Principal Software Engineer, AI Innovation

Job Title: Principal Software Engineer, AI Innovation

Career Architecture Role: Software Engineer

Career Architecture Tier: E35 (Principal, Expert Track)

Job Summary:

This is a founding engineer role in a new, innovation-focused team being built from scratch within Pearson's Enterprise Innovation function. The mission of the team is to drive early-stage, high-impact innovation initiatives: solving customer problems, supporting strategic deals, and co-innovating with external partners.

You will lead the design and delivery of advanced AI solutions, collaborate with partners and product leaders to co-innovate, assess technical feasibility, and drive architecture decisions for high-impact, ambiguous, early-stage projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to identify, assess, and co-develop AI-driven innovation opportunities.

• Shape and prototype early-stage ideas, taking undefined problems and helping define what gets built.

• Lead technical feasibility reviews and shape architecture for enterprise-scale AI initiatives.

• Decide how projects are executed - whether built internally, handed off to partners, or scaled through dedicated delivery teams - and drive that execution.

• Build and prototype across the full stack, using modern tools and infrastructure.

• Guide multiple engineering squads, ensuring execution of the co-innovation strategy and measurable business impact.

• Collaborate closely with UX and Product to deliver differentiated, cross-functional solutions.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Automated AI (AutoAI), AI Agents (Advanced): Architect and deliver innovative AI solutions.

• Full-Stack Engineering, Modern Development Tools (Advanced): Build and prototype end-to-end across frontend, backend, and infrastructure.

• Cloud Computing, API Management, DevOps, Data Security, Information Security (Advanced): Lead technical execution and ensure compliance.

• Collaboration, Innovation, Cross-Functional Working, Technical Acumen, Problem Solving (Advanced): Influence across teams and partners, shape ideas, and drive differentiated solutions.

• Comfort with Ambiguity, Builder Mindset (Advanced): Operate effectively in undefined, fast-moving, early-stage environments.

• Learning to Learn, Adaptability, Ethical Responsibility (Effective-Advanced): Embrace new technologies and maintain high ethical standards.

Qualifications (Education & Experience):

• Extensive experience in software engineering and AI innovation, with a broad full-stack skillset.

• Proven track record of working on early-stage or 0→1 products, shaping direction rather than only executing defined requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to thrive in ambiguity and collaborate cross-functionally with UX, Product, and external partners.

• Proven track record in partner co-development and technical delivery.

• Deep expertise in software architecture, cloud, and emerging AI technologies.

• A career history showing adaptability across products or problem spaces.