Ascend Learning
AI Engineer
🇺🇸
Hybrid - Leawood, KS
🕑
Full-Time
💰
TBD
💻
Software Engineering
🗓️
June 3rd, 2026
CI/CD
Docker
Kafka
Edtech.com's Summary
Ascend Learning is hiring an AI Engineer to develop and implement AI-powered educational products using Generative AI and Machine Learning models. The role involves building, testing, and deploying scalable AI solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate user needs into impactful AI features.
Highlights
- Develop and deploy distributed systems integrating Large Language Models and ML models into educational products
- Design and build Generative AI/ML systems within established architectures
- Collaborate with product teams to prototype and deliver AI-powered features rapidly
- Utilize AI-assisted development workflows and agentic coding tools to accelerate development
- Engage in code reviews and technical discussions to improve solution quality
- Work with cross-functional teams including data scientists, engineers, and product managers
- Manage project milestones and ensure timely delivery of AI solutions
- Maintain technical documentation and support knowledge sharing within the team
- Experience required in Python, REST API development (FastAPI), cloud infrastructure (Azure preferred), containerization (Docker), Kubernetes, and DevOps practices
- Preferred qualifications include Microsoft Azure AI Engineer certification, familiarity with prompt engineering, embedding techniques, event-driven architectures (e.g., Apache Kafka), and modern web frameworks like Angular or React
AI Engineer Full Description
AI Engineer
Category: AI
Req ID: 931
Date: May 20, 2026
Location: Leawood, KS, US, 66211 Burlington, MA, US, 01803
We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture
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.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
As an AI Engineer, you will be instrumental in developing and implementing Ascend's AI-powered products and solutions, contributing to the transformation of education through innovative technology. This role builds, tests, and deploys scalable solutions using Generative AI and Machine Learning (ML) foundational models. The AI Engineer is a product-minded, hands-on technical contributor who moves quickly from idea to working prototype, translating user needs into impactful AI features. This role works closely with other AI engineers (including on-shore and off-shore contractors) and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality AI solutions while continuously developing technical expertise in the field.
WHERE YOU’LL WORK
This position will work a hybrid schedule from either of our office locations in Leawood, KS or Burlington, MA, preferred. Remote candidate within the United States will be considered.
HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIME
- Develop and deploy distributed systems and backend services that integrate LLMs / ML Models into real-world educational products
- Contribute to the design and development of Generative AI/ML system within established architecture
- Partner closely with product teams to rapidly prototype and ship AI-powered features, translating user needs into working solutions quickly
- Leverage agentic coding tools and AI-assisted development workflows to accelerate prototyping, and ship higher-quality solutions faster
- Participate in code review ands and technical discussions to continuously improve solution quality
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product teams, data scientists, data engineers, and software engineers to develop AI capabilities into existing and new products
- Take ownership of defining project milestones, timelines, and ensuring successful delivery within specified deadlines
- Maintain and update technical documentations for implemented features and processes
- Support team members through knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving
- Research and evaluate new tools and techniques
- Stay current with the latest AI technologies and methodologies through continuous learning
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering or closely related field or equivalent experience preferred
- 3+ years of progressive work experience in AI or software engineering roles
- Microsoft Azure AI Engineer certification preferred
- Working knowledge of Large Language Models, prompt engineering, context management, and embedding techniques
- Experience in Python, REST API development (FastAPI)
- Experience with cloud infrastructure (Azure) preferred
- Experience with containerization (Docker), orchestration (Kubernetes), CI/CD and basic DevOps practices
- Strong product sense with the ability to understand user needs and contribute to building intuitive, impactful AI experience
- Experience with event-driven architectures and distributed messaging systems such as Apache Kafka or similar technologies
- Knowledge or experience with modern web development frameworks such as Angular or React preferred
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Aspirations for professional development and growth opportunities
- Team-oriented mindset with ability to work independently on assigned tasks
BENEFITS
- Flexible and generous paid time off
- Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance
- 401(k) employer matching program
- Parental leave
- Wellness resources
- Charitable matching program
- On-site workout facilities (Leawood, Gilbert, Burlington)
- Community outreach groups
- Tuition reimbursement
Fostering A Sense of Belonging
Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers. We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and be authentic. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging.
Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S.-based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
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