Job Title: Principal Software Engineer, AI Innovation

Career Architecture Role: Software Engineer

Career Architecture Tier: E35 (Principal, Expert Track)

Job Summary:

This is a founding engineer role in a new, innovation-focused team being built from scratch within Pearson's Enterprise Innovation function. The mission of the team is to drive early-stage, high-impact innovation initiatives: solving customer problems, supporting strategic deals, and co-innovating with external partners.

You will lead the design and delivery of advanced AI solutions, collaborate with partners and product leaders to co-innovate, assess technical feasibility, and drive architecture decisions for high-impact, ambiguous, early-stage projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to identify, assess, and co-develop AI-driven innovation opportunities.

• Shape and prototype early-stage ideas, taking undefined problems and helping define what gets built.

• Lead technical feasibility reviews and shape architecture for enterprise-scale AI initiatives.

• Decide how projects are executed — whether built internally, handed off to partners, or scaled through dedicated delivery teams — and drive that execution.

• Build and prototype across the full stack, using modern tools and infrastructure.

• Guide multiple engineering squads, ensuring execution of the co-innovation strategy and measurable business impact.

• Collaborate closely with UX and Product to deliver differentiated, cross-functional solutions.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Automated AI (AutoAI), AI Agents (Advanced): Architect and deliver innovative AI solutions.

• Full-Stack Engineering, Modern Development Tools (Advanced): Build and prototype end-to-end across frontend, backend, and infrastructure.

• Cloud Computing, API Management, DevOps, Data Security, Information Security (Advanced): Lead technical execution and ensure compliance.

• Collaboration, Innovation, Cross-Functional Working, Technical Acumen, Problem Solving (Advanced): Influence across teams and partners, shape ideas, and drive differentiated solutions.

• Comfort with Ambiguity, Builder Mindset (Advanced): Operate effectively in undefined, fast-moving, early-stage environments.

• Learning to Learn, Adaptability, Ethical Responsibility (Effective–Advanced): Embrace new technologies and maintain high ethical standards.

Qualifications (Education & Experience):

• Extensive experience in software engineering and AI innovation, with a broad full-stack skillset.

• Proven track record of working on early-stage or 01 products, shaping direction rather than only executing defined requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to thrive in ambiguity and collaborate cross-functionally with UX, Product, and external partners.

• Proven track record in partner co-development and technical delivery.

• Deep expertise in software architecture, cloud, and emerging AI technologies.

• A career history showing adaptability across products or problem spaces.

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Who we are:

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. To learn more: We are Pearson.

Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing TalentExperienceGlobalTeam@grp.pearson.com.

Job: Engineering

Job Family: TECHNOLOGY

Organization: Enterprise Learning & Skills

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Req ID: 24298