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IDEA Factory - Associate Director of Development & AI Systems Architect (LLM/RAG)

University of Maryland

University of Maryland

Software Engineering, IT, Sales & Business Development, Data Science
College Park, MD, USA
Posted on Mar 6, 2026

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:

Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (MTech) seeks a professional who will lead the architecture, design, and implementation of the core LLM/RAG systems. This role is central to delivering a scalable, production-ready platform and will have significant influence over the company's technology stack and approach. You'll work under the direction of the Director of Technology Services to implement cutting-edge AI solutions that support our mission-critical programs while providing regular updates on technical progress and strategic recommendations.

At xFoundry, we're on a mission to tackle global challenges through multidisciplinary collaboration, creativity, and actionable solutions. We empower students to become agents of change, capable of addressing complex problems and making a tangible impact on the world. Through immersive competitions and projects, we cultivate the mindset and skills of a founder, qualities like adaptability, resourcefulness, risk tolerance, and resilience.

The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland catalyzes high-
quality research, innovation, and learning, preparing our students to create innovations that will address the 21st century Grand Challenges (e.g., energy, environment, security, and human health) and improve the human condition. The Clark School is dedicated to leading and transforming the engineering discipline and profession, accelerating entrepreneurship, and transforming research and learning activities into innovations that benefit millions.

Minimum Qualifications
Education: Master's in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or related field. Bachelor's degree with exceptional experience, 5+ years, will be considered.
Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in machine learning/AI, with extensive foundational experience in machine learning valued more highly than brief, recent-only LLM experience.

Physical Demands:
Sedentary work performed in a normal office environment; exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Ability to attend meetings both on and off campus.

Preferences:
1. Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or related field preferred
2. Experience: 8+ years of professional experience in machine learning/AI, with extensive foundational experience in machine learning valued more highly than brief, recent-only LLM experience.
OTHER:
1. Technical Skills: Deep knowledge of Python and advanced programming concepts; Experience with LLM pipeline construction (e.g., LangChain, LlamaIndex, Haystack); Proven experience with LLM fine-tuning and model optimization; Expertise with ML frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or JAX; Experience with broader AI concepts including CNNs, transformers, and data classification; Proficiency with vector databases (Pinecone, Weaviate, Chroma, FAISS); Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) for ML workloads; Knowledge of MLOps practices and model deployment pipelines; Understanding of natural language processing and information retrieval systems
2. Programming Languages: Python; Familiarity with JavaScript/TypeScript for API integration; Experience with CUDA/GPU programming for model training;
3. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with SQL, Java, and statistical languages like R or Julia; Knowledge of database concepts and interaction with AI systems (PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis); Experience with containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes); Familiarity with distributed computing frameworks (Spark, Ray); Experience in educational technology or higher education settings; Publications or contributions to open-source AI projects


Licenses/ Certifications:
NA

Additional Job Details

Additional Information: UMD will not sponsor the successful candidate for work authorization in the United States now or in the future

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, List of References

Best Consideration Date: January 29, 2026

Posting Close Date: N/A

Open Until Filled: Yes

Financial Disclosure Required

No

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department

ENGR-MTECH-IDEA Factory

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

$125,000 - $155,000

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

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