Sr AI/Backend Software Engineer

Vista Higher Learning invites applications for a Senior AI/Backend Software Engineer. This role designs, builds, and scales backend systems with AI powered capabilities to support Vista Higher Learning's language education products for K-12 and higher education. The position is based in Massachusetts on a hybrid model. The compensation includes a base salary of USD 140,000 - 150,000 per year and eligibility for an annual incentive.

Responsibilities

• Contribute across the full Software Development Lifecycle, from planning through delivery
• Perform tests to optimize performance
• Write clean code to develop functioning web applications
• Collaborate effectively with cross functional teams to deliver on schedule and with quality

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 7+ years of experience as a Senior Software Engineer working with Ruby, Ruby on Rails or Python + JavaScript
• Demonstrated software architectural design experience, including data persistence and API design
• Strong understanding of Large Language Models (LLMs) and LLM APIs
• Strong understanding of networking and web browser protocols
• Advanced working knowledge of Unix like systems, comfortable using the terminal
• Advanced SQL and DB schema design knowledge
• Advanced working knowledge of Git and GitHub
• Experience collaborating with other departments and teams
• Strong communication, listening and interpersonal skills

Technologies

• Ruby, Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, Vue
• MySQL, PostgreSQL, Redis, Elasticsearch
• AWS, SageMaker, AWS Polly, Azure Speech Service
• SQL, Git, GitHub

Location and work arrangement

This role is based in Massachusetts with a hybrid or remote arrangement within the Eastern Time Zone. A current US residence within the Eastern Time Zone is required. Ideal candidates will be located in close proximity to the Boston office and be willing to maintain a two day per week hybrid schedule on Tuesday and Thursday. Relocation assistance is not available.

Ideal qualifications

• Backend or full stack development with AI tooling experience
• Knowledge of LLM evaluation and MLOps practices
• Experience with SageMaker, AWS Polly, and Azure Speech Service
• Experience with SQL, PostgreSQL, Redis, and Elasticsearch
• Experience building and deploying high capacity applications in cloud environments, especially AWS
• Strong ability to architect solutions for scalability and performance
• Ruby experience is highly preferred
• Experience in ed tech, education, language learning or a related field
• Familiarity with WCAG 2.1 AA compliance standards