Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a part-time AI Engineer to lead the transition of AI capabilities from proof of concept to production. The role involves planning, building, securing, deploying, documenting, and training on an Azure/OpenAI cloud platform, as well as developing data enrichment workflows and secure tool integrations with university systems while ensuring compliance with security and data governance policies.

Highlights

Lead end-to-end delivery of AI systems from prototype to production including planning, building, securing, deploying, documenting, and training.
Design and implement cloud architecture for Azure/OpenAI platform focusing on LLM orchestration, data pipelines, APIs, and observability.
Build and optimize data enrichment workflows involving ingestion, transformation, RAG, vector/graph stores, and metadata pipelines.
Develop LLM-powered assistants and secure tool-calling integrations with university systems.
Produce architecture diagrams, runbooks, technical documentation, and user training materials.
Ensure compliance with security, privacy, and data governance standards such as FERPA, GDPR, and institutional IT policies.
Collaborate with OTT leadership, IT/InfoSec, data stewards, and external stakeholders on milestones, success metrics, and knowledge transfer.
Require 8+ years of professional experience in solutions engineering, cloud architecture, or AI/ML enterprise delivery.
Proficiency in Python and JavaScript; experience with Flask, FastAPI, Chainlit, and Microsoft Azure services including Azure OpenAI and AI Search.
Preferred experience includes higher education IT governance, Neo4j/graph databases, PySpark/Pandas, automation, modular architecture, and strong communication skills.

AI Engineer Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) is seeking qualified individuals to fill a part-time position as an AI Engineer. This position will lead the transition of AI capabilities from proof of concept to production, a hands-on role accountable for end-to-end delivery—architecture, build, integration, and compliance.

Responsibilities-

Own end-to-end delivery (POC → production): plan → build → secure → deploy → document → train.
Design and implement the cloud architecture for an Azure/OpenAI platform (LLM orchestration, data pipelines, API/middleware, observability).
Build and optimize data enrichment workflows (ingestion, transformation, RAG, vector/graph stores, metadata pipelines).
Deliver LLM-powered assistants and implement secure tool-calling integrations with university systems.
Produce architecture diagrams, runbooks, technical documentation, and user training materials.
Ensure alignment with security, privacy, and data governance (e.g., FERPA/GDPR; institutional IT policies).
Collaborate with OTT leadership, IT/InfoSec, data stewards, and external stakeholders to define milestones and success metrics, drive knowledge transfer and maintainability.

Qualifications-

Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
8+ years of professional experience in solutions engineering, cloud architecture, or AI/ML delivery at enterprise scale.
Demonstrated track record taking systems from prototype to production with clear documentation and training.
Ability to build and tune data ingestion and enrichment pipelines (RAG, vector/graph) that measurably improve retrieval quality and answer accuracy.
Demonstrated success delivering secure tool-calling integrations with enterprise systems that eliminate manual steps and accelerate key workflows.
Proficiency in Python and JavaScript; experience with frameworks such as Flask/FastAPI/Chainlit.
Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure services deployments (e.g., Azure OpenAI, AI Search, Functions, storage, identity) and LLM integration patterns.

Preferred Qualifications-

Experience in higher education or research environments; familiarity with academic IT governance and data stewardship.
Experience with Neo4j/graph, PySpark/Pandas, and visualization frameworks.
Background in automation, modular architecture, and performance/scale tuning.
Strong communication skills and the ability to present complex technical topics to non-technical stakeholders.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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Original Job Description