Innovation Engineer - AI & Prototyping

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.