Northeastern University
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
JOB SUMMARY
The AI Prompt Engineer will be responsible for designing, optimizing, and maintaining prompts and interactions that power the university's large language model (LLM) applications across service desk automation, administrative assistance, and other AI-driven services. This role is critical in ensuring AI systems communicate effectively, produce accurate outputs, and deliver consistent user experiences across all university stakeholders. The position requires expertise in natural language processing, LLM capabilities, domain-specific knowledge, and the ability to translate business requirements into effective AI interactions.
This role is hybrid and in the office a minimum of three days a week to facilitate collaboration and teamwork. In-office presence is an essential part of our on-campus culture and allows for engaging directly with staff and students, sharing ideas, and contributing to a dynamic work environment. Being on-site allows for stronger connections, more effective problem-solving, and enhanced team synergy, all of which are key to achieving our collective goals and driving success.
* Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University is unable to sponsor work for this role, now or in the future
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge and skills required for this position are normally obtained through a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics, Computational Linguistics, Computer Science, or related field; with a minimum of 2 years of experience working with large language models and prompt engineering, with demonstrated success in enterprise applications. Experience in higher education or similar complex organizational environments is preferred.
Other necessary skills:
LLM Expertise:
Deep understanding of large language model capabilities, limitations, and optimal interaction patterns, with demonstrated experience designing effective prompts for enterprise applications. Prompt Engineering Skills:
Advanced proficiency in crafting, testing, and refining prompts that produce consistent, accurate, and appropriate AI outputs across diverse use cases and user types. Natural Language Processing:
Strong understanding of NLP concepts and techniques, including context management, semantic analysis, entity recognition, and conversational design. Systematic Testing:
Experience designing comprehensive test cases and evaluation frameworks to assess prompt effectiveness, identify edge cases, and ensure consistent AI system performance. Domain Adaptation:
Ability to adapt general AI models to specific domains through effective prompt strategies, content framing, and domain-specific terminology integration. Technical Understanding:
Sufficient technical knowledge to collaborate effectively with AI engineers and operations specialists on prompt implementation, optimization, and troubleshooting. Analytical Skills:
Strong analytical capabilities to evaluate prompt performance data, identify patterns in AI responses, and implement data-driven improvements to interaction designs. Creative Problem-Solving:
Creativity in developing novel prompt approaches to overcome model limitations and address complex use cases not easily handled by standard methods. Content Design:
Experience creating clear, structured content frameworks that guide AI systems to produce well-organized, user-friendly outputs in appropriate formats. User Experience Focus:
Strong user-centric mindset with the ability to design AI interactions that feel natural, helpful, and aligned with user expectations and needs. Documentation Skills:
Excellence in documenting prompt strategies, design patterns, and guidelines to ensure consistency across the organization and enable knowledge transfer. Cross-functional Collaboration:
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including technical teams, subject matter experts, and end-users to gather requirements and refine AI interactions. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES Prompt Design and Optimization Design, develop, and continuously optimize prompts for university AI systems across service desk automation, administrative assistance, and other applications. Create prompt strategies that produce accurate, consistent, and contextually appropriate AI outputs aligned with business requirements and user expectations. Testing and Quality Assurance Develop and implement comprehensive testing frameworks to evaluate prompt effectiveness across diverse scenarios and edge cases. Systematically test AI responses to ensure accuracy, safety, appropriateness, and alignment with university policies and standards. Identify and address prompt vulnerabilities and failure modes. Domain-Specific Adaptation Collaborate with subject matter experts to adapt AI interactions for specific university domains, including IT support, administrative processes, and academic contexts. Incorporate domain-specific terminology, workflows, and knowledge into prompt designs to enhance relevance and effectiveness. Performance Analysis and Improvement Analyze AI system outputs and user feedback to identify patterns, issues, and opportunities for improvement. Implement data-driven refinements to prompts based on performance metrics and real-world usage patterns. Monitor for and address model drift or inconsistencies in AI responses over time. Documentation and Knowledge Sharing Create and maintain comprehensive documentation of prompt design patterns, strategies, and best practices. Develop prompt libraries, templates, and guidelines to ensure organization-wide consistency. Share insights with technical teams and stakeholders to advance prompt engineering capabilities. Position Type Information Technology
Additional Information Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education, and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern offers a comprehensive benefits package for benefit-eligible employees, including medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, and retirement plans. More information can be found at
https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ . All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
111S Expected Hiring Range:
$86,490.00 - $122,163.75 Starting salary depends on education, experience, location, knowledge, skills, and other factors. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change. About Us
Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach integrates real-world experience with education, research, and innovation to empower our community and partners to create impact worldwide. With 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, over 300,000 alumni, and 3,000 partners, our system provides unique opportunities to think globally and act locally. Our campuses are located in Boston, London, Oakland, Burlington, Nahant, Arlington, Charlotte, Miami, Portland, Seattle, Silicon Valley, Toronto, and Vancouver. Our programs lead to degrees across 10 colleges and schools, emphasizing data, technology, and human literacies to prepare students for future careers and fulfilling lives. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, addresses global challenges with solutions-oriented research involving faculty and students across disciplines and sectors.
