AI Innovation Engineer

PSRS/PEERS is seeking an innovative, highly skilled, and forward-thinking AI Innovation Engineer to join our Information & Technology Team. In this pivotal technical role, you will design and deliver automation solutions, intelligent digital agents, and data-driven capabilities that accelerate modernization across the organization. Working under the general direction of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), you will directly shape how PSRS/PEERS leverages emerging technologies to enhance efficiency, strengthen governance, and improve the user experience for staff and members across Missouri’s public education community.

As the AI Innovation Engineer, you will build sustainable digital workflows and AI-enhanced automations that reduce manual effort, protect institutional knowledge, and improve the reliability of critical processes. You will integrate automation with analytics, ensure strong data governance, collaborate across departments, and provide expertise that supports secure, thoughtful digital transformation. Your work will enable faster project delivery, intuitive user experiences, and long-term operational resilience throughout the organization.

Salary:

$112,756 - $140,945 annually.
Pay within this advertised range is commensurate with education, experience, and technical proficiency.

Job Type:

Full-time with benefits.

Location:

Jefferson City, Missouri.

About PSRS/PEERS

PSRS/PEERS is the largest defined benefit pension system in Missouri, proudly serving more than 300,000 members statewide. We partner with public school districts to provide secure and reliable retirement benefits to Missouri’s educators and education employees—ensuring financial stability through every stage of their careers and beyond.

Our Information Technology Team operates from our newly remodeled and expanded headquarters at 3210 West Truman Boulevard in Jefferson City. The facility features state-of-the-art technology, advanced security infrastructure, ergonomic workspaces, and open collaboration areas designed to support teamwork and innovative problem-solving. We offer a flexible, employee-focused work environment with ample on-site parking and scheduling flexibility within our standard office hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Your Role at a Glance

As the AI Innovation Engineer, you will bring structure, reliability, and innovation to the organization’s automation and AI ecosystem. You will design modern digital workflows, build intelligent agents, and establish the standards that ensure secure, governed, and well-managed automation across departments. This role blends technical development, solution architecture, cross-functional collaboration, and ongoing optimization.

You will partner closely with Business Systems Analysts, Data Analysts, Project Managers, and end users to identify opportunities for automation and translate those needs into high-performance digital solutions. You will evaluate emerging technologies, assess their organizational impact, and introduce new approaches to streamline operations. Your work will ensure that automation is not only technically sound, but also sustainable, measurable, secure, and aligned with organizational priorities.

Examples of your impact include:
• Designing scalable automation and AI-powered digital agents that reduce manual workloads and activate modernization goals.
• Improving organizational agility by accelerating turnaround times for repeatable processes.
• Strengthening governance by embedding data accuracy, security, and auditability into digital workflows.
• Enhancing employee experience through intuitive automations that eliminate friction and streamline work.
• Ensuring that digital solutions are monitored, optimized, and upgraded for long-term sustainability.

Job Requirements

The ideal candidate for this position will combine hands-on technical skills with strong analytical reasoning, collaboration abilities, and a deep understanding of automation best practices.

Required Education & Experience

• Associate degree in Information Technology and at least 5 years of IT experience, or
• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or a related field and a minimum of two (2) years of IT experience.
• Two or more years of direct IT experience.
• Demonstrated ability to use technology creatively to solve business needs.

Key Technical Knowledge

• Automation development frameworks, programming languages, and workflow tools.
• Data governance, security practices, and system integration techniques.

• Requirements-gathering, process analysis, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Emerging technologies supporting automation, analytics, and AI-driven modernization.
• Solution monitoring, troubleshooting, and long-term optimization.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Ability to design, build, and maintain sophisticated automation solutions and AI agents.
• Skill in integrating automation with analytics and data governance standards.
• Clear and effective communication across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to evaluate new technologies and determine fit for organizational needs.
• Strength in diagnosing issues, interpreting logs/telemetry, and enhancing reliability.

What You’ll Gain

Stepping into the role of AI Innovation Engineer means contributing directly to the modernization and digital evolution of PSRS/PEERS. You will help define how automated processes are built, how digital agents behave, and how the organization incorporates emerging technologies in secure, responsible ways.

You will work collaboratively across departments, influencing how institutional knowledge is preserved, how data-driven decisions are supported, and how automation enhances mission-critical functions. Your solutions will help ensure continuity, reduce errors, and allow staff to focus on meaningful, high-value work—ultimately strengthening the retirement security of Missouri’s educators and education employees.

Why You’ll Love Working at PSRS/PEERS

PSRS/PEERS is committed to supporting every employee as much as they support our mission. We offer:

• A flexible, employee-friendly work environment
• Opportunities to telecommute
• A robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Membership in a defined benefit pension plan with lifetime benefits after just five years of vesting
• Generous paid time off: three weeks of vacation, three weeks of sick leave, and 12 paid holidays annually
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and leadership development programs
• A strong culture of community through events, volunteer initiatives, and employee-led charitable efforts