MLOps Engineer

Position Title:

MLOps Engineer

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Looking for an opportunity to apply AI and machine learning in ways that truly matter?

If so, the Translational AI Center (TrAC) at Iowa State University is seeking applicants for a MLOps (Machine Learning Operations) Engineer! This position will be classified as a Research and Development Engineer I.

What You'll Do:

• 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.

This is a two-year, fixed term position with the opportunity for renewal.

Preferred 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. To learn more about TrAC, please visit TrAC.

This posting will be open until filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications need to be submitted before August 14th, 2026.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• 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

• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

August 31, 2028

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS810

Original Posting Date:

August 7, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:

R19645

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

 

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.