AI Developer

The University of Maine System is seeking an AI Developer to join the IT Enterprise Services team. The AI Developer plays a key role in advancing the University’s digital modernization and sustainability initiatives. This position leverages artificial intelligence to optimize software architecture, automate code modernization, and enhance the performance, security, and maintainability of enterprise applications. Working across the University’s technology ecosystem, the AI Developer applies AI tools and techniques to refactor legacy systems, reduce technical debt, and ensure the long-term reliability of mission-critical applications that support teaching, research, and public service.

Key Responsibilities

• AI-Driven Code Modernization:
  Use AI-powered analysis and automation tools to identify and remediate technical debt across institutional codebases. Design and implement AI-enabled refactoring processes to modernize legacy systems and migrate applications to modern architectures.
• Automated Testing and Quality Assurance:
  Develop and maintain comprehensive AI-assisted testing and verification frameworks to ensure performance, reliability, and security in modernized systems.
• Application and API Development:
  Design, develop, and maintain APIs and full-stack applications that support enterprise operations and data integration needs.
• Continuous Improvement and Collaboration:
  Integrate AI tools into CI/CD pipelines for proactive quality assurance. Collaborate with campus stakeholders to translate institutional needs into technical solutions that enhance efficiency and scalability.

Please review the AI Developer job description to learn more.

Salary: The salary range for this position is $75,000 to $85,000, commensurate with the candidate's training, education, and experience.

Benefits: The University of Maine System offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes (but is not limited to):

• 13 paid holidays plus earned vacation and sick time
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Short-term disability insurance and employer-paid long-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance
• Tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents (spouse, domestic partner, and dependent children)
• 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution

To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST, with flexibility available as mutually agreed upon between the supervisor and employee. 

Location: This position is fully remote. Applicants must reside and be authorized to work in the United States. Please review the University Guidelines for Remote Work.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Required:

• Software Architecture & Modernization: Expertise in modern software architecture, microservices, design patterns, and advanced refactoring techniques for complex, large-scale, and often poorly documented systems.
• AI Developer Tooling: Deep, demonstrable knowledge with AI-powered developer tools for static/dynamic code analysis, automated transformation, and intelligent testing (e.g., tools similar to CodeScene, SonarQube, Refact ai, Qodo).
• Automated Testing & Verification: Advanced proficiency in building and maintaining comprehensive automated testing suites (unit, integration, end-to-end) and verification frameworks to validate complex system behavior and ensure functional parity post-refactoring.
• Programming Languages & Frameworks: Strong proficiency in at least one modern back-end language (e.g., Java, Node.js, Python) and a corresponding front-end framework (e.g., React, Vue.js), with a solid understanding of web fundamentals (HTML, CSS3).
• Analytical & System Thinking: Exceptional analytical and creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose deeply embedded architectural problems in opaque legacy codebases and devise innovative, AI-driven solutions.
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate highly complex technical concepts, risks, and strategies to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.

Qualifications

Required:

• A master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a closely related field. An equivalent combination of relevant professional experience and education will be considered. 
• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in AI software development, demonstrating progressive responsibility in designing and building complex web applications.
• A minimum of two (2) years of dedicated, hands-on experience applying AI/ML tools and techniques to software development lifecycle challenges, such as automated code analysis, AI-assisted refactoring, or generative testing. 
• A portfolio of completed projects or a detailed professional history that clearly demonstrates expertise in analyzing, improving, and modernizing complex legacy systems with practical application of AI technologies. 

Preferred:

• Professional work experience in a higher education, education technology (EdTech), or research-intensive environment.
• Experience with advanced AI techniques or contributing to open-source AI/ML projects.
• Familiarity with data privacy and governance regulations relevant to the higher education sector, such as the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

How to Apply:

Materials must be submitted via “Apply Now” below. You will need to complete an application and upload the following: 

1. A cover letter that describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position. 
2. A resume/curriculum vitae.

Important items to know about the recruitment process:

• Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and will remain open until filled.
• Incomplete application materials cannot be considered.
• Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide contact information for references.
• The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screenings.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in and reside in the United States. Please Note: We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship or OPT extensions now or in the future.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

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