Principal Machine Learning Engineer, NLP/LLM

If you're passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country-and you're committed to working hard to play your part in building that future-consider WGU as the next step in your career.
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Job Summary:
Western Governors University is hiring a

Principal Machine Learning Engineer

to join our team

onsite

in

Salt Lake City, Utah.

This person will lead cross-functional teams in developing and deploying scalable AI/ML solutions, with a focus on NLP and LLM models. This role combines visionary leadership with hands-on technical expertise to shape the future of Ed Tech at WGU.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Define and execute NLP/LLM strategies and roadmaps.

Translate business needs into AI/ML capabilities.

Lead the design and development of complex AI systems, ensuring scalability and performance.

Manage the full ML lifecycle, including research, training, evaluation, and deployment.

Collaborate across teams to integrate ML solutions into WGU's ecosystem.

Stay updated on AI advancements and drive their application.

Mentor ML engineers and foster professional growth.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:
Expertise in ML techniques, deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow), and cloud-based big data infrastructure.

Strong Python programming and MLOps experience (e.g., Databricks, MLFlow, Sagemaker).

Background in scalable, distributed systems and DevOps practices (Terraform preferred).

Experience with stream-processing systems (e.g., Kafka, Spark Streaming).

Proven ability to build and deploy production-grade AI/ML models

Qualifications:
M.S. or higher in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a related field.

10+ years of software development in cloud environments.

8+ years in ML, including building and deploying large-scale models.

Leadership experience in senior engineering roles.

To explore more about our company and what makes working here special, visit our website at /wgu.edu/about.html. To view current career opportunities and apply, please visit /wgu.edu/about/careers.html.
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• D&I
The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.
At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Pay Range: $197,000.00 - $305,300.00

How to apply: apply online
Full-time Regular Positions (FT classification, standard working hours = 40)
This is a full-time, regular position that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

The University is an equal opportunity employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.