Description

The Innovation Engineer role focuses on rapid experimentation, prototype development, and applying emerging technologies such as generative AI. This position works directly with the Innovation Technology Principal to design, build, and test software prototypes that evaluate new ideas and technologies.

This is not a traditional product engineering role. The Innovation team focuses on exploring ideas quickly, validating technical feasibility, and learning fast. Prototypes created by the team are intended to test concepts and gather feedback, not to serve as production systems. When a concept proves valuable, it transitions to product and engineering teams for full development.

Candidates who enjoy turning rough ideas into working software within days tend to do well in this role. The ideal candidate is comfortable starting from a blank page, learning new technologies quickly, and translating loosely defined ideas into useful software.

This role provides significant autonomy to experiment with technologies and approaches when exploring new ideas.

This position is based in Frisco, Texas and follows a hybrid work schedule.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Develop functional software prototypes from early concepts or loosely defined problem statements
Collaborate closely with the Innovation Technology Principal on prototype design and architecture
Build working applications end-to-end, including API, data layer, and user interface
Iterate rapidly on prototypes based on stakeholder feedback
Integrate generative AI technologies into experimental software solutions
Evaluate emerging AI technologies and assess potential applications for HITRUST programs and tools
Run pilot programs with prototype solutions to collect user feedback
Conduct technical experiments and proof-of-concept implementations
Document prototype architecture, findings, and technical learnings
Collaborate with product and engineering teams when prototypes move toward production development
Travel may be required for internal meetings, innovation workshops, or collaboration with partners and stakeholders.

How this role works:

This role sits at the intersection of engineering, product exploration, and applied AI experimentation. Engineers in this role typically:

build experimental prototypes
test ideas through rapid iteration
explore emerging technologies
collaborate with product and engineering teams during early concept development

The work often starts with an open question rather than a detailed specification. The right candidate is comfortable making practical decisions, narrowing options quickly, and building just enough to learn what matters.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Informatics, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience
Professional experience developing software applications
Experience with at least one modern programming language, such as Python, TypeScript, JavaScript, C#, or similar
Experience building working applications end-to-end, including API, data layer, and user interface
Experience rapidly building prototypes or experimental systems to test new ideas
Ability to translate loosely defined ideas into functional technical solutions
Strong understanding of software development and architecture fundamentals

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience developing solutions using generative AI or large language models
Familiarity with LLM APIs, retrieval systems, vector databases, or agent frameworks
Experience building modern web applications or API-driven services
Experience evaluating emerging technologies through hands-on experimentation
Exposure to cybersecurity, risk management, compliance, or assurance-related workflows

About Us:

HITRUST is an information protection standards organization and certifying body that enables organizations to demonstrate that they are taking the most proactive approach to cybersecurity, data protection, and risk mitigation.

Thousands of organizations across industries safeguard their sensitive information using the HITRUST framework, assurance program, and assessment tool to meet their information protection needs.

HITRUST is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, region, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

HITRUST

Open Positions (1)

Engineering

Innovation Engineer - AI & Prototyping