MLOps Engineer

This is a two-year, fixed term position with the opportunity for renewal, employed full time over 12 months.

About the role

Looking for an opportunity to apply AI and machine learning in ways that truly matter? The Translational AI Center (TrAC) at Iowa State University is seeking a MLOps (Machine Learning Operations) Engineer classified as a Research and Development Engineer I.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain machine learning infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and automated data workflows.
• Implement model tracking, versioning, and reproducibility practices.
• Deploy and manage machine learning models in cloud and production environments.
• Containerize applications and support scalable deployment platforms.
• Develop and maintain APIs, applications, and services that deliver AI solutions.
• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and optimize reliability.
• Write, test, and maintain high-quality, reusable software.
• Create and maintain technical documentation.
• Participate in code reviews and contribute to shared tools and libraries.
• Collaborate with researchers and stakeholders to transition prototypes into production systems.
• Support system integration and communicate technical requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and training as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (required minimum qualification).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or above in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical field.
• Two years of related experience in backend software development, AI/ML model deployment, MLOps, DevOps, cloud/platform engineering, or a closely related technical area.
• Experience deploying AI/ML models from prototype to production, including containerization, model versioning, automated deployment, monitoring, and operational support.
• Strong backend development experience, preferably in Python, including APIs, distributed services, databases, testing, and reusable software components.
• Experience with CI/CD, Git-based workflows, containerization, infrastructure automation, experiment tracking, observability, and secure deployment practices.
• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, including compute, storage, identity management, monitoring, and managed AI/ML services.
• Experience deploying and supporting shared technical platforms, including user access management, upgrades, backups, capacity planning, and user support.

About TrAC

At the Translational AI Center (TrAC), we bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI research and real-world applications. Through federally funded initiatives, seed grant projects, and interdisciplinary research thrusts, we drive innovation that shapes the future of AI. Learn more about TrAC.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental.
• 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.
• WorkFlex options for flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work.

Proposed end date: August 31, 2028. Posting closes when filled; for full consideration, apply by August 14th, 2026.