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LLM Expertise:
Deep understanding of large language model capabilities, limitations, and optimal interaction patterns, with demonstrated experience designing effective prompts for enterprise applications. Prompt Engineering Skills:
Advanced proficiency in crafting, testing, and refining prompts that produce consistent, accurate, and appropriate AI outputs across diverse use cases and user types. Natural Language Processing:
Strong understanding of NLP concepts and techniques, including context management, semantic analysis, entity recognition, and conversational design. Systematic Testing:
Experience designing comprehensive test cases and evaluation frameworks to assess prompt effectiveness, identify edge cases, and ensure consistent AI system performance. Domain Adaptation:
Ability to adapt general AI models to specific domains through effective prompt strategies, content framing, and domain-specific terminology integration. Technical Understanding:
Sufficient technical knowledge to collaborate effectively with AI engineers and operations specialists on prompt implementation, optimization, and troubleshooting. Analytical Skills:
Strong analytical capabilities to evaluate prompt performance data, identify patterns in AI responses, and implement data-driven improvements to interaction designs. Creative Problem-Solving:
Creativity in developing novel prompt approaches to overcome model limitations and address complex use cases not easily handled by standard methods. Content Design:
Experience creating clear, structured content frameworks that guide AI systems to produce well-organized, user-friendly outputs in appropriate formats. User Experience Focus:
Strong user-centric mindset with the ability to design AI interactions that feel natural, helpful, and aligned with user expectations and needs. Documentation Skills:
Excellence in documenting prompt strategies, design patterns, and guidelines to ensure consistency across the organization and enable knowledge transfer. Cross-functional Collaboration:
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including technical teams, subject matter experts, and end-users to gather requirements and refine AI interactions. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES Prompt Design and Optimization Design, develop, and continuously optimize prompts for university AI systems across service desk automation, administrative assistance, and other applications. Create prompt strategies that produce accurate, consistent, and contextually appropriate AI outputs aligned with business requirements and user expectations. Testing and Quality Assurance Develop and implement comprehensive testing frameworks to evaluate prompt effectiveness across diverse scenarios and edge cases. Systematically test AI responses to ensure accuracy, safety, appropriateness, and alignment with university policies and standards. Identify and address prompt vulnerabilities and failure modes. Domain-Specific Adaptation Collaborate with subject matter experts to adapt AI interactions for specific university domains, including IT support, administrative processes, and academic contexts. Incorporate domain-specific terminology, workflows, and knowledge into prompt designs to enhance relevance and effectiveness. Performance Analysis and Improvement Analyze AI system outputs and user feedback to identify patterns, issues, and opportunities for improvement. Implement data-driven refinements to prompts based on performance metrics and real-world usage patterns. Monitor for and address model drift or inconsistencies in AI responses over time. Documentation and Knowledge Sharing Create and maintain comprehensive documentation of prompt design patterns, strategies, and best practices. Develop prompt libraries, templates, and guidelines to ensure organization-wide consistency. Share insights with technical teams and stakeholders to advance prompt engineering capabilities. Position Type Information Technology
Additional Information Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education, and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern offers a comprehensive benefits package for benefit-eligible employees, including medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, and retirement plans. More information can be found at
https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ . All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
111S Expected Hiring Range:
$86,490.00 - $122,163.75 Starting salary depends on education, experience, location, knowledge, skills, and other factors. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change. About Us
Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach integrates real-world experience with education, research, and innovation to empower our community and partners to create impact worldwide. With 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, over 300,000 alumni, and 3,000 partners, our system provides unique opportunities to think globally and act locally. Our campuses are located in Boston, London, Oakland, Burlington, Nahant, Arlington, Charlotte, Miami, Portland, Seattle, Silicon Valley, Toronto, and Vancouver. Our programs lead to degrees across 10 colleges and schools, emphasizing data, technology, and human literacies to prepare students for future careers and fulfilling lives. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, addresses global challenges with solutions-oriented research involving faculty and students across disciplines and sectors.
#J-18808-Ljbffr