Software Developer I - AI Developer

Position Title:

Software Developer I - AI Developer

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:

Education, training, or certification in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, or a closely related field.

Experience developing chatbots, virtual assistants, or similar AI-driven automation tools.

Familiarity with system integration and automation technologies, including APIs and workflow orchestration tools.

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of programming languages, development, and integrations, such as Python or Java.

Job Description:

Information Technology Services (ITS) at Iowa State University is seeking a Software Developer I to support the development, deployment, and maintenance of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. This role is centered on the practical implementation of AI tools and features that support the university’s mission and improve institutional services.

The ideal candidate will work closely with stakeholders to gather and refine AI requirements, build AI applications, and manage their ongoing performance in production environments. This position emphasizes practical implementation, testing, and lifecycle support of AI features integrated into institutional services and platforms.

Duties include:

• Collaborate with end users and stakeholders to gather and document technical requirements for AI capabilities.

• Design, develop, test, and maintain AI tools and services to meet institutional needs.

• Integrate AI functionality into university systems using Microsoft and other development platforms.

• Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code following industry best practices.

• Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve issues in both custom and third-party applications.

• Provide technical support to users and collaborate with vendors for updates and issue resolution.

• Stay current on emerging AI technologies and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

• Monitor system health, analyze logs and metrics, and implement fixes as needed.

This position is part of a new team at Iowa State focused on automation and AI innovation. You’ll have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and help shape the university’s approach to AI implementation. Whether you’re early in your AI career or looking to deepen your expertise, this role offers a unique chance to grow your skills while developing tools that will be used by faculty, students, and staff across campus. It’s a dynamic environment where your work will make a tangible impact.

Additional details:

• Location: Must reside in the state of Iowa. Relocation expenses will not be included.

• Residency requirement: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Leveling Guidelines

• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision

• Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode

• Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope

• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained

• Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate

• May lead projects of limited scope and complexity

• May provide guidance to students

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS808

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485. Why Choose ISU? Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as: • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans • Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa) • Life insurance and long-term disability • Flexible Spending Accounts • Various voluntary benefits and discounts • Employee Assistance Program • Wellbeing program • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

Original Posting Date:

August 6, 2025

Posting Close Date:

August 13, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R17481