Lead Conversational AI Developer

Lead Conversational AI Developer

Platform Engineering

Full Time, Exempt Regular, Pay Grade 4.2

Location: Hybrid (Onsite presence required in Adelphi, MD at minimum once a week)

We are seeking a talented and passionate Conversational AI Developer to join our team and play a key role in creating innovative and engaging chatbots and virtual assistants.  The ideal candidate will have a strong background in software development, with a focus on AI and natural language processing technologies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Drive the full lifecycle development — from design to deployment — of scalable chatbots and virtual assistants utilizing Microsoft Bot Framework, Kore.ai, or similar CAI technologies

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (product managers, designers, UX/UI specialists) to gather requirements, design conversational flows, and implement user stories

• Integrate Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Natural Language Understanding (NLU) techniques to enable chatbots to understand user intent and respond accordingly

• Leverage Generative AI services to enhance chatbot responses with creativity and personalization

• Develop chatbots for deployment across multiple channels (web, mobile apps, messaging platforms) ensuring a seamless user experience

• Conduct thorough testing and debugging to ensure high performance and accuracy of conversational AI solutions

• Monitor and analyze user interactions and chatbot performance to identify areas for improvement and optimization

• Stay updated on the latest advancements in Conversational AI technologies and best practices

Required Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's Degree

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in software development, preferably with a focus on conversational AI or chatbots

• Deep expertise in Azure Bot Framework v4, specifically utilizing Adaptive Dialogs, Waterfall Dialogs, and middleware customization

• Strong backend development skills with advanced proficiency in C#, .NET, JavaScript, CSS, HTML for custom bot logic

• Hands-on experience with Azure Integration Services, using Azure Functions and Logic Apps to orchestrate workflows between the bot and external systems

• Proven experience with Salesforce API integrations (REST/SOAP), specifically for managing Live Agent handoffs, Knowledge base retrieval, and Case creation

• Experience configuring Azure Cosmos DB for storing conversation state, user data, and telemetry logs

• Experience implementing Hybrid AI strategies, bridging classical NLU services (Azure CLU) with Generative AI models (Azure OpenAI/GPT) for fall-back handling or content generation

• Middleware familiarity, with exposure to MuleSoft or similar ESB platforms for enterprise-grade data exchange

• Data-driven optimization skills, utilizing Power BI to analyze conversation logs, identify drop-off points, and drive NLU accuracy improvements

• SDLC leadership experience, including defining CI/CD pipelines for bot deployment across multiple environments (Dev/Test/Prod)

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Passion for innovation and a strong desire to push the boundaries of Conversational AI technology

All submissions should include a cover letter and resume.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. UMGC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, ancestry, political affiliation or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Workplace Accommodations:

The University of Maryland Global Campus Global Campus (UMGC) is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive working environment for people of all abilities. UMGC is dedicated to the principle that no qualified individual with a disability shall, based on disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination. For information about UMGC's Reasonable Workplace Accommodation Policy or to request an accommodation, applicants/candidates can contact Employee Accommodations via email at employee-accommodations@umgc.edu. 

Benefits Package Highlights:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 days of paid vacation, 15 days of sick leave, 3 personal days, and 16 paid holidays (17 during general election years). For part-time employees, time off rates will be prorated based on the number of hours worked.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to health care, medical with vision, dental, and prescription plans for both individuals and families, effective from the 1st of the month following your hire date.

• Insurance Options: Term Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance. Part-time employees working less than 0.5 FTE are not eligible for LTD.

• Flexible Spending Accounts: Available for medical and dependent care expenses.

• Retirement Plans: Choose between the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) or the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS).

• Supplemental Retirement Plans: include 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and various Roth options. The university does not provide matching funds.

• Tuition Remission: Immediate availability for Regular Exempt Staff. Spouses and dependent children are eligible for undergraduate tuition remission after two years of service. NOTE: For part-time employees (at least 50 percent of the time), tuition remission benefits are prorated.

Hiring Range: