Software Applications Developer/Programmer III - AI/ML

Job Title

Software Applications Developer/Programmer III - AI/ML

Agency

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Department

Autonomy Research Institute

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Corpus Christi, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs.  As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies.

TAMU-CC’s beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities.

PURPOSE

The Software Applications Developer III – AI/ML serves as the technical lead for software development projects at the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI), supervising and mentoring junior developers while independently delivering high-quality, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning (AI/ML)-enabled web-based and server-side software solutions supporting Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This role ensures adherence to technical standards, provides oversight of development efforts, and collaborates with stakeholders to support software architecture, system optimization, and integration. Additionally, this position reports project status, technical challenges, risks, and progress to management.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Software Development: 50%

• Develop, modify, debug, test, deploy, and maintain C#/.NET, JavaScript, Python, and web-based applications.

• Train, test, evaluate, and optimize AI/ML models for production environments.

• Integrate AI/ML components into web-based and backend systems.

• Ensure the security, scalability, reliability, and maintainability of applications.

• Review and approve software designs and coordinate the integration of multiple codebases.

• Provide technical oversight and ensure adherence to software development best practices and standards.

• Oversee the review and analysis of software documentation and production performance to facilitate problem resolution.

• Develop, review, and approve test plans for AI/ML models and software solutions.

• Participate in data architecture design, system optimization, and performance tuning.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Leadership and Mentorship: 30%

• Supervise and mentor junior developers and graduate and undergraduate student workers, as assigned, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and professional development support.

• Provide technical leadership for software development projects and promote adherence to coding standards and development best practices.

• Conduct code reviews, support system integration efforts, and evaluate software designs.

• Evaluate software products and programming languages, recommending adoption when applicable.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members regarding AI/ML practices, tools, and methodologies.

• Foster innovation, knowledge sharing, and collaboration through professional networks and organizational activities.

Project Management and Compliance: 20%

• Collaborate with project leaders to develop work plans, project timelines, technical requirements, and resource allocations.

• Monitor and report project status, technical risks, challenges, milestones, and progress to supervisor and project stakeholders.

• Maintain software documentation, user manuals, technical reports, and related records to support project continuity.

• Conduct systems analyses and recommend improvements to system efficiency, functionality, and performance.

• Ensure databases, applications, software configurations, and procedures are current and appropriately documented.

• Protect operations by maintaining data security, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable organizational and project requirements.

• Maintain current knowledge of emerging technologies, programming techniques, AI/ML methodologies, and development tools.

• Safely operates university vehicles and machinery.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or applicable field

• Five (5) years of related experience

• Additional experience/education may be used as a substitute for the minimum education/experience requirement:

  • High School Diploma/GED, and nine (9) years of related experience; OR

  • Associate’s degree in Computer Science or applicable field, and seven (7) years of related experience; OR

  • Master’s degree in Computer Science or applicable field, and three (3) years of related experience

• U.S. Citizenship Required

• Maintain a Valid Driver’s License

• Proficiency in AI/ML model development using Python and frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn, including experience training, evaluating, optimizing, and deploying models in production environments

• Experience with full-stack web development using C#, ASP.NET Core, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and REST APIs

• Experience with database development using Microsoft SQL Server and T-SQL

• Proficiency with Git and version-control workflows

• Experience leading software or AI/ML development efforts and providing technical guidance or mentorship to junior developers

• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment system or water treatment system

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

• High level of articulation and professionalism

• Exceptional attention to detail

• Critical thinking and proactive problem solving

• Ability to take initiative and identify opportunities for improvement

• Ability to either work in a team environment or independently with minimal guidance

• Ability to manage and prioritize tasks, resources, and time effectively

• Ability to supervise and mentor junior developers and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, operational personnel, project leaders, and stakeholders

• Ability to travel up to 20% for position-associated missions and training sessions

• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and occasionally work outdoors

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, or a related field
  Relevant AI/ML, data science, or software-development certifications

• Experience with software development supporting Unmanned Aircraft Systems or autonomous systems

• Experience developing or integrating geographic information system applications

• Record of published AI/ML, autonomy, UAS, or software-development research

• Experience with DevOps tools and practices, including Docker, continuous integration and continuous deployment, or Kubernetes

• Proficiency with Linux operating systems, including Ubuntu or Red Hat Enterprise Linux

• Experience managing multidisciplinary software-development projects, including project schedules, technical requirements, resource planning, and deliverables

• Experience writing technical proposals, sponsor deliverables, technical reports, or system documentation

SALARY: $7,000.00 - $7,500.00 Monthly ($84,000.00 – $90,000.00 Annual, Approximately)

NOTE: 

• Salary is dependent upon education and experience.

• Due to federal law on deemed export controls/ITAR compliance, it is not possible to petition for work visa sponsorship. Applicants must be a U.S. persons.

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.

INSURANCE:

• Medical

  • $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).

  • Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:

    • Employee and Spouse

    • Employee and Children

    • Employee and Family coverage

• Dental & Vision

• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM

ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES

Work Life Solutions:

• Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits:

• Public Loan Forgiveness

• Book scholarships

• 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).

Retirement:

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)

• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Time Off:

• 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.

• 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.

• 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.

• 12-15 paid holidays each year.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.