AI Developer: Tickle College of Engineering, Data Analytics & Technology - UTK

Reporting to the Director of Data Analytics & Technology Transformation, the AI Developer independently analyzes and solves complex technical problems and plays a key role in the design, development, deployment and maintenance of AI-driven solutions to support the Tickle College of Engineering (TCE). Working closely with the TCE Academic, Finance, and Research Data Analysts, college leadership, and faculty stakeholders, this position develops and implements projects and applications leveraging machine learning models, large language models (LLMs), APIs and database solutions that satisfy a variety of user needs — improving academic program efficiency, streamlining college business operations and supporting research initiatives across the college. The position works directly with stakeholders across the college to identify opportunity areas where AI and advanced analytics can add value, and to translate those needs into practical, well-scoped solutions.

Responsibilities

AI/ML Development and Programming (45% of time)

• Develops and maintains AI-driven applications and tools using Python and other relevant programming languages to support TCE academic, operational and research needs
• Designs, implements and manages APIs to facilitate seamless integration between systems and platforms across the college
• Designs and implements database solutions using both graph (e.g., Neo4j) and relational databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL) to support AI application data requirements
• Trains, fine-tunes and deploys AI/ML models, including large language models (LLMs) and generative AI solutions, to address college-identified needs in academics, business operations and research
• Develops and implements retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines and prompt engineering strategies to support practical LLM applications across the college
• Maintains, deploys, designs and tests medium to large scope projects under the direction of senior staff and college leadership
• Develops and maintains application code in alignment with established coding standards, security practices and best practices
• Manages licenses for purchased AI/ML products and software platforms
• Manages and maintains cloud infrastructure to support scalable and resilient AI applications
• Works with vendors and campus project partners to help define needs and integrate products and solutions that meet college requirements

Stakeholder Collaboration and Solutions Development (25% of time)

• Collaborates with the TCE Data Analytics Analysts to identify and develop AI-driven solutions that support college academic program needs and improve instructional efficiencies
• Works with the Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration to identify and develop AI-driven solutions that reduce inefficient and repetitive business processes across the college
• Collaborates with the Associate Dean for Research and Facilities to identify and support key Principal Investigators utilizing AI in their research activities
• Consults with college stakeholders to gather requirements, determine technology needs and design cost-effective AI solutions tailored to TCE priorities
• Develops, implements and supports projects that satisfy a variety of user needs across the college enterprise
• Communicates technical concepts, project status and solution recommendations effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders including college leadership
• Collaborates with the Office of Information & Technology (OIT) for guidance on compliance with policies, standards, and best practices related to the use and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Provides regular updates to the Director of Data Analytics & Technology Transformation on project status and the progression of AI-driven solution

Review, Troubleshooting, and Continuous Improvement (20% of time)

• Conducts code reviews to ensure high standards of code quality and adherence to best practices
• Independently troubleshoots and resolves complex technical issues with deployed applications and AI models promptly
• Uses innovative solutions to solve problems and modifies solutions when competing policies or requirements are present
• Stays current on emerging AI technologies, industry trends, and best practices through ongoing training and professional development
• Evaluates and recommends new AI tools, frameworks, and platforms for potential college adoption

Documentation and Training (10% of time)

• Creates and maintains technical design documents, API specifications, database schemas and public-facing user documentation
• Creates documentation of processes for quality control and continuity of AI model development and deployment procedures
• Develops and conducts training for college stakeholders on AI tools, applications and best practices to support adoption and effective use
• Provides post-implementation support for deployed AI applications and solutions

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field.
• Experience:
  • 2 years of relevant experience developing and deploying AI/ML models in a professional setting, or 6 years of equivalent combination of education, training and experience in data science aligned with AI/ML models, software engineering, computer engineering, or other information technology fields
  • Experience with database design and management using relational and/or graph databases
  • Experience with API development and system integration
  • Experience working with stakeholders to gather requirements and translate needs into technical solutions
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of AI/ML concepts, model development methodologies and deployment best practices
  • Knowledge of large language models (LLMs), generative AI concepts and practical application frameworks
  • Knowledge of database design and management using both graph and relational database platforms
  • Knowledge of API development, management and system integration best practices
  • Skills in programming languages relevant to AI/ML development, including Python
  • Skills in independently analyzing complex technical problems and formulating effective solutions
  • Skills in troubleshooting and debugging complex technical issues across applications and AI models
  • Skills in written and oral communications, including conveying technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
  • Skills in organization and multi-tasking across multiple concurrent projects
  • Ability to analyze problems, develop innovative AI-driven solutions and modify solutions when competing policies are present
  • Ability to provide excellent customer service and support to college stakeholders
  • Ability to develop and deliver training on AI tools, applications and best practices
  • Ability to learn and understand new AI systems, technologies and frameworks and apply them to real-world academic and operational challenges

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence or a related field. Preferred other licenses/certifications: AI/ML platform certifications (e.g., Azure AI, AWS ML).
• Experience:
  • 4 or more years of progressively responsible experience in AI/ML development with demonstrated growth in complexity and scope of work with AI/ML models in a professional setting, or 10 years of equivalent combination of education, training and experience in data science aligned with AI/ML models, software engineering, computer engineering, or other information technology fields
  • Experience working in an academic, research, or higher education environment
  • Experience with large language models, generative AI or retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines in a production setting
  • Experience serving as a technical resource to non-technical stakeholders to identify needs and translate them into AI-driven solutions
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch
  • Knowledge of vector databases (e.g., Pinecone, Weaviate, Chroma) for use with LLM and generative AI applications
  • Knowledge of agentic AI frameworks and multi-step autonomous AI workflows (e.g., LangChain, AutoGen)
  • Knowledge of cloud infrastructure platforms such as Azure or AWS
  • Skills in version control systems such as Git
  • Ability to work effectively in an academic or research environment with evolving and ambiguous requirements

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville

• Hybrid  

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR12
• Anticipated hiring range: $85,000 - $95,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, all requested materials should be submitted.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

About The Department

TCE Data Analytics supports the college's business operations and its academic and research missions, providing data, analysis, and tools to drive evidence-based decision-making. Spanning research activity, academic and student success outcomes, budget and operational performance, and external reporting requirements, the team turns complex data into clear insight that helps leadership act with confidence.