Principal Software Engineer, AI Innovation

Job Title: Principal Software Engineer, AI InnovationCareer Architecture Role: Software EngineerCareer 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.#L1-CMFull timePosting Date: 2026-06-05