For more than 50 years, NISC has worked to develop technology solutions for our customers, who we call our “Members”. Those Members are comprised primarily of 960+ utilities and broadbands across North America. Our mission is to deliver technology solutions and services that are Member-focused, quality driven and valued priced. Our Members have over 18 million end customers (residential and businesses who receive power, internet, television and/or telephone services) that our enterprise software solution enables our Member's employees to compete effectively in the industry, while excelling in providing customer service to their end customers.  

NISC exist to serve our Members and help them serve their communities through our innovative software products, services and outstanding customer support. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate AI/ML Technical Lead to drive innovation and technical excellence in AI/ML software development. In this role, you will guide a team of software engineers in designing, developing, and implementing AI-powered solutions within our enterprise software platform. You will play a pivotal role in shaping our AI/ML strategy, leveraging the latest advancements in large language models (LLMs), agentic architectures, and machine learning techniques to deliver cutting-edge applications. 

This position requires proven, real-world experience in delivering AI/ML applications that provide tangible business value. We are looking for builders, not just theorists—candidates who have successfully deployed AI solutions in production environments and can demonstrate a track record of innovation and impact. 

Additionally, we are looking for candidates who are passionate about the cooperative business model and excited about using AI to support the utilities and broadband providers that power and connect rural communities. Our mission is to empower cooperatives with AI-driven tools that enhance efficiency, improve member service, and drive innovation in the industries that sustain rural America. 

Essential Functions: 

• AI Execution: Architect, develop, and deploy real-world AI/ML solutions that are actively used in production environments.
• Technical Leadership: Provide guidance and expertise in AI/ML development, ensuring best practices in software engineering and model deployment.
• AI Strategy & Innovation: Stay at the forefront of AI advancements, evaluating and integrating emerging technologies to enhance our AI capabilities.
• LLM Development & Agentic Architectures: Lead the design and implementation of AI applications leveraging LLMs and agent-based AI systems.
• Model Training & Optimization: Develop and fine-tune ML models to improve efficiency, scalability, and business impact.
• Collaboration: Work closely with software engineers, data scientists, and business stakeholders to drive AI-driven product enhancements.
• Cooperative Mission Alignment: Ensure AI/ML solutions align with the needs of cooperatives and their members, enhancing the ability of rural utilities and broadband providers to serve their communities.
• Code & Architecture Review: Ensure high-quality, maintainable, and scalable AI/ML solutions.
• Follow all established software development methodologies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned 

Desired Experience & Skills: 

• 10+ years' experience in software development, preferably with at least 5+ years in AI/ML software development. 
• Technical Expertise:
  • Strong experience with LLMs (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic, Mistral, or custom-trained models).
  • Proven ability to design and implement agentic architectures.
  • Experience training, fine-tuning, and deploying ML models.
  • Proficiency in Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and cloud-based ML solutions (AWS, Azure, GCP).
  • Strong software engineering background, including scalable system design and API development.
• AI Passion & Practicality: A deep enthusiasm for AI and ML, coupled with a proven ability to deliver functional AI applications beyond prototypes or research projects.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to translate complex AI concepts into practical, high-impact applications.
• Mission-Driven Mindset: Passion for the cooperative business model and improving technology for rural utilities and broadband providers.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Experience guiding teams and working cross-functionally with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience with vector databases, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), or multi-agent AI systems.
• Familiarity with reinforcement learning, AI safety, and ethical AI considerations.
• Open-source AI contributions or research experience.
• A portfolio or case study showcasing real-world AI deployments and their impact.
• Experience working with utilities, broadband providers, or cooperatives.
• Commitment to NISC’s Statement of Shared Values. 

NISC’s Shared Values & Competencies: 

We’re a cooperative, which means we’re owned by the Members we serve. It also means that our focus is on taking care of our Members and our employees, rather than having a big bottom line. Quality service and innovative technology starts with happy and dedicated employees. Join our team and learn for yourself what sets NISC apart. 

• Integrity – We are committed to doing the right thing – always.
• Relationships – We are committed to building and preserving lasting relationships.
• Innovation – We promote the spirit of creativity and champion new ideas.
• Teamwork – We exemplify the cooperative spirit by working together.
• Empowerment – We believe individuals have the power to make a difference.
• Personal Development – We believe the free exchange of knowledge and information is absolutely necessary to the success of each individual and the organization. 

Work Schedule:   

• Hybrid from one of our office locations:  
  • Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Lake Saint Louis, MO
  • Mandan, ND 
• Hybrid Schedule: Minimum of working 3 day per week out of an office location and ability to work up to all 5 days a week from an office location.
  • Required Days from an Office Location: Tuesday and Wednesday - the third required day will be up to the candidate and their supervisor to choose.
• Virtual Office Location: Fully remote candidates will be considered for candidates who have a background in providing AI/ML solutions that work in real world applications, not just conceptual understanding or research based projects.

Benefits: 

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with $100 monthly contributions from NISC.
  • Like to walk? Improve your overall wellness knowledge? Ability to earn up to $800 additional dollars into your HSA each year through our Wellness Rewards program.
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) thru Paylocity.
• Fully covered life insurance up to x3 annual base salary.
• Fully covered short- and long-term disability.
• 401(k), traditional or Roth, with employee match up to 6% and employer 4% salary base contributions.
• PTO accrual levels dependent on years of service, 120 Life Leave Event hours, and 9 paid holidays.
• $2,500 Interest-FREE technology loan program.
• $25,000 employee educational assistance program.
• Volunteer, Wellness, Family Events and other employee fun supplied by our committees.
• Employee Assistance Program; assisting employees and dependents with virtually any life event
• Benevolence Committee to support employees with financial hardships like unexpected medical bills, funerals and other unfortunate hardships. 

Desired Education: 

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in a Computer Science, Computer Engineering,  or a related field and/or equivalent experience. 

Minimum Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Employees must be able to see, speak, and hear, to operate computer keyboards or office equipment, and are required to stand, walk, and sit. 

Disclaimer: 

Management may modify this job description by assigning or reassigning duties and responsibilities at any time.