Senior Software Developer 2, Artificial Intelligence

D2L is a cloud company that is modernizing education and building the Future of Work. The old models of teaching and learning are in the midst of the largest transformation in history, and D2L is at the heart of that fundamental shift. 

New models of teaching and learning enable a personalized, student-centric experience – and deliver improved retention, engagement, satisfaction, and results for learners of all ages – in schools, campuses, and companies.

D2L is disrupting the way the world learns, by providing the next generation learning environment and solutions to engage and inspire learners. And most importantly, by giving customers a platform that is easy, flexible, and smart. No other company provides a solution as robust and innovative as D2L.

D2L has had a singular mission for 25 years and is dedicated to that same mission in the years ahead: to transform the way the world learns – and by doing so, we will help improve human potential globally.

A member of our Talent Acquisition team reviews ALL of our applications - yes a real person reviews resumes! They are excited to read more about what amazing things you could add to D2L. 

How will I make an Impact? 

We are looking for a seasoned Software Developer who is passionate about developing software using engineering best practices.  Senior software developers use past experiences & know-how to enable teams to be more productive & effective through the code they write, the decisions they make and knowledge they share.  Your ideas and perspectives are essential to making sure we are investing in the right technology and effectively advancing our goal.

Working on the D2L Labs team, you will lead the development and incubation of new products and features, integrate cutting-edge techniques and tools into our already advanced development processes, conduct ongoing AI research to further enhance our understanding and capabilities, and contribute to AI thought leadership through engagement with strategic clients. Your efforts will build on our strong foundation of innovation, helping the organization leverage AI opportunities while exploring its limits and understanding associated challenges. You will foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation, ensuring we remain agile and responsive to the ever-evolving technological landscape.

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Strong communication skills for technical discussions and collaboration, including the ability to articulate complex AI concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge and experience built on a body of work demonstrating a consistent ability to complete technically challenging projects, particularly those involving AI and machine learning.
• Hands-on experience in building applications delivering real value to users with large language models (e.g., GPT, Claude, Llama) and/or AI agents, including their integration into enterprise software platforms.
• An alignment to AI ethics and AI practices to ensure the things you build will not only deliver value to users but not do so at the expense of others.
• Strong collaboration skills that will allow you to work with product management, product design, and key stakeholders to deliver meaningful and aligned results.
• Deep understanding of Computer Science topics including data structures, algorithms, databases, distributed systems, and machine learning.
• Experience with object-oriented design and proficient coding skills
• Experience with common full-stack languages, such as NodeJS, JavaScript, Typescript, and Python, and common frontend frameworks, such as React, Angular, and Vue.
• Familiarity with vibe coding, with experience in creating intuitive and responsive user interfaces.
• Knowledge of software development methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum) and best practices for AI model deployment and maintenance.

Expected Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical discipline; advanced degrees are beneficial but not mandatory.
• Proven experience in applying strong problem-solving skills to tackle complex technical challenges and devising innovative solutions.
• 8+ years of experience in software development, especially in developing highly scalable, cloud-based platforms or applications.
• 5+ years of experience with cloud platforms and their associated best practices (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and DevOps practices.
• Experience with AI ethics and responsible AI practices and an understanding of the ethical considerations and best practices in AI development and deployment.
• Proficiency in setting up and maintaining continuous integration and continuous deployment pipelines to increase delivery quality and velocity.
• Experience with security principles and practices in software development, particularly in the context of AI and cloud-based applications.
• Demonstrated experience in working with large language models (e.g., GPT, Claude, Llama) and applying advanced prompt engineering techniques to optimize model performance and outputs. This includes crafting effective prompts (including the use of techniques like chain of thought and retrieval augmented generation), fine-tuning models, and integrating LLMs into enterprise applications to deliver impactful solutions.
• Understanding of agent-based systems, including multi-agent systems and AI agents. This includes knowledge of agent architectures, communication protocols, and the ability to conceptualize and implement agents that can autonomously perform tasks and interact with other agents.
• Ability to lead and mentor junior developers, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated experience with working with an agile team, leveraging appropriate tools to facilitate communication and collaboration (Git, Jira, Slack, etc.)
• Familiarity with data preprocessing, ETL processes, and data pipeline management is beneficial but not a requirement.
• Familiarity with the unique challenges and opportunities in the education technology sector, whether in K-12, higher education, or corporate training environments, is beneficial but not a requirement.

D2L Leadership Competencies

• Leads by Example with personal and professional integrity, high accountability and say/do ratio.
• Boundaryless collaboration and influence skills both within team, peer group and broader organization. Effective communicator with a proven track record of.
• Delivers Awesome Outcomes: Strategic mindset and business acumen, with strong prioritization skills and a focus on organizational outcomes vs. team tasks. Effective problem solver, able to achieve results individually and through others, in fast paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Talent Magnet: Talent-focused leader, with demonstrated ability to coach, build and lead a high performing, diverse team.
• Better, Smarter, Faster: An agile learner, with a growth mindset, attention to detail and organizational skills. An operationally minded leader, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
• Wins Hearts and Minds: An effective communicator, with the ability to connect the why and the what. A change agent, with proven delegation, motivation, and team building skills.

The expected base salary range for a new hire in this role is listed below. The annualized base salary offered is determined by each candidate’s relevant knowledge, skills, education, training and experience. It is aligned to ensure both internal and external competitiveness using market data for the geographic location and industry. As part of the total compensation at D2L the role may be eligible for additional benefits including a Wellness Subsidy, Equity Grants, Variable Incentive, and more.

Don’t meet every single requirement? We strongly encourage you to still apply! At D2L, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We encourage your application even if you don't believe you meet every single qualification outlined, because we love to help our people grow and develop!

Why we're awesome:

At D2L, we are dedicated to providing you with the tools to do the best work of your life. While some of our perks and benefits may vary depending on location or employment type, we are proud to provide employees with the following through #LifeAtD2L:

• Impactful work transforming the way the world learns
• Flexible work arrangements
• Learning and Growth opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $4,000 CAD for continuing education through our Catch the Wave Program
• 2 Paid Days off for Catch the Wave related activities like exams or final assignments
• Employee wellbeing (Access to mental health services, EFAP program, financial planning and more)
• Retirement planning
• 2 Paid Volunteer Days
• Competitive Benefits Package
• Home Internet Reimbursements
• Employee Referral Program
• Wellness Reimbursement
• Employee Recognition
• Social Events
• Dog Friendly Offices at our HQ in Kitchener, Winnipeg, Vancouver and Melbourne.