Build responsible AI into local journalism: Full-stack role at The Texas Tribune
The Texas Tribune is hiring a resourceful full stack engineer to ship ethical, production-grade AI features that amplify - not replace - local journalism. This role sits in the Product Department, reports to the Technical Delivery Manager, and supports the Tribune and new brands like The Waco Bridge and Austin Current. Salary starts at $100,000, depending on qualifications.
If you like turning prototypes into reliable tools that make content more accessible, workflows faster, and decisions clearer, this is your lane.
What you'll build
- Audience- and newsroom-facing AI features inside publication platforms (primarily WordPress) that serve real newsroom needs while protecting privacy.
- Personalization, accessibility improvements, and workflow optimizations that move from prototype to production with clear success criteria.
- Integrations with off-the-shelf and custom AI/ML services - content tagging, chatbots, recommendations - built for performance, maintainability, and responsible use.
- Systems and documentation that raise organization-wide AI literacy through training, workshops, and clear communication.
- Ongoing monitoring, support, updates, and responsible sunsetting plans for AI-driven features post-launch.
- Research and reporting on new AI/ML opportunities and risks in media, with actionable recommendations for the product roadmap.
This is a product role, not a research lab position. You'll partner daily with product managers, designers, data, and editorial peers to ship features that matter.
Example initiative
Develop and manage a network of MCP servers that connect the Tribune's structured data - such as the Schools Explorer or election API - to power deeper content personalization across Tribune brands. It's one representative project; the exact focus will adapt to newsroom priorities and strategy.
How you'll work
- Build within WordPress and the Tribune's core stack, with a bias for reliability and maintainable code.
- Align with strong standards for transparency, privacy, data protection, and ethical use; proactively address real-world risks.
- Ship iteratively. Scope, test, learn, and refine with stakeholders in short cycles.
- Contribute to platform goals - not just isolated AI experiments - by embedding AI responsibly into existing and new products.
If responsible AI is your default, you'll fit right in. For reference, frameworks like the NIST AI Risk Management Framework align well with this approach.
About you
- Early-career to mid-level experience across front-end and back-end web development.
- Hands-on implementation of AI/ML features using Python, JavaScript, or relevant APIs; WordPress plugin or integration experience is a plus.
- Familiarity with privacy, data security, and accessibility best practices.
- Comfort working with journalists and content teams; you care about usable internal tools.
- Experience with or interest in cloud infrastructure for AI and data workflows.
- Scrappy, curious, and pragmatic - you can test fast, learn fast, and ship responsibly.
Don't meet every requirement? Strong candidates come from many paths. If this work speaks to you, apply.
The opportunity
This role is leveraged and impact-focused. In 2026, you'll participate in funded cohorts exploring applied AI in journalism, creating reusable systems that can scale across brands.
Location and salary
U.S.-based; remote flexibility. Preference for candidates who understand Texans and local news needs. Salary starts at $100,000, commensurate with experience.
Benefits
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance
- Monthly cellphone stipend
- 20 days of PTO plus 12 paid holidays
- Up to 16 weeks paid family leave + four weeks additional job protection
- Annual 401(k) match
- Support for professional training and career development
- Remote working flexibility
How to apply
Submit your application by Feb. 8. Be ready to upload:
- Your resume
- A cover letter describing why you want to work at The Texas Tribune and examples of engineering work that made information more accessible or workflows more efficient
- A brief on an AI-powered tool you built: the problem, your role, and what you learned
Why The Texas Tribune
The Tribune is nonprofit and nonpartisan, built to fund and protect serious local journalism. The culture balances ambition with focus: ship what matters, question assumptions, and call B.S. when it's warranted. The goal is simple - make high-quality news more reachable, more useful, and more sustainable for Texans.
For product teams sharpening AI skills
If you want structured ways to upskill on applied AI for product work, browse role-based learning paths at Complete AI Training.
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