Software Developer III (AI & ML)

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 looking for an experienced AI/ML Software Engineer to help design, develop, and deploy production-grade AI-driven applications. You will work on cutting-edge AI/ML projects, implementing advanced machine learning models, integrating LLMs, and developing intelligent agent-based architectures. 

This role requires demonstrated experience in shipping AI/ML solutions that work in real-world applications, not just conceptual understanding or AI research. You should be able to point to specific AI projects you’ve built, deployed, and optimized for real users. 

We are also looking for candidates who are excited about applying AI to help cooperatives, utilities, and broadband providers better serve their communities. Our AI solutions are designed to enhance the operations of member-driven organizations that power and connect rural America. If you are passionate about leveraging AI for meaningful impact in these industries, we encourage you to apply. 

Essential Functions: 

• AI/ML Development: Design, develop, and deploy AI-powered solutions, integrating LLMs and agentic architectures into our products.
• Model Implementation: Train, fine-tune, and optimize ML models for real-world applications.
• Software Engineering: Write clean, maintainable, and scalable code for AI applications.
• Data Pipeline & Model Deployment: Develop efficient data processing pipelines and deploy models to production environments.
• Cooperative-Focused Solutions: Ensure AI applications align with the mission and needs of cooperatives, utilities, and broadband providers.
• Continuous Learning: Stay up to date with AI advancements and implement best practices in AI software development.
• Follow all established software development methodologies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned 

Desired Experience & Skills: 

• 6+ years experience in software development, preferably with at least 3+ years in AI/ML software development.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Experience developing with LLMs (fine-tuning, prompt engineering, API integration).
  • Understanding of agentic AI architectures and multi-agent systems.
  • Strong Python skills and experience with ML frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
  • Experience with cloud AI services (AWS, GCP, Azure).
  • Understanding of data processing, vector databases, and RAG techniques.
• Practical AI Deployment: Demonstrated ability to take AI projects from idea to production, ensuring scalability and usability.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to design and implement AI-driven solutions for complex problems.
• Mission-Driven: Enthusiasm for supporting cooperatives and the communities they serve through innovative AI solutions.
• Collaboration: Strong communication skills and ability to work within a team-oriented environment.
• Experience in deploying AI models to production and optimizing performance.
• Knowledge of reinforcement learning, AI safety, and explainable AI.
• Background in full-stack development or cloud-based AI deployments.
• Experience working with utilities, broadband providers, or cooperatives, preferred.
• Portfolio or case studies showcasing AI/ML solutions deployed in real-world scenarios.
• 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 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.