experience you have with software development in large/complex environments. 
    • None
    • More than 0, up through 2 years.
    • More than 2 years, up through 4 years.
    • More than 4 years, up through 6 years.
    • More than 6 years, up through 10 years.
    • More than 10 years.
  3. * How much experience do you have with Microsoft AI tools such as Azure AI, Copilot Studio, or Power Platform AI Builder? 
    • None
    • More than 0, up through 2 years.
    • More than 2 years, up through 4 years.
    • More than 4 years, up through 6 years.
    • More than 6 years, up through 10 years.
    • More than 10 years.
  4. * Please indicate the number of years of paid work experience you have with GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps or similar tools. 
    • None
    • More than 0, up through 2 years.
    • More than 2 years, up through 4 years.
    • More than 4 years, up through 6 years.
    • More than 6 years, up through 10 years.
    • More than 10 years.
  5. * How do you handle authentication and security when building AI agents in Microsoft environments? 
    (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents
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