AI Developer Lead

Job Title
AI Developer Lead

Requisition Number
RE52847

Working Title

Department Name
3L400:ITS Enterprise Systems

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
50

Salary Range
$81,640-138,798/year

Type of Position
Staff

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

BS

Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience

7 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Lifting, pushing or pulling of objects up to 50 lbs, sitting for long period of time

Shift

Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm; possibility of excess of 40 hours per week or weekend hours, depending on workload

Job Summary

The AI Developer Lead is a senior technical expert responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing advanced AI-powered solutions. This role is focused on high-impact technical leadership, innovation, and hands-on development of complex AI systems. The AI Developer Lead sets technical direction, solves challenging problems, and drives excellence in AI engineering across projects. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and mentoring of other developers are key aspects, but the primary focus is on technical mastery and strategic innovation.

Multiple positions available.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• Proven track record of developing and deploying large-scale AI solutions in enterprise environments.
• Experience mentoring and guiding technical teams.
• Familiarity with manufacturing, supply chain, or similar industries is a plus.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder (for ITAR compliance, if applicable).

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, AI, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related field (Master’s or PhD preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in AI/ML engineering, data science, or related roles, with a focus on generative models, LLMs, or computer vision.

Deadline to Apply
01/28/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.