Sr AI/Backend Software Engineer

Benefits and culture

Vista Higher Learning offers a mission-driven environment where engineering advances language education. In this role, you will design, build, and scale backend systems with AI-powered capabilities to support language-learning products used across K-12 and higher education. Expect collaboration with product, data, and design teams, ongoing learning opportunities, and a culture that prioritizes reliability, curiosity, and meaningful impact.

Location

This position is based in Massachusetts with a hybrid working arrangement. It supports remote work within the Eastern Time Zone in the United States. Ideal candidates reside near the Boston area and can commit to a two-day hybrid schedule on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Relocation assistance is not provided.

Salary

Base compensation ranges from $140,000 to $150,000 per year, with eligibility for an annual incentive based on individual and organizational performance.

Responsibilities

• Contribute across the full Software Development Lifecycle, from planning and design through testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance.
• Execute performance-focused testing and profiling to optimize system efficiency.
• Write clean, maintainable code to deliver robust web applications.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure on-time, high-quality project delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree and 7+ years of experience as a Senior Software Engineer working with Ruby, Ruby on Rails, or Python plus JavaScript.
• Proven software architecture experience, including data persistence strategies and API design.
• Strong understanding of Large Language Models and LLM APIs.
• Solid knowledge of networking concepts and web browser protocols.
• Advanced Unix/Linux proficiency and comfort using the command line.
• Advanced SQL skills and database schema design.
• Expertise with Git and GitHub workflows.
• Experience collaborating with other departments and cross-functional teams.
• Effective communication, listening, and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse audiences.

Technologies

• Ruby
• Ruby on Rails
• JavaScript
• Vue
• MySQL
• Postgres
• Redis
• Elasticsearch
• AWS
• Sagemaker
• AWS Poly
• Azure Speech Service
• SQL
• Git
• GitHub

Ideal if you have or are (preferred skills & experience)

• Backend or full stack development with AI tooling experience
• Knowledge of LLM evaluation and MLOps practices
• Experience with Sagemaker, AWS Poly, Azure Speech Service
• Experience with SQL, Postgres, Redis, Elasticsearch
• Track record of building and deploying high-capacity cloud applications, especially on AWS
• Strong ability to architect scalable, high-performance solutions
• Ruby experience is highly preferred
• Background in ed tech, education, language learning, or a related industry
• Familiarity with WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards