Technical Generalist – Simon Initiative

Carnegie Mellon is embarking on a new strategic initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to innovate mathematics education. This project draws on the expertise of Carnegie Mellon University's leading minds in math education, learning sciences, and AI, to reimagine a math curriculum designed to dramatically improve student outcomes and ensure that race, ethnicity, and income are not predictors of postsecondary success. Our approach aims to leverage existing momentum, embrace iterative and collaborative processes, and balance innovative explorations with market-ready solutions in math education.

The Technical Generalist role will bridge the gap between technical development and courseware content creation, working closely with both the engineering and content teams to ensure smooth, high-quality integration of learning activities within the educational platform. This role involves developing new learning activities, creating animations, programmatic videos, and other interactive content, as well as refining features based on design and user data. The ideal candidate will have experience in both technical and educational content development and act as a liaison, facilitating clear communication between the technical and content teams.

Core responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with the engineering team to ensure the platform includes the necessary features to support seamless animations, interactive tools, and dynamic content that align with pedagogical goals. Work closely with developers to specify technical requirements for innovative learning activities.
• Serve as a primary liaison between the content team and engineering team, facilitating effective communication and alignment of project goals across departments.
• Develop programmatic videos based on detailed specifications from content authors, ensuring that content accurately conveys educational concepts through engaging, interactive visuals.
• Write code for interactive tools and activities using a math graphing tool, creating experiences that enhance learning and engagement for students, guided by content author specifications.
• Coordinate training sessions and support content authors in crafting effective technical specifications, helping to streamline the process of creating animations, videos, and other interactive course elements.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the Simon Initiative. Inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work
 

You should demonstrate:

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with both technical and non-technical team members, bridging the gap between engineering and content.
• Strong adaptability and a quick learning ability for new coding languages and technologies, contributing directly to both content creation and technical development.
• Strong problem-solving aptitude and a proactive approach to troubleshooting, collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve issues efficiently.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Educational Technology, or a related field
• Experience in coding for interactive educational tools and video content, especially within a learning or ed-tech environment
• Proficiency in relevant programming languages and math graphing tools, with the ability to produce interactive and engaging educational content
• A collaborative mindset and experience working across multiple teams to achieve shared goals in content development and technical refinement
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Additional Information:

• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.  Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.
• Note: this is a fixed-term position, with an expected duration through June 30, 2025.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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