Principal Software Engineer
Pearson
Principal Software Engineer
Pearson
Makes learning tools and runs certification exams
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 0→1 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.
#L1-CM
Pearson makes learning materials and runs assessments for students, educators, employers, and professionals, combining digital courseware with qualifications that verify knowledge and skills. Its MyLab and Mastering platforms pair college content with practice activities and tools that let instructors track progress. The business also supports online schools, English learning, professional certification, and workforce training, with products used in classrooms, workplaces, and testing centers. It earns money from courseware sales, digital subscriptions, assessment fees, and contracts with education institutions and employers. Pearson traces its roots to 1844 and is headquartered in London.
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