Principal Software Engineer, AI Innovation

Overview

Founding engineer role in Pearson’s Enterprise Innovation team, shaping early AI-driven innovation initiatives with internal and external partners. You lead design and delivery of advanced AI solutions, assess feasibility, and drive architecture for enterprise-scale projects. You collaborate with cross-functional teams to co-create differentiated AI-enabled products and influence execution strategy. This role offers the chance to define new AI capabilities from scratch and deliver measurable business impact.

Responsibilities

• Partner with stakeholders to identify, assess, and co-develop AI-driven opportunities
• Shape and prototype early-stage ideas by clarifying undefined problems
• Lead technical feasibility reviews and architect enterprise-scale AI initiatives
• Decide execution path (internal build, partner handoff, or dedicated delivery) and drive delivery
• Build and prototype across the full stack using modern tools and infrastructure
• Guide multiple engineering squads to execute the co-innovation strategy with measurable impact
• Collaborate with UX and Product to deliver cross-functional solutions

Key requirements

• Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Automated AI (AutoAI), AI Agents: Architect and deliver AI solutions
• Full-Stack Engineering, Modern Development Tools: Build and prototype end-to-end across frontend, backend, and infrastructure
• Cloud Computing, API Management, DevOps, Data Security, Information Security: Lead technical execution and ensure compliance
• Collaboration, Innovation, Cross-Functional Working, Technical Acumen, Problem Solving: Influence across teams and partners, shape ideas, drive differentiated solutions
• Comfort with Ambiguity, Builder Mindset: Operate effectively in undefined early-stage environments
• Learning to Learn, Adaptability, Ethical Responsibility: Embrace new technologies with high ethical standards
• Extensive experience in software engineering and AI innovation, with broad full-stack skillset
• Proven track record in early-stage products and cross-functional collaboration with UX, Product, and external partners
• Proven ability 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

• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Cross-Functional Working
• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• AutoAI

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