Technologist in Residence, Array

About Array Education

Array Education is an innovation studio dedicated to driving the next generation of teaching and learning solutions. With over three decades of launching some of the nation’s most impactful schools and instructional programs, we are building a sandbox for entrepreneurs, educators, and technologists to:

• Test and refine cutting-edge ideas.
• Incubate new ventures.
• Build collaborative teams.
• Scale promising education technologies for maximum impact.

We engage with learners from early literacy through early career and focus intently on solving six urgent challenges facing education today—from ensuring every student learns to read by 3rd grade, to leveraging AI and data systems that diagnose learning needs in real time.

Our work spans:

• Launching and housing innovative nonprofits (e.g., Lit, Teach Like a Champion, nXu, In Tandem, Prelude, Cooperman College Scholars).
• Board membership and advisory roles for mission-driven organizations (e.g., Zearn, Relay, KIPP).
• An AI Sandbox where we build, design, and collaborate on next-gen edtech solutions.
• Investing R&D funds (Array Education Ventures) in early-stage, for-profit companies developing breakthrough education technologies.

Why This Role Matters

At Array, we believe educators should not merely “receive” the future of edtech; they should create it. Our Technologist in Residence (TiR) will be central to that mission, helping us rapidly prototype AI-powered tools, test emerging platforms, and extend our reach across pre-K, K-12, and early-career settings. Working closely with our AI Sandbox team and alongside teachers, startup founders, and strategic partners, you will bridge visionary insight with tangible proof-of-concepts that can transform learner outcomes at scale.

What You’ll Do

1. Rapid Prototyping & Product Development

• Design & Build: Lead the creation of interactive demos—like games, simulations, or AI-based tutoring tools—using off-the-shelf tech and custom integrations.
• Iterate Quickly: Move from concept to functional prototype within short development cycles, enabling immediate feedback and real-world classroom tests.
• Push the Boundaries: Integrate advanced AI (e.g., large language models, data analytics dashboards) to showcase new possibilities for personalized instruction, formative assessment, and more.

2. Vanguard Exploration & Strategic Insight

• Scan the Horizon: Identify and experiment with emerging technologies relevant to early literacy, advanced STEM, career exploration, and teacher training.
• Map Feasibility: Offer guidance on near-term viability versus long-term potential, shaping Array’s R&D focus and resource allocation.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Present prototypes and findings to both internal teams and external partners—helping them see how AI can tackle challenges like reading fluency, teacher workload, and skill-based career paths.

3. Secondary Support

• Technical Diligence: Evaluate vendor solutions, data governance approaches, and security practices for prospective partnerships or portfolio investments.
• Mentorship & Collaboration: Share development best practices, guide educators in using AI-driven tools, and build a culture of innovation and responsible data use across Array and its partner organizations.

What We’re Looking For

Must-Have Skills & Experience

• AI-Native Product Development: Hands-on engineering background, ideally in edtech, with a proven ability to integrate AI/ML models into user-facing applications.
• Rapid Prototyping Mindset: Comfort stitching together tools (e.g., machine learning libraries, game engines, open-source frameworks) in short sprints.
• Strategic Foresight: Demonstrated success evaluating emerging technologies, articulating how they can address critical educational gaps (e.g., reading instruction, teacher support, career readiness).
• Cross-Functional Communication: Ability to translate complex concepts for stakeholders ranging from classroom teachers to senior leadership and external vendors.

Nice-to-Have Skills & Experience

• Exposure to K-12 or Higher Ed: Familiarity with data privacy regulations (FERPA, COPPA), accreditation standards, or teacher training pathways.
• Startup or Innovation Lab Background: Experience working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with quick iteration cycles.
• Product Management Know-How: Skill balancing user needs with technical feasibility, plus a knack for turning prototypes into scalable solutions.

Why Join Array Education?

• Broad Scope, Big Impact: Our portfolio spans early literacy through early career—you’ll have the opportunity to shape tools that could help learners at every stage.
• Creative Freedom: A true sandbox environment, where you can explore, fail fast, and iterate to uncover the most promising solutions.
• Collaborative Network: Work alongside top-tier education nonprofits (Zearn, nXu, KIPP) and mission-driven startups (Bloom, Prisms, Coursemojo) to refine AI-driven solutions.
• Mission-Focused Culture: Every experiment, investment, or partnership is aimed at addressing urgent educational challenges, from reading instruction to workforce readiness.
• Professional Growth: Expand your leadership and mentorship repertoire as you guide our internal teams and external partners through emerging tech landscapes.

Hours/Location

• This is a remote and part-time independent contractor role with potential for full-time employment

How to Apply

If you’re excited about designing the future of AI in education—from pre-K phonics to college and career pathways—we’d love to hear from you. Please complete the application below. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Array Education is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. We look forward to learning more about how your expertise can help us solve education’s most pressing challenges.