AI Innovation Engineer

University of Wisconsin-Madison

$90K — $135K *
US-AnywhereRemote in Madison, WI
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years in software development, 1 year in AI engineering preferred
  • Advanced programming in JavaScript/TypeScript or Python (2 years preferred)
  • Experience with agentic AI workflows and applications
  • Hands-on proficiency with AI-assisted development tools (e.g., Claude Code, Github Copilot)
  • Management of applications on public cloud platforms (AWS or GCP)
  • Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code tools like Terraform or OpenTofu

Responsibilities

  • Develop cloud-based workflow and interactive AI solutions
  • Test and validate AI agents for accuracy and reliability
  • Assist in managing a cloud-based application platform, focusing on utilization, observability, and security
  • Implement data strategy, cybersecurity, and risk practices
  • Use AI coding tools to rapidly build secure and reliable features
  • Lead sub-functional team in application development
  • Prepare program documentation and training materials
  • Conduct systems analysis and develop design specifications for integrations and upgrades
  • Train and guide junior staff in AI and software development practices

Benefits

  • 100% remote work, partial remote, or fully on-site work options available
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave
  • Comprehensive health insurance and savings accounts
  • Retirement benefits and plans
  • Flexible work arrangement subject to annual review
Full Job Description
Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category:
Academic Staff

Employment Type:
Regular

Job Profile:
Software Eng/Developer III

Job Summary:

The Integrated Business Solutions team, within the Division of Information Technology, is looking for a highly skilled AI Innovation Engineer who will collaborate with stakeholders and colleagues across UW-Madison campus and university partners to drive administrative AI and Automation processes to improve operation efficiency.  

The candidate should enjoy working independently on an agile team to design, develop and implement custom applications and work on AI initiatives. They should also have experience in using Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI agents.  This position will be expected to collaborate with cross functional teams and IT colleagues to deliver quality solutions.

Responsibilities include:

  • Developing cloud- based workflow and interactive AI solutions.
  • Testing and validating AI agents to ensure accuracy and reliability.
  • Assisting in the management of a cloud-based application platform including utilization, observability and security functions.
  • Understanding of data strategy, cybersecurity and risk practices.
  • Using AI coding tools to build features more rapidly while making sure the code is secure, reliable, and fits our platform.

This position is eligible for any of the following: 100% remote work; partial remote work; or fully on-site. Remote work requires an approved flexible work arrangement (FWA), which is reviewed and approved annually. An FWA requires successful candidates to possess their own high-speed internet and phone to perform the work on a university provided computer. Per University policy, transportation between home and assigned work location is not payable/reimbursable and will be at the expense of the employee.

Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Leads sub-functional team for application development or enhancement
  • Prepares program documentation and training requirements
  • Develops, prepares, or modifies technical specifications for complex projects, system integrations, and upgrades
  • Designs and implements test plans, and prepares systems test data
  • Conducts analysis for the evaluation and selection of vendor software solutions and packages
  • Reviews application design specifications, codes new applications, and makes enhancements to existing applications
  • Assist in the adoption of agentic AI solutions
  • Maintains cloud hosted infrastructure and integrations
  • Reviews application modules for quality assurance and checks compliance with application architecture standards
  • Trains and provides technical guidance to lower level staff
  • Conducts systems analysis, reviews and interprets system requirements, and develops detailed system design specifications for system integration and upgrades
  • Contributes to the development of data structure and systems performance strategies

Department:

Division of Information Technology, Enterprise Business Systems,  Integrated Business Solutions

Compensation:

Starting salary will be based on experience and qualifications. Well qualified applicants can expect to earn between $90,000 - $135,000, with final salary based on experience and qualifications.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at (). 

Required Qualifications:
  • Software development experience (preferred 5 years) including AI engineering (preferred 1 year)
  • Advanced programming experience in JavaScript/TypeSript or Python (preferred 2 years)
  • Proven experience designing and implementing agentic AI Workflows and applications
  • Hands-on experience with AI-assisted development tools (Claude Code, Github Copilot or Gemini Code Assist) 
  • Experience with managing applications in public cloud platforms (AWS or GCP)
  • Demonstrated experience with Infrastructure as Code tools such as Terraform or OpenTofu.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to required qualifications, the most qualified candidates may also have the following preferred qualifications:

  • Strong understanding of clustering algorithms.
  • Experience with DevOps practices and building CI/CD pipelines
  • Experience in higher education or large enterprise environments
  • Experience with Kubernetes and container orchestration at scale

Education:

Bachelor's Degree Preferred Minimum

How to Apply:

Click on the "Apply” button to start the application process.

You will be prompted to upload the following documents:

-Resume
-Letter of Qualifications

Applicants should attach a letter of qualifications and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process.

Please note that successful applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship, on or before the effective date of appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

Contact Information:

DoIT Human Resources, , 608-263-1790

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See  for further information.

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