{"id":923301,"url":"https://alion.io/job/common-app-principal-ai-machine-learning-engineer-u-s-based-hybrid-opportunity","title":"Principal AI & Machine Learning Engineer - U.S. Based Hybrid Opportunity","company":{"id":7167,"name":"Common App","domain":"commonapp.org","url":"https://alion.io/company/common-app","size_band":null,"is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Workable","truth_index":null},"role":"AI/ML","role_family":"AI/ML","seniority":"lead","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"hybrid","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"explicit","locations":["Arlington, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":144160,"max":162180,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":162180},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"Agile","optional":false},{"name":"AI Agents","optional":false},{"name":"Anthropic","optional":false},{"name":"AWS","optional":false},{"name":"Databricks","optional":false},{"name":"Google BigQuery","optional":false},{"name":"Hugging Face","optional":false},{"name":"LLM","optional":false},{"name":"Machine Learning","optional":false},{"name":"MLFlow","optional":false},{"name":"OpenAI","optional":false},{"name":"Prompt Engineering","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false},{"name":"PyTorch","optional":false},{"name":"RAG","optional":false},{"name":"Scikit-learn","optional":false},{"name":"Snowflake","optional":false},{"name":"SQL","optional":false},{"name":"TensorFlow","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-13T00:00:00Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-13","last_verified_at":"2026-11-02T21:24:49Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":20,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":1,"flags":[],"days_open":20},"description":"ABOUT US\nDo you have a passion for higher education? Do you want to make a positive impact on the college admissions process? Our staff help to remove barriers and encourage students to forge their path to a better future. Common App is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Each year we support more than 1 million students, one-third of whom are first-generation, as they apply to our more than 1100 diverse member colleges & universities using the Common App's free online application.\nIf you are an experienced Artificial Intelligence professional and want to be part of a mission-driven non-profit that uses innovative technology to advance the college admission process, Common App may be a great match for you. Common App is currently searching for a Principal AI & Machine Learning Engineer.\nRESPONSIBILITIES\nThe Principal Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) Engineer is the technical leader responsible for embedding artificial intelligence into enterprise workflows and analytic processes to drive measurable gains in productivity, insight generation, and decision support within the Data Analytics & Research (DAR) division. Highly regarded for exceptional performance and deep technical expertise, this role focuses on applied, production-ready AI/ML, driving groundbreaking initiatives that embed artificial intelligence into enterprise workflows\nReporting to the Senior Director, Analytics Engineering, the Principal AI/ML Engineer partners closely with Data Engineering, Data Governance, and cross-functional business stakeholders to ensure that AI solutions are scalable, secure, compliant, and aligned with enterprise data strategy. This role operates as a senior individual contributor and technical authority, setting standards for AI development practice, mentoring teammates on applied AI techniques, and translating complex machine learning capabilities into enterprise-grade systems that deliver lasting organizational value. The Principal AI/ML Engineer is a recognized expert in the field, frequently sought out for technical guidance, mentorship, and thought leadership both within the organization and across the broader AI and higher education data community.\nRequirements\nQUALIFICATIONS\nThis role requires:\nCandidates must live in the United States.\nHybrid Work & Travel: Employees can live anywhere in the US or its territories, with the willingness and ability to travel for periodic in-person events-including semi-annual Common App retreats, department retreats, and strategic leadership sessions.\nBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a closely related quantitative or technical field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.\n8-10 years of progressive experience in machine learning, AI engineering, or data science, with at least 3 years focused on applied AI and production ML systems.\nDemonstrated experience integrating LLMs and generative AI into enterprise analytic or operational workflows.\nDemonstrated experience working within enterprise data governance and compliance frameworks.\nExpertise in applied machine learning and AI, including supervised and unsupervised learning, natural language processing, and large language model integration (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic, open-source LLMs via Hugging Face).\nDemonstrated experience designing and deploying production-grade AI/ML systems, including end-to-end ML pipelines covering training, evaluation, versioning, deployment, and monitoring.\nProficiency in R and Python for machine learning and AI development; familiarity with ML frameworks such as scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow, or equivalent.\nExperience building and operationalizing LLM-powered applications, including prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and tool/agent orchestration frameworks.\nStrong SQL skills and experience working with large-scale cloud data platforms (e.g., Databricks, Snowflake, BigQuery); ability to design AI-ready data pipelines within enterprise warehouse environments.\nKnowledge of AI governance, responsible AI principles, and compliance considerations for AI systems handling sensitive or personally identifiable data.\nProven ability to serve as a senior technical individual contributor, setting standards, making architectural decisions, and mentoring peers without formal management authority.\nStrong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex AI/ML concepts into accessible language for non-technical stakeholders and executive audiences.\nProven ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deliver high-quality AI solutions in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.\nThe ideal candidate will possess:\nMaster’s or doctoral degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Data Science, or a related field.\nRelevant AI/ML or cloud certifications (e.g., Databricks Certified Machine Learning Professional, AWS Machine Learning Specialty, or equivalent).\nExperience working with Agile frameworks for cross-functional, product-minded collaboration.\nExperience with agentic AI frameworks. \nFamiliarity with Databricks AI features, including MLflow, Model Serving, and Genie or semantic layer integrations.\nExperience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven technology contexts.\nAdvanced training in statistics, causal inference, or program evaluation methods.\nA passion for higher education is a plus. \nPAY RANGE\n$144,160 - $162,180\nBenefits\nCommon App is a virtual first environment. We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by our competitive salary and an extensive benefits package including:\nWork-Life balance\nVirtual-first office\nPaid Time Off (PTO)\nSeven company-wide holidays\nNine floating holidays*\nSick leave\nMonthly mental health day\n*floating holidays prorated depending on start date\nVirtual-first support\nChoice of PC of MAC laptop\nMay choose an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or headset\nOne-time office set-up stipend\nMonthly remote work stipend\nMonthly mobile stipend\nFinancial security\nMarket-based salaries\nPerformance-based bonus\n403(b) retirement plan\n5% company contribution\nadditional 5% company match\n3-year vesting schedule\nParticipation may begin immediately\nHealth & wellness\nChoice of two health insurance plans\nHealth Savings Account, depending on health plan selection\nMedical Flexible Savings Account, depending on health plan selection\nVision insurance\nDental insurance\nInsurance coverage begins on the date of hire\nDependent Care Flexible Spending Account\nMaven virtual clinic for women’s and family health\nCompany provided life and ad&d insurance\nOpportunity to purchase additional life insurance for self, spouse, and dependents\nCompany provided short and long-term disability insurance\nCareer development\nBudgeted annual funds for professional development\nGrowth opportunities within the company\nAdditional perks\nMutual of Omaha Employee Assistance Program\nMutual of Omaha will preparation services\nMutual of Omaha travel assistance\nPayroll dedication pet insurance through PinPaws\n1Password family account\nWe work to maintain the best possible environment for our staff, where people can learn and grow. We strive to provide a diverse, collaborative, team-oriented, creative environment where each person feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.\nHOW DO I APPLY\nTo apply for this opportunity, send your resume and cover letter with salary expectations.\nPROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION:\nDuring the recruiting process, please note that Common App will never:\nProvide a job offer without an interview\nAsk for payment to process documents, purchase equipment or for any other reason\nRequest banking or credit card information\nDirect you to third-party services to obtain visas or other documentation\nAs we work alongside you through our recruitment process, please remain alert and never provide financial information or payment to anyone claiming to offer a job opportunity.\nIf you believe you’re a victim of a job scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state attorney general. 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